The season includes 5 performances of Verdi’s timeless La traviata, 4 performances of Rossini’s charming La Cenerentola (Cinderella) and 4 performances of Lehar’s sparkling The Merry Widow. All operas will be performed on the intimate Berlind stage of Princeton’s famed McCarter Theatre.
One of Verdi’s greatest operas, the heartbreaking tragedy La traviata centers on the beautiful Parisian courtesan, Violetta, who finds true love with the young and ardent Alfredo. But when Alfredo’s father attempts to save his family from social scandal by parting the lovers, their relationship must come to a tragic end. Some of the most passionate and romantic arias ever written – including “Sempre libera,” “De miei bollenti spiriti” and “Parigi, o cara” – were composed for this classic opera. Singing Violetta for the first time will be soprano Elizabeth Caballero, whose young career already includes performances with The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera and the Opera Orchestra of New York. Of her performance in Puccini’s La boheme at New York City Opera, The New York Times said “…Elizabeth Caballero provided the evening’s most show-stopping performance with her second-act ‘Quando men vo,’ offering a thrilling balance of pearly tone, exacting technique and brazen physiclity."
This performance of dazzling vocal fireworks wrapped in a joyous fairytale ending is an event not to be missed. Mezzo-soprano Leah Wool sings the title role and has also performed with The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera and Santa Fe Opera, to critical acclaim. Ms. Wool is familiar with Cinderella, having sung the title role in Massenet’s version of the story, Cendrillon, with Central City Opera. Ramiro, Cinderella’s prince, will be sung by tenor Javier Abreu, who has previously sung the role with Wolf Trap Opera. The Washington Times wrote of that performance: “Mr. Abreu startles with a tenor that alternates thunder with moments of great delicacy laced with deft touches of vocal athleticism.”
Lehar’s The Merry Widow, perhaps the greatest of all operettas, tells the delightful story of Hanna, an outrageously rich and clever widow, who is on the hunt for a new husband. However, when she remarries, her tiny country will be left bankrupt. Amidst lavish parties, lovers’ trysts and political parts, Hanna must convince a certain gentleman that marrying her will bring him love and save their country’s finances as well! If you loved Opera New Jersey’s production of The Pirates of Penzance in 2007, then you’ll want to return for The Merry Widow because the Frederic (Benjamin Bunsold) and Mabel (Alison Trainer) from Pirates are here reunited as Camille and Valencienne. In addition to Opera New Jersey, soprano Alison Trainer has sung with New York City Opera, Annapolis Opera, Cleveland Opera and Central City Opera. Tenor Benjamin Bunsold has been heard recently with Opera Delaware, Shreveport Opera and Fort Worth Opera.
“The fantastic thing about Opera New Jersey’s season at the Berlind Theatre is that our patrons have the opportunity to see these high caliber artists in a uniquely intimate venue close to home – artists who are already onstage at the Metropolitan Opera and New York City Opera,” says Scott Altman, General Artistic Director of Opera New Jersey. “It’s not an opportunity that comes along every day.” -- www.opera-nj.org
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