NORMALLY it is Violetta who is overcome by her fatal consumption at the end of Traviata. Unfortunately an overdose of atmospheric smoke reduced much of the audience to coughing fits while Violetta warbled her way to an early grave.
This one-off mishap, however, does show the problem with most productions of the opera; stopping the story sliding into pathos and making it vaguely believable.
David McVicar’s production of La Traviata is generally a crowd-pleaser with its exuberance of flowing drapes, costumes and fin de siècle period nick nacks. The gloomy lighting, predominantly black costumes and fabrics do convey both the exuberance and elegance of this hypocritical moralising yet whoring society.
There is nothing radical in the show. But there is similarly no gimmickry to get in the way of telling the tale and allowing the singers to ply their art.
McVicar has dramatic flair in his use of the chorus and smaller roles, bringing in professional dancers, working efficiently with his designer Tanya McCallin to create interesting vistas and tableaux.
But what really made this revival worthwhile was, ironically, tenor Leonardo Capalbo. Ironically, because the Italian-American had only been flown in from New York when the scheduled singer had “for personal reasons” withdrawn.
Soprano Joyce El-Khoury was an enjoyable, generally secure Violetta. Despite at times a disappearing top register, she is vocally more satisfying than dramatically as the self-sacrificing courtesan.
But it was Capalbo’s splendid Alfredo that proved the evening’s delight. With a minimum of rehearsal he was the delightful, young and passionate lover. He has the voice and also the looks for this production but, more importantly, is an actor-singer of great flair and appeal.
Jason Howard as Germont plays the voice of the bourgeoisie who recognises the sexist hypocrisy of society but hasn’t the guts to stand up to it. He sings and acts the role with conviction and gravitas.
Further performances: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, February 18, 29, March 2; Venue Cymru, Llandudno, March 13, 16; Grand Theatre, Swansea, April 20.
4 out of 5
