Photo courtesy of MDLO and Strathmore.
More than a century after its premiere at La Scala in Milan, Italy, Verdi’s Falstaff continues to captivate audiences with its humor, lovable characters and spectacular score. The Maryland Lyric Opera’s (MDLO) production of ‘Falstaff’ is no exception, with his ever-impressive MDLO Orchestra conducted by a soloist of prodigious vocal talent, Joseph Coranelli; is featuring.
If you haven’t yet explored the marvelous world of opera, MDLO offers the ideal opportunity to experience this unparalleled art form for yourself.
The three-act opera Falstaff follows the conceited Sir John Falstaff (bass-baritone, Mark Delavan, bass-baritone) determined to seduce Alice Ford (soprano, Mary Feminia) and Meg Page (Mezzo-soprano, Allegra da Vita). ) is a comical story about ) trying to steal money from a rich husband. Intrigue and outrageous antics ensue as wives, husbands and lovers are tricked and deceived, and the entire cast concludes:Everything in this world is a joke I was deceived! (“Everything in the world is a joke…but he often laughs and laughs his last laugh”).
Ford (Baritone, Brian Major) delivers a moving performance of his rich, resonant baritone.dream or reality? ” (“Dream or reality?”) Falstaff comically said, “When I was on the pages of the Duke of Norfolk” (“I was slender when I was the Duke of Norfolk Page”). Fenton (Ely, tenor), a young suitor who takes advantage of an ongoing practical joke to eventually marry her beloved, sings an expressive and heartfelt song. “Songs of ecstasy fly from the lips”(“From my lips fly a song of ecstasy”).
MDLO’s opera makes effective use of projection screens by projection designer Sarah Tanderman. In this production, the village square, the cityscape, and Hemu’s haunted oak tree are shown onscreen with English subtitles that are always helpful. The costume consisted of standard concert attire, women in gowns, and men in tuxedos.
With the goal of making opera accessible to all, MDLO offers world-class opera productions at reasonable prices. If you haven’t yet explored the marvelous world of opera, MDLO offers the ideal opportunity to experience this unparalleled art form for yourself.
Running time: 2 hours and 20 minutes with one 20 minute intermission.
Verdi’s Falstaff will perform at the Music Center in Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD 20852 on January 20 and 22, 2023. To purchase tickets or learn more about the Maryland Lyric Opera, click here. The opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles.
