Don't miss Utah Opera's superb 'Don Pasquale'
By Edward Reichel
Deseret News

Utah Opera's production of Gaetano Donizetti's "Don Pasquale" isn't what one might expect. The version that's currently running at the Capitol Theatre through May 24, moves the location from 1840s Rome to the American Southwest of the 1880s.

Designed by David Gately, who has staged many productions for Utah Opera over the years — most recently Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" last March — this version is wonderfully effective and not at all unnatural or forced. The comedy of the story lends itself to this setting and makes for a hilariously funny evening. And attesting to its success is the fact that it's been used quite a few times by regional opera companies in the United States and Canada since it premiered at Chautauqua nearly two decades ago.

The story revolves around the elderly Don Pasquale. A confirmed bachelor, he decides to find a wife to spite his nephew, Ernesto, and disinherit him. Ernesto incurred Pasquale's wrath when he announced that he was going to marry the young widow Norina. But Dr. Malatesta, a friend of the family, devises a scheme that would put Pasquale off marriage and let Ernesto and Norina marry with his blessing.

Utah Opera has assembled a fabulous cast that does justice to the opera. Not only are they wonderful singers, they are also exceptional actors.

The title role is sung by Steven Condy, who has a lyrical voice that is well suited to the bel canto repertoire. He is also a fine comic actor, who brought humor but also compassion to his part.

Ernesto, sung by Robert McPherson, has a light, lyrical voice that carries him through his part with flying colors. He, too, has good comic sense, and the opening scene of Act II, in which he laments the apparent loss of Norina and wallows in self pity, is truly funny — especially so since he sings it while taking a bubble bath with his boots and hat on and is attended to by three saloon girls.

Carlos Archuleta, as Dr. Malatesta, also gave a wonderful performance, and was Condy's perfect foil.

The true star of this production, however, aside from the production itself, is Celena Shafer as Norina. Giving a knockout performance, she was in top form vocally, and her acting was stellar.

The Utah Opera Chorus shone, as it always does, and the Utah Symphony played well under the baton of Susanne Sheston, who makes her opera conducting debut with this production.

Rob Herriot directed. His pacing was on the mark, with the action moving smoothly and briskly along.

The sets and costumes, which were designed for the San Diego Opera, are stunning.

This is a production that shouldn't be missed. It's a great way to end the season.