Boston Lyric Opera’s Tosca

Tosca has it all- high drama and gorgeous music. Boston Lyric Opera’s production of Puccini’s classic is thrilling- an exciting all around performance to open the 2010-2011 season. Set in Rome, against a backdrop of political tyranny, it is a gripping tale that explores a twisted love triangle made deadly by the passions of  jealousy, lust, and revenge. 

The leads are well cast. Jill Gardner plays the title role, the diva Floria Tosca. Diego Torre is engaging as Tosca’s lover, the revolutionary-leaning painter Mario Cavaradossi. Gardner and Torre work well together, the romantic interplay between them believable.  The chillingly sinister Baron Scarpia is played with psychological depth by Bradley Garvin who combines a marvelous sound with a dangerously handsome look. Tosca’s big numbers are nicely sung. Torre’s “Recondita armonia” (Concealed harmony) in Act I is bright and sure. And Gardner’s Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore (I lived for my art, I lived for my love) in Act II is warmly delivered- both emotional and direct.

This Tosca is an adaptation of a Scottish Opera production under the direction of David Lefkowich. The sets and costuming are magnificent- together delivering a striking theatrical experience.  The costuming evokes Fascist  Italy of the 1940′s and when the set of Act III – the ramparts of Rome’s Castel Sant’Angelo- is revealed there was spontaneous applause from the audience. Puccini’s Tosca is wonderfully lyrical and the BLO orchestra, under the direction of Andrew Bisantz, plays the score with fine intonation.

Tosca, presented by Boston Lyric Opera,  November 5-16 , evening performances at 7:30 PM, Sunday matinees at 3 PM, at the Shubert Theatre (265 Tremont St., Boston) (Map).Tickets from $34. Sung in Italian with projected English translation.

Image Credit: Jeffrey Dunn for the BLO

iStopOver Boston received complimentary tickets to review.