<<<  <<  -- 4 --  Maria Nockin    EXTREMELY TRADITIONAL

Robust voiced José Luis Duval was believable as the uncaring playboy who did not take his Japanese marriage seriously. His handsome rendition of the short aria, added for the Paris première, rang out with polished tones. Jane Dutton was a dutiful Suzuki who sang with thrust, while Philip Cutlip gave a crisply delineated portrayal of the Consul, Sharpless. The Marriage Broker, as played by Joseph Hu, provided just the right amount of levity.

Robert Barefield was a supercilious Prince Yamadori and an authoritative commissioner. Christopher Herrera was a spirited Yakuside, but Seth Keeton was a rather mild mannered Bonze. The Registrar was sung with dark burnished tones by Jay Kuh, while Kara Harris was a dramatically coherent Kate. Little Haley Harris showed some potential acting talent as Sorrow. Conductor Antony Walker, who made his AZ debut with this production, gave a full blooded, incisive rendition of the work. Although his tempi were somewhat slow, they underscored the tragic intensity of the finale. There was not an empty seat to be seen in the auditorium and judging by the standing ovation given the entire cast, Phoenix opera goers thoroughly enjoyed the evening.