Production of 'Butterfly' soars

By John Fleming
Published March 11, 2007

ST. PETERSBURG - Madama Butterfly is a wonderfully rich musical drama, from Puccini's nuanced score to the libretto's theme of American imperialism that is as relevant today as when the opera premiered in 1904.

But in the end the opera rises or falls on the strength of the soprano in the title role, and the splendid Julie Makerov made Friday's performance an absolute triumph, as the Sarasota Opera brought its production to Mahaffey Theater. It was a collaboration with the Florida Orchestra, which was conducted by the opera company's artistic director, Victor DeRenzi.

Makerov displayed spectacular coloratura in her portrayal of the geisha, soaring over the orchestration in the wedding night duet with Pinkerton, the U.S. Navy lieutenant who betrays her, and in Butterfly's aria to faith or self-delusion, Un Bel Di Vedremo. Her passionate despair in the finale was heartbreaking.

Just as impressive as her vocal fireworks was Makerov's conversational style in scenes with the American consul Sharpless. Another highlight was the flower duet between Makerov and the smoky mezzo-soprano of Vanessa Cariddi, playing Butterfly's servant, Suzuki.

In some ways, Makerov's Butterfly had an even greater impact than when I saw her performance at Sarasota Opera House, which is about half the size of Mahaffey. Her singing and acting seemed to expand to fill the larger theater and was more thrilling for that.

Mauricio O'Reilly deftly combined tender lyrical singing and an air of smug carelessness as Pinkerton. Mark Womack was a solid Sharpless, but his baritone lacked color in the consul's warning to Pinkerton not to hurt Butterfly. Todd Robinson was a properly furious Bonze. Brian Frutiger was too lightweight as Goro.

If Friday's performance is any indication, there is a bright future for this sort of top-level opera at Mahaffey. The theater was full, and the production looked and sounded great.

Kudos to Ken Yunker for the evocative lighting. Stephanie Sundine's direction clearly underlined the story. DeRenzi is a brusque conductor, but he knows his Puccini, and the orchestra responded with a gleaming performance.

Review

Madama Butterfly

Puccini's opera has a performance at 2 p.m. today at Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S, St. Petersburg. $25-$100. (727) 892-5767; www.mahaffeytheater.com.

[Last modified March 11, 2007, 00:23:52]