Canadian Opera Company – Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin

by Paula Citron.
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Eugene Onegin
Canadian Opera Company
Music by Tchaikovsky
Conducted by Sir Richard Armstrong
Directed by Enrico De Feo (after Marco Arturo Marelli)
Starring Brett Polegato, Giselle Allen, Allyson McHardy, Daniil Shtoda and Alexander Kisselev
At the Four Seasons Centre until Apr. 30
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When it comes to opera, I want to hear music in a fresh way. Visionary director Marco Arturo Marelli, who also did the set and lighting design, has created a production of Eugene Onegin that is absolutely brilliant theatre. Director Enrico De Feo has remounted this 2003 gripping take on Tchaikovsky’s famous opera. Conductor Sir Richard Armstrong and the COC orchestra do dramatic wonders in the pit.

From the very moment the curtain goes up and reveals an off-balanced world, the director uses the prelude to mime the tortured relationships. In fact, Onegin is the silent watcher throughout as if the unfolding events are playing in his memory.

The cast is very strong. Brett Polegato is a handsome and passionate Onegin, while Giselle Allen finds the vulnerability and poise for Tatyana. Allyson McHardy is a flirtatious Olga, Daniil Shtoda a brooding Lensky, and Alexander Kisselev a stately Gremin.

Opera doesn’t get better than this.

Eugene Onegin continues at Four Seasons Centre until Apr. 30.