The Marriage of Figaro
Central City Opera: June
28 – July 22
L-R: Edward Parks, Michael Sumuel, Anna Christy and Sinead Mulhern
Central City Opera’s production of
Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” is an embarrassment of riches.
Sometimes one has to search for the one or
two outstanding vocalists in an opera that’s as vocally daunting and demanding
as this one. However…the production now on stage at Central City Opera is the
exception to this rule. The artists portraying Susanna, Figaro, the Count and
Countess, Cherubino and Don Bartolo are all exceptional both vocally and in the
acting.
Michael Sumuel’s CCO debut as Figaro
gives assurance that he is truly a star on the rise.
Anna Christy
After hearing Anna Christy’s Emily in last
season’s “Our Town” one knows how incredible this artist’s soprano will be.
Christy is a magnificent Susanna. Likewise Sinead Mulhern’s vocals as the
Governess in CCO’s “The Turn of the Screw” assured us that her mezzo would stun in her portrayal of the
Countess. And it does.
Tamara Gura’s CCO debut in the trouser
role of Cherubino did not disappoint either. This artist is blessed with a
great set of pipes and her playful acting of the role is endearing.
Edward Parks’ baritone makes his singing
in the role of the Count truly memorable.
Michael Sumuel(Figaro) and Anna Christy(Susanna)
Thomas Hammons’ (Don Bartolo) rich bass-baritone
stuns.
Besides having an outstanding cast of
singers there is also that scrumptious Central City Opera orchestra! The baton
of conductor Adrian Kelly kept the musicians in the pit and the singers onstage
in perfect sync all evening. Mozart’s score has never sounded better!
The costumes(Susan Kulkarni) and scenic
design(Madeleine Boyd) depicting Spain in the 1920s are spot on.
My one
criticism is that one has to wait longer than one might wish between some scene
changes. Small criticism for an otherwise spectacular evening at the opera.
For tickets call
303-292-6700 or go online at CentralCityOpera.org
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