Classic Opera Comes to Norton Hall

Published in the Post-Journal (Jamestown, NY)
August 8, 2008
By Robert W. Plyler

CHAUTAUQUA, NY - One of opera's great classics is on the stage of Norton Hall, in a very moving production of one of Giuseppe Verdi's greatest works: ''La Traviata.''

The opera's plot concerns a beautiful courtesan in 19th century Paris. Violetta Valery gives up her income and her wealthy lifestyle for the love of a young man, even though she is infected with consumption.

When her beloved's father comes to her privately, and tells her that her scandalous relationship with his son has endangered his daughter's marriage, she decides to sacrifice her own love and give him up, for the sake of his family, even if this means dying alone.

Director A. Scott Parry has placed a frame around librettist Francesco Maria Piave's story, however. Violetta is now a contemporary woman, dying in a modern hospital. When the classic Garbo film of ''Camille'' comes on the television set - it is the same story, without the music - the feverish patient begins to imagine that she is the courtesan of the story.

To maintain the hospital theme, the entire set is made up of gray curtains with gauzy tops, like the curtains around a hospital bed. By lighting the stage with harsh fluorescent lights or with reds and golds, the scene can change from hospital to the drawing rooms of Romantic Paris in a moment.

It was an interesting idea, but frankly, it began to sour at the very end, when Violetta's lover and his father are crowding around her bed, playing tag with the contemporary doctor and nurse.

Malinda Haslett was a fine actress in the central role. She succeeded in looking and moving with youth and beauty in the opera, and appearing to be terribly ill, during the added scenes. Her voice was often lovely, although it seemed pinched and taut in its top register.

Jonathan Boyd was a handsome Alfredo, the young lover, and he looked and moved like a very young, impulsive man, which was perfect. His voice was strong and resilient, and rang through the hall.

Todd Thomas gave a stellar performance as Alfredo's father, singing in a rich, dark tone and acting with a powerful presence.

Conductor James Meena and the Chautauqua Opera Orchestra accompanied sensitively.

Beautiful music and powerful drama: it's a combination which is hard to beat.

''La Traviata'' will repeat Monday evening at 7:30 p.m. in Norton Hall, on the Grounds of Chautauqua Institution.