I have become a new fan of opera in this empty nest period and have added
the Pittsburgh Opera to my list of repeated theatrical experiences. I have learned that in most operas the bold melodies accompany dramatic
scenes and tragic endings. The Pittsburgh Opera switches it up by ending the 2018-19 season with
the Italian opera, Don Pasquale -a show that replaces
a tragic ending with a party.
Reflection
Don
Pasquale is a fanciful story about a wealthy elderly bachelor
whose nephew, Ernesto (Javier Abreu) schemes a fake marriage between his uncle
and Ernesto’s love interest, Norina (Lisette Oropesa). This is done to teach his
headstrong uncle a lesson when Ernesto is disinherited after refusing an
arranged marriage. The plan is for Norina to drive Don Pasquale
(Kevin Glavin) so crazy with her demands that he will flee the marriage
and Ernesto and Norina can then live happily
ever after.
Gaetano Donizetti’s 1842 comedic opera
is given a face lift in the Pittsburgh Opera’s version which is set during the 1950’s in Hollywood, California. Don Pasquale is cast as a former star of the Silent
Movie era and Norina is a popular Hollywood starlet.
The Hollywood theme flows throughout the set. A floor to ceiling gray curtain
sways with such sophistication that you can hardly believe that its nothing more than a projection. Film reels frame the entire stage and Don Pasquale’s black and white silent movie clips entertain
between the scenes.
The opera opens in Don Pasquale’s mansion
which is dull and gray like the beginning
of the movie, The Wizard of Oz. After the fake marriage
ceremony, Norina’s fiery character emerges and similarly, color is slowly added to
the set until it is vivid.
This lighthearted opera is easy to follow and punches with superb vocals. In Act III, Oropesa as Norina, belts a powerful
soprano aria during her mansion
party attended by Elvis, Marilyn Monroe
and other celebrities from the 1950’s. Glavin as Don Pasquale is not only a strong
bass, but his physicality and facial animation produce frequent audience laughter especially when he bellowed
from under a pile of receipts from Norina’s spending sprees.
The happily ever after ending occurs
at the Hollywood Bowl. Don Pasquale, relieved that he is not really married
to the shrew, forgives all. Don Pasquale is beautifully sung, fun to
watch and closes out the season with a party.
(For tickets to Don Pasquale and to learn more about
the upcoming 2019-20 season go to pittsburghopera.org )