PRODUCTION TEAM
Music Director
Robyn Sevastos
Producer
Richard Rook
Choreographer
Paul Govier-Simpson
Set Design
Adrian and Carole Pope
Lighting Design
Ivan Buckle
Opera Nova's production of "La Traviata" attracted a large and appreciative
audience of opera lovers during its run at the Crofton Halls, Orpington.
RICHARD ROOK's direction was secure and
allowed the principals the freedom to enjoy the music. Good use was made of the rather small stage and there was a sense
that the chorus had been given specific roles in the ensemble pieces. A particularly effective piece of direction was the
cameo picture around Violetta's bedside in Act 4. ROBYN SEVASTOS, as Music Director, confidently handled the chorus and
principals. The orchestra performed well, with the balance right, never overpowering the singers. PAUL GOVIER-SIMPSON's
choregraphy was simple and effective, and the dancers were a charming and lively interlude at Flora's party.
JUSTINE DAVIES gave a strong heart-wrenching and persuasive performance as Violetta, which contrasted well with the very
restrained and controlled Alfredo played by RANDY NICHOL.
Flora, delightfully played by MICHELLE CROZIER, proved
a good contrast to Violetta. GEOFFREY HORTON was a most confident and assertive Giorgio Germont, and the scene between
father and son was most believable. JAMES SCARLETT's debut as Gaston was effective, and he seemed to be enjoying himself,
particularly in the role of matador. JANE HARDING's portrayal of Annina showed the right amount of concern, but at times
diction was a problem. Baron Duphol and the Marquis were strongly played by RICHARD BACON and ANTHONY PAKENHAM. Particularly
effective was PAUL BRAY in the role of Dr.Grenvil. The supporting cast of smaller parts were handled quite confidently.
The chorus sang and moved well, but in some of the more poignant moments, there was too much wagging of heads and
bobbing of curls from audience right which detracted from the principals who should have held centre stage.
The
costumes looked lovely and were correct for the period. The lighting was well controlled, although I did think that evening
appeared to descend rather quickly in Act 2, particularly as it could be timed by the clock on the mantle-piece. The scenery
was well thought-out and worked well.
Overall, an enjoyable production of this well-known piece by Verdi. Well
done to everybody who worked so hard.
Chris Williams, NODA
CAST
Violetta Valery
Carole Fisher-Grant / Justine Davies
Flora Bervoix
Michelle Crozier / Jane Barnes
Alfredo Germont
Randy Nichol / James Hodgson
Georgio Germont
Geoffrey Horton / Tim Baldwin
Gaston
James Scarlett
Annina
Jane Harding / Julie Hyland
Baron Douphol
Richard Bacon
Marquis D'Obigny
Anthony Packenham
Doctor Grenvil
Paul Bray
Giuseppe
Richard Rook / Georg Torman / Randy Nichol
Commissionaire
Robert Allan
