DON GIOVANNI (Summer Tour)

Can I just start by saying a big thank you for inviting us to see this performance of Don Giovanni, we’ve not seen many operas, so it was a pleasure for us to watch this one.  Also thank you to Fiona for being so welcoming and a pleasure to talk to giving us some insight into the production and information about one of the performers illness which is written about below.

During the overture we met some of the characters helping to set the scene before being introduced to Don Giovanni and his servant Leporello - both with great baritone voices.  Initially I felt that there wasn’t that much depth to Don Giovanni but as the performance progressed he showed his menace through his songs.  The comedic timing between these two characters was exceptional. Leporello’s patter during the opening song was wonderful and I couldn’t take my eyes off him, such a vibrant juxtaposition to Don Giovanni.

The Commendatore only appeared for a brief moment before being killed by Don Giovanni.  Surely this wasn’t going to be his only appearance but not, he was to appear towards the end of Act 2 and it’s then that we got to fully hear his rich bass voice.  Without giving too much away, he was truly spooky in his role towards the end of the opera

Donna Anna, daughter of The Commendatore had a delightful soprano voice, which such clear diction.  She was very convincing in wanting to get revenge for her father’s death by any means, and encouraging her fiancé Don Ottavio to carry this out.  He had a strong tenor voice but initially seemed awkward on stage (which may have been an acting choice), although settled better in to the role in Act 2.

Donna Elvira is a former conquest of Don Giovanni’s.  On this occasion the role was beautifully sung in the wings due to the performers illness, whilst still acted by the original actor (miming to the singing – not easy to do but done very well).  She was a very strong character, scorned by her former lover, but occasionally we did lose the singing voice during some of the trios and quartets.

Finally we meet the recently betrothed couple Zerlina & Masetto who Don Giovanni tries to split up by flirting with the young bride.  Again two excellent young singers who acted very well. And added a more relatable effect to the younger audience members.

The direction by Harvey Evans was thought-through and purposeful, with a modern day setting which truly worked as the opera was sung in English.  The musical direction by Dominic Irving was outstanding, and the fact that there was only him on keyboard made it extra special.  He was aiming for the setting to be as a cocktail pianist, and this certainly worked.

The stage set consisted of 3 panels made to look like they were made of wood, and brown curtains – it was simple but effective and well complemented by the lighting which ensured the stage was well lit at all times.  As the show as set in a modern hotel it meant that the costumes were able to be modernised, which didn’t detract from the piece at all.

Altogether this was an enjoyable show, congratulations to all involved and for the hospitality received.  Wishing you every success for future productions.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observations made by the reviewer can only be based on what she sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that her assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

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