By Robert W. Plyler
CHAUTAUQUA - Chautauqua Opera opens the 2009 season with a splendidly-sung production of one of Giuseppe Verdi's most dramatic operas: ''The Troubadour,'' or ''Il Trovatore.''
The story includes two burnings at the stake, the kidnapping and murder of a baby, a suicide, a fratricide, and the abduction of a nun from right in front of the altar. This is Opera with a capital O.
Set designer Steven Capone has set the tone for the production. His scenes are abstract, and fit very well on Norton Hall's rather small stage, but they are dark and they maintain the sense of a world in which there is little hope. Michael Baumgarten's lighting manages to make sure the audience always knows what's happening and where they should look, at every moment, yet it maintains the sense of darkness.
Director Jay Lesenger has chosen a stellar cast, with a first-quality voice in each of the major voice parts, supported well from the ensemble. Despite the opera's over-the-top quality, it's easy to follow. The brand new addition of supertitles, the projecting of the words being sung onto a screen, above the stage, seemed not to be distracting to the audience, and seemed to help in sorting out the convoluted plot.
The plot of the opera is set in Spain, in the 15th Century. Manrico, the troubadour of the plot, has another capacity, in addition to his performances as a singer. He is the leader of the revolt against the evil Count di Luna. Both men passionately love the Duchess Leonora, but her heart belongs only to the rebel, driving the count to form plot after plot to destroy his rival.
Barbara Quintiliani had a giant, beautifully governed soprano, in the role of Leonora. She could release a full orchestra of sound, entirely in her voice, then draw it down to a whisper, even at the highest of pitches. It was a bravura performance.
Todd Thomas was a powerful bass and a fine actor as the evil count. He was well-balanced by tenor Benjamin Warschawski, whose full, seemingly effortless top register clearly established the higher nature of the title character.
Victoria Livengood sang, with style and grace, the role of Azucena, the gypsy mother who has raised Manrico. Her rich contralto made her fevered dreams and frequent maladictions especially powerful.
This production certainly isn't going to pep you up, but it will thrill you with its passionate sounds and its often thrilling stage pictures.
''The Troubadour'' will be performed today and Monday evening at 7:30 p.m., in Norton Hall, on the Grounds of Chautauqua Institution.