2008 Woodie Awards
La Traviata Rivets Audiences
Courtney Roy
Issue date: 11/17/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Verdi's La Traviata is the classic romantic opera that tells the tragic romance of Violetta Valèry and Alfredo Germont. The New York City Opera's production, performed at the New York State Theater in the Lincoln Center, was absolutely breathtaking from start to finish.
The opera begins with a party hosted by Violetta, where she is introduced to Alfredo, who later confesses in private that he has loved her for a year. She brushes him off immediately, but is touched by his words and thinks about what it would be like if she accepted him. She decides, however, to continue her life of selfish pleasure. The second act opens with Violetta and Alfredo living together in the country. All has been going well, but his father convinces Violetta to leave so that his family's honor remains intact. Out of love for Alfredo, Violetta obliges, and rushes off without explaining anything to Alfredo. The two later meet at a party where Alfredo shames Violetta, and the guests express sympathy for her. The final act opens with Violetta, gravely ill. Alfredo has learned of her actions, and rushes back to meet her, and they fantasize about their life together, but it is too late and Violetta dies with Alfredo at her side.
Although many are intimidated by opera, La Traviata speaks to everyone. Because it is sung in Italian, a small screen at the top of the stage showes the lyrics in English. The music and performances, however, speak for themselves. Maria Kanyova, singing the part of Violetta, shines throughout the show. Not only is her voice beautiful, but also her acting is just as impressive. The audience clearly sees the transformation of her character from the carefree, immature, "party girl" to a woman strong enough to sacrifice her own happiness in order to preserve the reputation of the family of the man that she loves.
Eric Fennell, cast as Alfredo Germont, is also highly gifted; he embodies the pain of lost love in his voice as he suffers through the confusion of Violetta's sudden and unexplained departure. The supporting cast is also not to be forgotten. Grant Youngblood, a seasoned performer who has been in various productions across the country, performs the role of Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, beautifully. Ryan Kinsella, a debut artist singing the role of Baron Douphol, stands out in the cast as an incredible performer, who will surely have a long career.
The opera begins with a party hosted by Violetta, where she is introduced to Alfredo, who later confesses in private that he has loved her for a year. She brushes him off immediately, but is touched by his words and thinks about what it would be like if she accepted him. She decides, however, to continue her life of selfish pleasure. The second act opens with Violetta and Alfredo living together in the country. All has been going well, but his father convinces Violetta to leave so that his family's honor remains intact. Out of love for Alfredo, Violetta obliges, and rushes off without explaining anything to Alfredo. The two later meet at a party where Alfredo shames Violetta, and the guests express sympathy for her. The final act opens with Violetta, gravely ill. Alfredo has learned of her actions, and rushes back to meet her, and they fantasize about their life together, but it is too late and Violetta dies with Alfredo at her side.
Although many are intimidated by opera, La Traviata speaks to everyone. Because it is sung in Italian, a small screen at the top of the stage showes the lyrics in English. The music and performances, however, speak for themselves. Maria Kanyova, singing the part of Violetta, shines throughout the show. Not only is her voice beautiful, but also her acting is just as impressive. The audience clearly sees the transformation of her character from the carefree, immature, "party girl" to a woman strong enough to sacrifice her own happiness in order to preserve the reputation of the family of the man that she loves.
Eric Fennell, cast as Alfredo Germont, is also highly gifted; he embodies the pain of lost love in his voice as he suffers through the confusion of Violetta's sudden and unexplained departure. The supporting cast is also not to be forgotten. Grant Youngblood, a seasoned performer who has been in various productions across the country, performs the role of Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, beautifully. Ryan Kinsella, a debut artist singing the role of Baron Douphol, stands out in the cast as an incredible performer, who will surely have a long career.