A glittering performance .. Opera Fresca’s ‘Don Pasquale’ A review by DEBBIE HOLMER Spring is here, and in celebration, Opera Fresca is offering a sunny and delightful version of “Don Pasquale” by Gaetano Donizetti that will warm you no matter what the weather is like outside Fort Bragg’s Eagles Hall. Written in 1843 and Donizetti’s 64th opera in 27 years, “Don Pasquale” is a tender swan song for a world that didn’t always feel compelled to take itself seriously. From the start Donizetti announces his intention to move us with sweet, sure, compassionate melody. Opera Fresca’s production of “Don Pasquale” is set in fascist Rome of the 1930s. In the performance program, stage director Giovanna Nigro-Chacon gives us a simple summary: Don Pasquale -- the ‘Don’ of the family is an old, stingy bachelor. His nephew, Ernesto, is his heir and inept at the family business. Ernesto wants to marry Norina, an impoverished widow with something of a past. Pasquale has chosen another for him -- a woman who will bring a huge dowry and a political alliance to his ‘business.’ Doctor Malatesta (freely translated this name means ‘headache’ ...) is, in fact, a physician but more important he is Don Pasquale’s consiglieri (confidant/advisor). It is Malatesta who concocts a plan to unite the lovers. Norina in another persona pretends to marry Don Pasquale and proceeds to turn his life upside down. In the end it is Don Pasquale who cries ‘Uncle.’ Opera Fresca’s “Don Pasquale” is an immensely entertaining romp. The performance is led by soprano, Clare Barca as Norina; bass-baritone, Richard Goodman as Don Pasquale; baritone, Vincent Russo as Malatesta; and tenor, Tom Acord as Ernesto. Their voices blend beautifully. Soprano, Clare Barca, as Norina, shines with her supple voice and sexy appearance. She soars through all her musical high notes and coloratura frills. She is an absolute charmer! Bass-baritone, Richard Goodman, turns in a terrific performance as Don Pasquale. He definitely has the pipes to sing the role. His stage presence, combined with a strong sense of comic timing, truly bring the role to life. Baritone, Vincent Russo, takes the role of Dr. Malatesta with relish, doing a fine job playing the part of the Don’s physician, and he never misses a note. He’s a handsome fellow, too! Tenor Tom Acord’s (Ernesto) voice is a delight to listen to throughout the evening, both pleasant and warm. One of the many musical highlights throughout the evening came in Act III, in the sublimely understated duet, “Tell me once more that you love me,” between Barca and Acord. Acord’s light tenor blends beautifully with Barca’s lyric soprano. Truly beautiful stage direction by Philo resident, Giovanna Nigro-Chacon. Conductor/music director Les Pfutzenreuter keeps the orchestra light and bouncy, just as it should be for this sort of comic undertaking. The orchestra followed the conductor with great precision. If you listen carefully, in Act II, you will clearly hear the theme that Francis Ford Coppola’s father incorporated into the signature theme of the “Godfather” movies. The orchestra members are concertmaster Norbert Banse and Auke Ewerbeck (Violin I), Via Sharkey and Cordelia Shampanier (Violin II), Marion Crombie and Paula Mulligan (Viola), Leslie Shiaman and Sue Goodman (Cello), Sandra Cosca (Cello/Bass), Daney Dawson (Bass), Minday Rosenfeld (Flute I), Lisa Buringrud (Flute II/Piccolo), Jeff Champion (Oboe), Eric Van Dyke (Clarinet), Eva Kidwell (Bassoon), Jan Bures (Horn I), Paul Hadley (Horn II), Chris Jorgensen (Trumpet), Gene Dwyer (Trombone). The production was aided consistently by the brightness and elegance of Diane Larsen’s sets and costume design; Tony Tringale’s technical and lighting expertise; and Miriam Jacobs superb makeup design. The transformation of Eagles Hall, with the additional help of Matt Rowland, was magical. Well sung by Opera Fresca’s Chorus were “Fetch the diamonds, hurry, hurry!” and “Is There No End To This Coming And Going?” The chorus members are Doug Albin, Carrie Ann Becker, Gene Davis, Patrick Gomes, Tigerlily Jones, Lynn Kieswetter, Christine Leigh-Taylor, Diane Maloy, Kathleen Mooney, Roberta Morrow, Beth Seaward, and Jary Stavely. Vincent Russo is the chorus master. For an opera company that’s only in its sixth season, this is an amazingly strong production. It’s all overacted and quite schmaltzy, but that’s exactly what makes this production come alive. The final act has so many plot twists it will make your head spin. The cast is strong from top to bottom, and they captivate the audience through their own enjoyment and the fun they are obviously having, making it a charmingly humane study of character and circumstance. The combined talents behind, beneath and upon the stage make Opera Fresca’s “Don Pasquale” a perfect springtime treat. On Saturday evening after the opera, many of those in the audience celebrated with the stars at a Gala Soiree held at Mendo Bistro. This elevent event was hosted by members of Opera Fresca’s Glitterati Guild - president, Jean Graham even shared some of her “glitter” with me! It was truly a night for all the Opera Fresca stars to shine - a glittering performance by all! “Don Pasquale” will be presented again this weekend, April 19 - 21. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Eagles Hall is located on the corner of N. Corry and Alder streets in Fort Bragg. For ticket information, call 888-82-OPERA or www.operafresca.com. 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