Tosca
Presented by: Melbourne Opera
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Photos: David Wyatt
Date Reviewed: 3rd
October, 2009

Melbourne Opera have outdone themselves with an excellent staging of one of the world's great operas. Performance, music and design, each of an equally high standard, complement each other beautifully, seamlessly blending to create a memorable production. Tosca is clearly another labour of love from Melbourne Opera.

Tosca is the ultimate tragedy, with no less than four of the lead characters dispatched by the final curtain. Set in Rome against a backdrop of political intrigue during Napoleonic times, Tosca takes place over a dramatic 24-hour period. Singer Floria Tosca is in love with painter Cavaradossi, who is harbouring escaped prisoner Angelotti. Villainous Chief of Police Scarpia perishes by Tosca's hand, but not before setting deadly events in motion.

Director Hugh Halliday guides proceedings with an extremely experienced and confident hand. Sung in English, the story unfolds with clarity and precision. All of the performers are highly focused and committed to the work, allowing the action to steer well clear of melodrama. Supporting the intense drama is the rich sound of the 44-piece Melbourne Opera Orchestra, conducted by Greg Hocking. The relatively intimate space of the Athenaeum Theatre enhances the joy of watching the cast and listening to the music.
Designer Andrew Bellchambers has added interest to the traditional setting of the piece, with large monochrome panels of architecture and art. A giant female nude in Scarpia's study symbolises the lust that drives his actions. The massive parapet in front of a stormy sky gives an eerie premonition of the tragedy to unfold in act three. A highlight of Bellchambers' achievement is that despite the full set and the tiny stage of the Athenaeum the actors still have plenty of room to move.

Costumier Emily Collett has assembled a splendid wardrobe, at one stage catering for forty plus performers. The High Mass of act one is given the full treatment and is quite a spectacle.

The career of acclaimed soprano Antoinette Halloran (Tosca) is burgeoning, for reasons that are made abundantly clear in this production. Blessed not only with a voice that is both strong and exquisite but also with great beauty, Halloran is a gifted actress as well. Her warmth and charisma travel over the footlights to the back of the balcony. Halloran's rendition of ‘I Lived For Art' is a virtual masterclass in building levels throughout an aria.

Tenor Adrian McEniery (Cavaradossi) is in fine voice and brings conviction to the noble plight of his character. ‘The Stars Shine Brightly', preceded by minutes of wonderful mood-enhancing music at the start of act three, is another highlight of the opera. Bass Baritone Gary Rowley (Scarpia) uses his deep, sonorous voice and devilish looks to great effect. Projecting palpable menace whenever he is on stage, he rounds out the top class trio of highly believable leads.

With not a weak link in the company, mention must be made of the strong support given by Steven Gallop (Angelotti) and Jerzy Kozlowski (Sacristan).

The list of sponsors and benefactors of Melbourne Opera has to be seen to be believed and is evidence of the massive amount of work that must go on behind the scenes. All involved must be extremely proud of the sterling quality of Tosca.

Tosca plays selected dates at the Athenaeum until 14th October, and then tours to Hobart, Canberra, Frankston and Geelong.

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