If you know someone who needs a fantasy, an escape from all the monotony of life and the horrendous white cold, Edmonton Opera has just the prescription for that case of gloom! Their second production this season comes from a completely different realm than their season opener, The Flying Dutchman, which was itself perfect for Halloween with the dark, German-expressionistic style and tragic storyline.
This February look out for Gaetano Donizetti’s La Fille du Régiment (The Daughter of the Regiment), an opéra comique written in 2 acts. It is known for making the late and great Luciano Pavarotti famous with its celebrated aria, “Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête” (Oh, my friends, what a day of celebration!), with an incredible 9 high Cs - a high note, even for a tenor male! The show opened almost 169 years ago to the date in gay Paris, but the plot line full of comedic moments and romantic drama reminds one of an episode of Gossip Girl…
Marie is the mascot, or “daughter,” of the 21st regiment led by Sulpice, who rescued her as an orphaned child. She loves her life as a canteen girl and her military family. Troops arrive with a prisoner: Tonio, who says he has been looking for Marie, his sweetheart, but unfortunately she may only marry a soldier in the regiment. The Marquise of Berkenfield arrives, stating that she is the long lost aunt of Marie and wishes to whisk her away to educate and refine her tomboyish ways. How will Marie unite with her lover while holding on to her beloved regiment, and discover the family and life of prestige she never knew?
This production has toured all over the world, and lovers of Canadian art will delight in the fact that the entire cast and crew hails from the Great White North! Director Robert Herriot and Conductor Peter Dala, the duo who led the Sterling Award-winning production of H.M.S. PINAFORE, are joined by Andriana Chuchman as Marie, Colin Ainsworth as Tonio, Theodore Baerg as Sulpice, Sonya Gosse as the Marquise, and Chad Louwerse as Hortensio. They are all supported by the fantastic talents of the Edmonton Opera Chorus and Edmonton Symphony orchestra.
Although the production is sung in French, patrons don’t need to be francophone to get in on the fun. Regular dialogue is conducted in English, and English supertitles are projected above the stage during musical numbers.
“This one celebrates the ladies,” says Brian Deedrick, Edmonton Opera’s Artistic Director. “It’s a rare feat and a rare treat: an opera about a woman who finds love and life satisfaction while, quite literally, marching to the beat of her own drum. We’re delighted to be bringing this laugh and a half back to the Jubilee Auditorium: the jokes will be rowdy, the story convoluted, and the singing spectacular. If ever there was a night to grab your girlfriends, pull on your best duds and head to the opera, this is it!”
Even if your girlfriends are actually boys, or if you are looking for an early Valentine’s present, this would be the perfect choice for that cultured special someone. If you’ve never witnessed the awe of the opera before, this is the perfect opportunity, because the songs are joyous and light, nothing too serious (except for those 9 High Cs)!
