MADAMA BUTTERFLY, Austad Auditorium, Val A. Browning Center, Weber State University, March 5; additional performances 7:30 p.m. March 6 and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. March 7, tickets at 801-626-8500 or www.weberstatetickets.com
Puccini’s perennially popular opera Madama Butterfly makes its first appearance at Weber State University this weekend. For this production, Karen Bruestle, who directs the opera program at WSU, has assembled a strong cast of singers with impressive vocal and acting chops.
The opera centers around Cio-Cio San, the Butterfly of the title, a young geisha who has fallen in love with the handsome young American navy lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton and has a child by him. But for Pinkerton his dalliance with the beautiful woman is just that and nothing more. Only tragedy and sorrow can come of this, and in the end Cio-Cio San gives up her son to Pinkerton and his American wife and commits suicide.
This production has a powerful and utterly convincing Cio-Cio San in soprano Sarah Singer. At Thursday’s opening night performance she brought feeling and finely modulated expressions to her portrayal. Her voice has a seamless fluidity that is gorgeously lyrical and remarkably dramatic. She transitioned well between passages of soft tenderness and full-blown anguish. One of the highlights Thursday was her eloquently crafted account of the opera’s signature aria “Un bel di.” She is a young talent with lots of potential.
The same is also true for tenor Caleb Jardine as Pinkerton and baritone Derek Myler as Sharpless. Both brought credibility to their roles.
Jardine has a smooth creamy voice that conveys expressions and feelings compellingly. He is Cio-Cio San’s perfect partner and their extended love duet in Act I was filled with passion and sensitivity.
Myler’s rich and resonant baritone allowed for finely molded phrasings and carefully wrought expressions. He, too, brought depth and clearly defined definition to his characterization.
Soprano Heidi Robinson sang Suzuki with warmth and feeling and her anguish at Cio-Cio San’s desperate situation in the final act was palpable.
As Goro, the marriage broker, tenor Dugan Brunker displayed great acting as well as finely modulated singing. He was a delight to watch.
The small geisha chorus in Act I was wonderful as were the numerous singers in small roles. They all made an impact to the success of this production.
And Alexander Day was absolutely adorable as Doloré, Cio-Cio San and PInkerton’s child.
Bruestle’s stage direction was spot on. The action was well paced and moved the story along without letting any moment lag, not even in the lengthy pauses in the final act as Cio-Cio San waits for Pinkterton’s return.
The Weber State Symphony played well and conductor Francisco de Gálvez brought balance between the orchestra and the singers.
With its fabulous singing and magnificent constumes and scenery, this is a production that is certainly worth the drive to Ogden to see.
(Note: In the Saturday matinee performance understudy Shannon Jones will sing the role of Cio-Cio San.)