Opening its scaled-back 30th season, Opera Colorado’s presentation of Charles Gounod’s “Romeo and Juliet” isn’t exactly a hit — but it’s a worthy effort, thanks in large part to soprano Ava Pine’s dazzling and believable rendition of a naïve and sweetly vulnerable Juliet.
Directed by Bill Murray, Saturday’s opening of the five-act production at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House — sung in French — shone the spotlight on Pine’s versatility as both a singer and an actress, her subtle, soaring voice seamlessly integrated with her affecting portrayal of a passionately love-struck maiden. That said, alas, her Romeo was a disappointment in this timeless tale of ill-fated young lovers. Even his delivery in Benaiah Anderson’s elegant fight choreography was ungainly and lumbering.
While Italian tenor Guiseppe Varano looked the part of Romeo, his acting was stiff and often awkward, and his voice poorly projected throughout the opera. Thankfully, Pine was compelling in scene after scene, complemented by a superb chorus (kudos, as usual, to John Baril) and the supporting cast.
Specifically, Kevin Langan was a forceful and compassionate Friar Laurence, and Brenda Patterson’s dark-hued mezzo-soprano and delightfully cavalier interpretation of Stephano ensured her triumphant OC debut in her single aria.
Likewise, Marcia Ragonetti rendered a wise and winsome Getrude alongside another credible OC debut, tenor John McVeigh’s resonant reading of Tybalt, and baritone Daniel Belcher’s strong presentation of Mercutio.
Under Robert Wood’s baton, Gounod’s sublime and sumptuous score was well-paced, allowing for each lyrical melodic line to unfold as if on its own breath. And Paul Hackenmueller’s atmospheric lighting (especially the famous, moonlight garden scene in Act 2) further set the mood for the wonderfully understated set design.
Best of all, despite initial misgivings, even Romeo managed to capture the imagination in the final scene, as he and Juliet die in each other’s arms — we all knew this is how it would end, but it’s not until the finish that Pine and Varano achieve a credible chemistry, which makes the final, heart-rending love duet all the more poignant.
Romeo and juliet
The production repeats at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Friday; 2 p.m. Sunday. $20-$160. Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 14th & Curtis streets. 303-468-2030 or operacolorado.org.
