Mozart rocks. So when I heard that the University Opera was staging Wolfgang’s classic “Don Giovanni,” I knew it would be a must-see.
The opera tells the story of Don Giovanni, a playboy nobleman in Seville. He travels Europe conquering women but on one instance, he goes too far and the women he has betrayed set out for revenge.
Michael Roemer, a graduate student in the School of Music, plays the title role. He gracefully navigates the difficult Mozart score and Lorenzo da Ponte’s tongue-twisting libretto, all the while exuding the arrogance and cunning of the character.
With the exception of Don Giovanni and the Commendatore (Benjamin Schultz), the rest of the principal roles are double-cast.
I attended the final dress rehearsal of the Friday/Tuesday cast.
John Arnold delivered an exemplary performance as Leporello, Giovanni’s trusted servant. Arnold nailed the changing emotions of his character, ranging from sarcastic to fearful. His performance of “Madamina, il catalogo è questo”/“My lady, this is the catalog”, which describes Giovanni’s hundreds of conquests in detail, was a highlight of the show.
Lindsay Sessing, who portrays the heartbroken Donna Anna in the Friday/Tuesday performances, delivers an emotional performance in the duet “Ah, vendicar, se il puoi, giura quel sangue ognor!”/”Swear to avenge this blood!” with her on-stage partner Don Ottavio (Daniel O’Dea).
The other Friday/Thursday principals Donna Elvira, played by Shannon Prickett, Masetto, played by Benjamin Li, and Zerlina, played by Ariana Douglas, were also outstanding.
The fact that this production was double-cast shows the depth and range of high-quality talent of both graduate and undergraduate students in the UW-Madison School of Music.
The University Opera, under the leadership of director William Farlow, is coming off last semester’s successful rendition of Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece “La Bohème.”
Farlow’s minimalist conception of “Don Giovanni” is exceptional, especially in a genre defined by lavish sets and costumes. There is one immobile set, but it is still effective because of the way the performance is staged.
“Bill [Farlow] does really put the focus on the singing and the natural interactions that you would have,” said Cassie Glaeser who will play Donna Anna for the Sunday matinee.
“[The audience is] not going to be distracted by flying in a bunch of stuff. They’re going to be watching the singers,” she said.
Erik Larson, Masetto for Sunday’s performance, said Farlow’s direction has also allowed him to grow as a performer.
“It’s been the first time I’ve had the free reign to make my own decisions and try to figure out what’s best to put on stage,” Larson said. “In a university setting, we’re trying to learn how to become singing actors so it’s very good that we have to make our own decisions and do our own thing.”
Everyone should experience at least one opera in their lifetimes, and the University Opera’s performance of “Don Giovanni” is not one to miss, especially if you have never gone and are unsure of where to start. The plot is relatively straightforward and easy to follow (It also never hurts to print out a synopsis before heading to the theater). Music Hall is not some fancy opera house, so you won’t need to don formalwear. And perhaps best of all, it’s a bargain—only $10 for students to get a professional-quality opera experience on their own campus.
So take a break from studying and watching basketball and enjoy the University Opera’s production of “Don Giovanni,” and remember that Mozart rocks!
“Don Giovanni” will be performed Friday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m. The performances will take place at Music Hall. Tickets are $10 for students, $22 for the general public and $18 for senior citizens and are available at the door or online at the School of Music’s website.
