Marriage of Figaro @ Opera Cleveland 9/28 La Nozze de Figaro (Marriage of Figaro) is one of the most popular operas in the repertoire. Good thing, too. In addition to the current production from Opera Cleveland, local aficianados will have another chance for it later this season, when The Cleveland Orchestra presents its version. As directed by Peter Kazaras, this version is younger and sprightlier than some I've seen, helped greatly by the younger casting and excellent voices throughout. Dean Williamson conducted the orchestra (and played keyboards) at a brisk pace throughout, briefly leaving the bassoons behind in one segment. They caught up quickly, however, and maintained unanimity from then on, through the ending. Sung in Italian, there were English surtitles as provided by Seattle Opera.

The colorful and appropriate sets and costumes, designed by Susan Benson, came from the Banff (Alberta) Summer Music Festival. Wigs & make-up were by Alison Mizerski, and costume coordinator was Janet Bolick. The small chorus (many of whom are or were CIM students) was directed by CM Shearer, and choreography was by Lisa Lock. Stage manager Valerie Wheeler kept things moving smoothly, ably assisted by cast members moving furniture and props, etc.

Of course, opera depends on voices, and singers who can act. This production succeeded on all counts. The much-lauded Elaine Alvarez made her Cleveland debut as the Countess, her lush voice easily filling the State Theater. Her attitude was confident, while her emotions were easy to discern. She is a woman in love with her husband who has a roving eye. That gentleman was portrayed by Corey McKern, who might have been just a bit more lascivious in his attempts to become more friendly with some of the female servants at his château. His immediate target was his wife's maid, Susanna, alternately sweet and spunky as sung by Maureen McKay.

Susanna is in love with the title character, Figaro, and indeed they are making plans for their marriage as the opera opens. Figaro requires a singing actor with great comedic talents, and Jason Hardy fits that description completely. Carolyn Kahl in the pants role of Cherubino was young youth personified, gawky and too in love to pay attention to anything else, although the target of those affections seemed to be rather changeable.

Marcellina, the red-haired Gloria Parker, is an older woman, somewhat enamored with the younger Figaro, until long-held secrets thwart her plans. Her co-conspirator, Dr. Bartolo was brought to comic life by Thomas Hammons, and as the music teacher, Don Basilio, Philippe Pierce, was properly curmudgeonly. Mr. Pierce was also the magistrate Don Curzio. Maryann Madden portrayed the housemaid Barbarina, niece to the gardener Antonio. This latter role was entrusted to the 21-year old Richard Ollarsaba, in his professional opera debut. He was outstanding in this small but vital buffo role!

There is much dashing around, hiding behind furniture and/or statues in the garden, switching of clothing, disguises, and hidden identities in this delightful romp of an opera. There is one last performance of La Nozze di Figaro on Saturday, October 4. Call 241-6000 for tickets, or visit http://www.operacleveland.org.

An Impressive Debut!

Just a bit more than four years ago, Richard Ollarsaba was a high school senior in Tempe, Arizona. Possessed of a tall, dark and handsome stature plus a gorgeous bass voice, it was obvious that music would be at least a part of his future. After five years of vocal lessons with local coach Linda Spevacek, he'd pretty much decided on a career as recitalist and concert artist.

When he came to Cleveland to investigate the vocal program at Cleveland Institute of Music, he became aware of operatic possibilities. Last Friday night, the barely 21-year old Ollarsaba made his professional debut in the admittedly-smallish, minor principal role of Antonio, the gardener in La Nozze di Figaro as presented by Opera Cleveland. This is the fast track, indeed, by anyone's standards! His demeanor, while on stage, was that of an experienced performer who'd been up there all his life.

While at CIM (he's just beginning his senior year there!) he's portrayed various characters in several student productions, as well as having won several state competitions for student singers. He studies with Dr. Mary Schiller, chair of the Vocal Department, and Dean Southern.

Richard won a scholarship to the Aspen Music Festival Opera Theater Center this past summer, where he appeared in Massenet's Cendrillon. Last spring, before heading west, he auditioned for Opera Cleveland, and was cast as the cover for Antonio. When the original singer fell ill with a vicious bout of laryngitis, the call went out for Richard to appear in his place. After all, the show must go on. Or is that A Star is Born!?

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
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