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Delaware Valley Opera

‘Rigoletto’ is heartbreakingly beautiful

By Margaret Bruetsch
Posted 7/22/22

When I first reviewed a show for the Delaware Valley Opera back in 2018, I was terrified because I had never seen an opera before. This past weekend was my last review of the Delaware Valley Opera …

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Delaware Valley Opera

‘Rigoletto’ is heartbreakingly beautiful

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When I first reviewed a show for the Delaware Valley Opera back in 2018, I was terrified because I had never seen an opera before. This past weekend was my last review of the Delaware Valley Opera for now, and, while I still wouldn’t consider myself an expert, I was a little sad. I love the Delaware Valley Opera and all the work they do. I’ve seen some amazing productions and heard some amazing singers, and the cast of “Rigoletto” didn’t disappoint. Who could ask for a better final production to review?

Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto” follows the titular hunchbacked jester as he tries to protect his daughter Gilda from the seductive Duke of Mantua, and the tragic outcome following a curse and a group of revenge-focused courtiers.

I was lucky enough to see most of these performers last year during the DVO’s concert series for their opera concert and it was joy to see them all again in full costume.

Robert Flora, Erik Tofte and Carson Cook played conniving courtiers Marullo, Count Ceprano, and Borsa respectively. The three had beautiful voices and seemed to have a lot of fun onstage. Jonathan Stinson made a showstopping appearance as Count Monterone, laying his curse on the Duke and Rigoletto with his strong, powerful voice and appearing again before his execution to torment Rigoletto as the curse begins to take effect. Jenna Stewart did a wonderful job as both the Countess Ceprano and as Gilda’s companion Giovanna.

It was a treat to see Annie Chester again and hear her sing during her flirtatious and funny performance as Maddalena. When she and Kelsey Watts, who played Gilda, sang together in the second act their voices soared together in a tempest.

Gennaidy Vysotskiy is just dangerous enough as the assassin Sparafucile with his amazing range and control. He hits some low notes that seem impossible and it’s absolutely stunning.

Kelsey Watts has one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard and is mesmerizing in her performance as Gilda. She hits soaring high notes with ease and partnered well with Tshombe Selby, Mark Cotton, and Annie Chester. She portrayed a young girl in love and a young girl betrayed with such nuance and skill, and truly shone in the role.

Tshombe Selby ruled the stage as the Duke and his performance of the very recognizable “Woman is fickle (La Donna e mobile)” easily stole the show. Selby’s voice is rich and full, and his performance of the song both on and off stage was such a treat. The control he exhibits is astounding and he played the licentious Duke perfectly. When romancing Gilda you root for the two young people, and when he showed his true colors, you despise him alongside Rigoletto.

Mark Cotton, however, was the star of the show as Rigoletto. Cotton’s voice is spectacular, but his ability to pull the audience into the story was what really made him stand out. He pivoted from funny jester to cruel voice of the Duke to overprotective and later heartbroken father with ease. He and Watts complemented each other and their chemistry onstage as father and daughter had me in tears by the end of the tragic opera.

The Delaware Valley Opera presents a heartbreakingly beautiful show, with so many talented performers. A nod to director Carol Castel, as well as the orchestra under the direction of conductor Violetta Zabbi, on providing a truly spectacular show. I love getting lost in a show and watching “Rigoletto” I forgot I was an audience member from the minute the music started until the very end.

“Rigoletto” plays again this weekend on Saturday July 23rd at 7 pm and Sunday July 24th at 2 pm at the Delaware Valley Opera Center in Lake Huntington, NY. And mark your calendars for the return of The Opera Cowgirls August 13th and 14th. You can visit delawarevalleyopera.org for tickets for both shows.

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