Don Giovanni - A High Performance Vehicle

The Madison Opera Cast Of Don Giovanni - A Well Oiled Machine

For those who have never experienced opera, it is a truly amazing art form simply based on the fact that there are so many moving parts that work perfectly together, and so much opportunity for things to go horribly wrong.

Maybe that is why I enjoy it so much... Kind of like NASCAR...amazing precision and timing. And hopefully no crashes (and if you watch racing for the crashes, you probably aren't interested in opera, so you can stop reading now).

When it comes to Madison Opera and Madison Symphony Orchestra, I have enough experience with them to know they will be at peak performance. The singers on stage, the choreography and an elaborate set make for an event that is truly something that needs to be seen to be believed. So many people coming together - each at the top of their game. Like my race analogy, all the moving parts of a high performance car working together for a smooth, fast and flawless ride. And trust me, I have seen plenty of jalopies in my day.



Plenty of Moving Parts - Working Together In Harmony

I was privileged to be a part of the "Blog It / Tweet It" team that Madison Opera put together to cover the final dress rehearsal for Don Giovanni. What struck me immediately was the enormity of the production - the stage was spectacular.

The lights went down and maestro Joseph Mechavich along with the members of Madison Symphony Orchestra started the beautiful prelude that sets the mood for Mozart's masterpiece. Mechavich also provided his skills on the Harpsichord, which added another dimension to the sound.

Kelly Markgraf is Don Giovanni. I don't know Mr. Markgraf personally (although he was very cordial backstage) but I dare say he is not a scoundrel in real life. But this guy IS Giovanni on stage. He could easily seduce me, and I am married with 3 kids. Aside from his obvious looks and stage presence, his voice was wonderful, and that is the point of a lead in an opera, right? Markgraf is the whole enchilada! (well, maybe pizza pie, since this is Italian)

Kelly Markgraf IS Don Giovanni. Really.

The two "Donnas" as I like to call them also made a lasting impression on me. I suppose I have to admit that I am easily swayed by beautiful women who sing well. Call me weird! I truly enjoyed both Elizabeth Caballero and Caitlin Lynch in their respective roles. I am not one of those writers who will get too technical on you. I have a simple test of whether I think something is good. Does it sound good? And there were many times during the evening where I thought to myself "mmmm - that is such a sweet note..."

Rounding out this great cast were Matt Boehler, Nathan Stark, Wesley Rogers, Angela Mannino and John Arnold. I really should point out that they all have fantastic voices (most important in my book) and great stage presence. I would love to get into more detail, but let's face it - this is a blog, and you don't have the attention span if you read blogs. THEY ARE GOOD! GO SEE THIS! (Told you I like to keep things simple)

I thought the social interaction during the performance was a great idea on Madison Opera's part. Being able to tweet with the cast and other tweeters in real time during the performance was very unique. I hope that our activity during the dress rehearsal encourages those who may have been unfamiliar or unsure to give Don Giovanni a tumble.

And to the uninitiated out there, it would be hard to argue that Don Giovanni is a great first opera experience. This particular production from Madison Opera solidifies that claim, as it is solid musically and visually stunning. To our Fresco fans who have never sat through a traditional opera, this comes highly recommended.
 

Lot's 'O Drinking And Tomfoolery

You will only have two chances to see the spectacle that is Don Giovanni. Months of prep and rehearsal is condensed into only 2 performances. And they will be flawless. Like the winning car of the Daytona 500, well timed with a spectacular run to the finish.

Jeff Turk
Fresco Opera Theatre

Do Not Tempt Fate and Wait Until The Last Minute For Tickets


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Opera Pants

The night before the big night... The big show... THE OPERA! And I have a problem that I am sure is not unique to many opera patrons.

What to wear?

My dilemma is finding appropriate listening attire. At home I don't have a problem: undies and a t-shirt are a perfect match for my listening room, but I have a hunch there is a "no pants - no performance" policy at Overture.

Bottom line: I ain't gonna wear no uncomfortable dress pants to something I want to enjoy for 3 hours, such as Madison Opera's Don Giovanni. But I think I found a solution.

I pulled out 2 pair of my best denims - my "church" jeans, if you will. I am leaning towards the Calvins... The just feel better.

Church / Opera Jeans. Worn Only A Couple Of Times Since Washing.

After all, this night is about enjoying wonderful music and theater. And not about pulling the crease of the Brooks Brothers pantalones out of my tender areas during critical passages in the performance.

I am all about the "opera casual" approach with my wardrobe. One less distraction for an evening where all my attention will be focused on the talented musicians performing Mozart's masterpiece. And not my "creases."

JT

A Night At The Madison Opera!

Hey. We just finished up "The Real Divas Of Dane County" and we have been working hard on "Paranormal Playhouse." We could use a breather... And what better way to take a break, than to have someone else perform for us! And give us free tickets! And food!

Fresco is proud to be a part of the blog / tweet team for Madison Opera's production of Don Giovanni, April 26th and 28th at Overture Center. We will be at the dress rehearsal on Wednesday the 24th, to blog, tweet and Facebook play by play coverage, giving you the opportunity to preview what is sure to be another phenomenal production from MO!

And we will try to take lots of pictures. We know some of you like the pictures better than all these "words"...

More info to come in the next couple of weeks, so keep it here!

JT

Don Giovanni: Metallic Junk; Check. Devils; Check. Swarm Of Dancers; Check. Oh - And Music.

You have to give the English National Opera credit for going out on a limb. Their new production of Don Giovanni from Rufus Norris, an award winning theater director, is clearly "out there." This is his first attempt with opera.

However, it is generally not being well received by critics or the public at large. The review we have linked here is one of the more "polite" ones we have seen.

The problem seems to be the staging of the production and Norris taking great liberties with the original material, which in turn distracts from the music. ENO productions are in English, and this particular production includes a "new" English translation which has been described as "wonderfully irreverent."

There seem to be some bright spots with some of the performances, and this Don Giovanni challenges the audience in many ways. But, according to reviewers, clunky staging, clothing removal, wrecked train sets and other embellishments were distracting.

Is Norris' approach good for opera? We can't answer that. But it poses a good question: To what lengths should a company go in order to attract a new audience or re-invigorate an existing one?

Fresco asks that question daily.


http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/210717/Review-Don-Giovanni-English-N