Article published November 06, 2009
Toledo Opera's 'Falstaff' a win
By SALLY VALLONGO
SPECIAL TO THE BLADE
Inviting a critic to review a dress rehearsal is something only the most confident - or most foolhardy - artistic director would consider, especially for a season opener.
Renay Conlin of the Toledo Opera is neither foolhardy nor overly confident.
But she believed so firmly in the local production of Verdi's comic opera, Falstaff, she was willing to bet the sum of typical dress-rehearsal snafus would be way less than the quality of her production.
Chalk up a win for Conlin.
There were some issues: an unplanned encounter with a piece of the set that froze the action for too many seconds; Falstaff's "wardrobe malfunction" in the final scene, some orchestral stumbles and fumbles despite Thomas Conlin's solid conducting, and a hilarious unplanned pratfall during bows.
But those are typical pre-opening night moments. The big event is at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, a rare opportunity to see Scott Bearden bring to vibrant life Sir John Falstaff in this masterpiece of Verdi's huge repertoire.Bearden makes his local debut in this production, which itself is enjoying its premiere in the TOA's 50-year history. Say "Verdi opera" and most people recall one of the dozens of monumental musical epics - Aida, Nabucco, Otello, to name a few.
Falstaff is in a league of its own, a summation of the Italian composer's lifelong compositional gift and his fascination with Shakespeare's larger-than-life character.
Bearden possesses all the qualities of a true Verdi Falstaff: a rich and flexible baritone, great comedic timing, a flexible and surprisingly nimble face and body, and an acting ability that allows him to become the character.
Supporting Bearden in the title role are some fine singers, some new, some more familiar.
Barbara Shirvis, (Alice) conveys great energy and humor as Alice Ford, a central figure in the deviousity cooked up by the "merry wives." Partners in crime include Priti Gandhi (Meg), with her deeper soprano voice, and the effervescent Margaret Larrimore (Mrs. Quickly) whose edgy mezzo voice has the power to deliver every note.
An unexpected treat was newcomer Joanna Mongiardo (Nannetta Ford), whose brilliant soprano voice, strong and supple throughout her range, delivered every line with power and grace, and whose acting was equally good.
Kudos go also to Jamin Flabiano (Bardolfo), as good a physical comedian as I've ever seen, and a fine tenor who more than amply played the goofball sidekick. Jeffrey Tucker (Pistola) brought an endearing awkwardness to his comic role but his singing was superb.
Baritone Victor Benedetti (Mr. Ford) seemed a bit stiff but his singing more than compensated. Much the same could be said for John Tiranno (Dr. Caius) and Michele Angelini (Fenton).
Toledo Opera's production of Falstaff opens at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow in the Valentine Theatre, where it will repeat at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 13 and 2 p.m. Nov. 15. Tickets are $30-$95 at toledoopera.org or 419-246-8000.
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