2008 Woodie Awards
Review: 'Il Trovatore' a dramatic production
Susan Pruitt
Staff Writer
Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: Fine Arts
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Love, gypsies, nuns and an execution. Could you ask for a better night at the opera? This was the scene during the long-awaited return of Mobile Opera's production of Verdi's "Il Trovatore" Saturday night at the Mobile Civic Center. The theater was filled with men and women eager to see this world-renowned opera.
As the curtain opened, the crowd encountered a group of soldiers with their captain, Ferrando (Ashraf Sewailam). These soldiers soon turn into little kids at story time when Ferrando begins to retell the story of the gypsy who sought vengeance upon the Old Count Di Luna (Ken Weber). The audience was enthralled as if they were sitting outside that guardroom listening to the story themselves.
As Lady Leonora (Bridget Bazile) enters the stage, the love she has for Manrico (Drew Slatton) is apparent on her face and her angelic voice captivates the audience. Her maid expresses her concern; however, it is hard to determine whether she is truly concerned or simply resentful. Although her maid's opinion seems to contradict her own, Leonora remains true to her love.
Count Di Luna appears on stage and seems to be in a state of confusion. There is a voice singing in the background that troubles him very much; it was hard to tell whether it was inside or real. The Count hides when Leonora enters again, and he watches her face light up at the sound of Manrico's voice. The Leonora's two lovers face each other and quarrel; however, they can't seem to decide whether to fight or to sing. This comical display proved to be a wonderful way to keep the attention of the audience.
Act 2 takes place in a gypsy camp with the men and women sitting around working and drinking beer. This scene was really entertaining and lively. Azucena (Jessie Raven), the gypsy women responsible for the supposed death of Count Di Luna's brother, enters the scene. It looks like the audience is about to witness another story time between the gypsy women and the rest of the camp, but instead they all leave, and she is left alone to reveal the story to her son, Manrico. It is apparent on her face and through her actions that she is haunted by her memories and thus seems to forget where she is. After she unintentionally reveals the truth of who Manrico is, he is devastated and exhibits an extreme sense of betrayal. The performers did an incredible job of portraying the tension and emotion in this scene.
As the curtain opened, the crowd encountered a group of soldiers with their captain, Ferrando (Ashraf Sewailam). These soldiers soon turn into little kids at story time when Ferrando begins to retell the story of the gypsy who sought vengeance upon the Old Count Di Luna (Ken Weber). The audience was enthralled as if they were sitting outside that guardroom listening to the story themselves.
As Lady Leonora (Bridget Bazile) enters the stage, the love she has for Manrico (Drew Slatton) is apparent on her face and her angelic voice captivates the audience. Her maid expresses her concern; however, it is hard to determine whether she is truly concerned or simply resentful. Although her maid's opinion seems to contradict her own, Leonora remains true to her love.
Count Di Luna appears on stage and seems to be in a state of confusion. There is a voice singing in the background that troubles him very much; it was hard to tell whether it was inside or real. The Count hides when Leonora enters again, and he watches her face light up at the sound of Manrico's voice. The Leonora's two lovers face each other and quarrel; however, they can't seem to decide whether to fight or to sing. This comical display proved to be a wonderful way to keep the attention of the audience.
Act 2 takes place in a gypsy camp with the men and women sitting around working and drinking beer. This scene was really entertaining and lively. Azucena (Jessie Raven), the gypsy women responsible for the supposed death of Count Di Luna's brother, enters the scene. It looks like the audience is about to witness another story time between the gypsy women and the rest of the camp, but instead they all leave, and she is left alone to reveal the story to her son, Manrico. It is apparent on her face and through her actions that she is haunted by her memories and thus seems to forget where she is. After she unintentionally reveals the truth of who Manrico is, he is devastated and exhibits an extreme sense of betrayal. The performers did an incredible job of portraying the tension and emotion in this scene.
Be the first to comment on this story