production of Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca” relies on neither radical reinterpretation nor edgy staging but still represents a bold move of sorts: It’s the same production the company mounted just eight years ago.
Judging from Friday’s opener at Keller Auditorium, it turns out to be a smart move as well. With a period look and a focus on the simple virtues of solid music-making and storytelling, it’s a tight, compelling presentation of an enduring favorite.
“Tosca”
When
: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday
Where
: Keller Auditorium, 222 S.W. Clay St.
Tickets
: $25-$149,
, 800-982-2787 or Portland Opera Box Office, 211 S.E. Caruthers St., 503-241-1802
In the title role,
was vocally bright and secure throughout but took a while to warm up dramatically; her chemistry with
Cavaradossi was unconvincing in the first act, but by the time she made her fateful choice of cutlery in the second, she’d hit her stride. Honeywell too took time to open, his small voice straining early on, but he rang impressively alongside Thomson in the last act.
’s Scarpia was appropriately villainous but both overacted and under- sung. His arch gestures and postures radiated a bad-guy vibe, but he was frequently overwhelmed by the orchestra, which under the commanding direction of
sounded exceptionally robust.
--
, Special to the Oregonian