Vanguard

Issue date: 10/29/07 Section: Fine Arts

Mobile Opera produced Giuseppe Verdi's "La Traviata," translated "The Fallen One," for the first part of their 2007-2008 season under the baton of Maestro Jerome Shannon and direction of Joe Bascetta. Based on the novel "La dame aux Camélias" by Alexandre Dumas, "Traviata" tells the story of Violetta Valrey, a courtesan and her lover Alfredo Germont in its dramatic three acts.
The story begins with Violetta meeting Alfredo at a party and the two falling in love. When Alfredo leaves, we realize Violetta is holding a secret, and only the doctor knows that she has tuberculosis as the scene ends. In the next scene, we see Violetta, who has denounced her former life of a courtesan, and Alfredo living happily in the country. Their lives are shaken when Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, comes to Violetta and forces her to leave Alfredo for the honor of the family. When Alfredo realizes that she has left, though he doesn't know about his father's involvement, he chases after her and goes to a party at their mutual friend Flora's house.
Act 2 begins at the party and, of course, conflict ensues when both Alfredo and Violetta see each other. After a scene of money throwing, that seems to remind many people of the scene from "Moulin Rouge," Alfredo leaves and the curtain falls as Violetta collapses.
Act 3 moves back to Violetta's bedroom and sees Violetta on her deathbed. In the waning hours of her life, Alfredo comes back to see her. She dies in his arms as the curtain falls for the last time.
Soprano Jane Redding debuted with Mobile Opera in the title role of Violetta. Her characterization and vocal prowess were evident from beginning to end, which was amazing considering this was the first time she had ever sang the role. Especially notable was her aria in the first scene, "Sempre Libra," which she sang magnificently. Any soprano will tell you this aria gives even the best of the best problems.
Making his debut with Mobile Opera as well was tenor Chad A. Johnson who played Alfredo. This young tenor from Muskegon, Mich., gave a dramatic interpretation of Alfredo, and his pure voice also showed emotional connection to the plight of the character.
The final lead character, Giorgio Germont, was portrayed by baritone Timothy Jones, who was seen last season in "Porgy and Bess" with the Mobile Opera. His voice carries a deep, rich tone that was particularly evident in his aria "Di Provenza il mar il suol."
Most of the rest of the cast came from the Mobile area, and the University had a strong showing with 10 students and two faculty members in chorus and principal roles. Ms. Joyce Sylvester, adjunct professor of voice, played the role of Annina, and Dr. Thomas Rowell, vocal area head, played the role of Gastone. Student notables were Lee Smith, music business and vocal performance major, in the role of Giuseppe and Andre Chiang, vocal performance major, in the role of Dr. Grenvil.
The set was also of the highest quality. The major set piece was a gigantic mirror that stayed in the backdrop the entire show, showing the deterioration of Violetta as the disease consumed her. This show proved that small opera companies can still produce high quality shows and offer a very unique opportunity for students and members of the community to create art.

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