La clemenza di Tito

Reviewed by Paula Citron

La clemenza di Tito
Opera Atelier
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Conducted David Fallis
Directed by Marshall Pynkoski
Choreographed by Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg
Performed by Kresimir Spicer, Measha Brueggergosman, Michael Maniaci, Mireille Lebel, Mireille Asselin and Curtis Sullivan
Elgin Theatre
Apr. 22 to May 1, 2011

Opera Atelier is mounting a sumptuous period production of Mozart’s La clemenza di Tito, and it is, for the most part, very well sung with the likes of soprano Measha Brueggergosman and male soprano Michael Maniaci in the cast. The Tafelmusik Orchestra under conductor David Fallis is superb, both in tempi and interpretation.

Director Marshall Pynkoski directs for the emotional juggernaut, but there is just a few too many hurling oneself onto the wall in despair, or collapsing on the floor. That being said, the production does crackle with tension.

Choreographer Jeannette Lajeunesse Zingg has included attractive ballet numbers for the ceremonial scenes, while Gerard Gauci’s sets and costumes suitably evoke the 18th century. Bonnie Beecher bathes the stage in warm lights.

An absolute stand-out is mezzo-soprano Mireille Lebel as Annio with her warm, honey-covered voice. I found tenor Kresimir Spicer as Tito a bit off pitch in his high register.

La clemenza di Tito continues at the Elgin Theatre until May 1.