North central Ohio’s own opera company staged Il Tabarro over the last two weekends, and 1812Blockhouse was there on Sunday to experience the sights and sounds of Italian opera in our own backyard.
The results were very much worth the visit to Founders Auditorium on the campus of The Ohio State University at Mansfield. The work by composer Giacomo Puccini is a one act tragedy set on a Seine River barge in the middle of Paris. A surprising amount of action is contained within its 50 minute length, culminating in a murderous act of jealous rage.
The cast was strong, with the four leads, Andrew Potter as Michele; Claire DeVizio as Giorgetta; Joel Vega as Luigi; and Megan Potter as La Frugola engaging in captivating solo and ensemble performances. Highlights included the duet “Il fiammifero acceso” with Luigi and Giorgetta, and a powerful solo aria, “Scorri, fiume eterno!,” by Michele shortly before the opera’s most tragic scene. The remainder of the cast was in fine form as well.
The music accompaniment on the company’s new Steinway piano was performed by Sophia Pavleno Chandley, and the entire opera was conducted by Paul Chandley. Supertitles above the stage provided an ongoing English translation of the libretto.
Mid-Ohio Opera’s community chorus will start rehearsals next month for a tour of Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera. No experience is needed, just a love of singing. If interested, contact them at [email protected] or at 567.241.2885.
