Review: TOSCA at Des Moines Metro Opera

It doesn't feel like the start of summer until Des Moines Metro Opera kicks off its season, inviting you to experience something special. Each season is unique and can feature everything from classic operas to occasional musicals and brand-new works. This season's festival of operas opened on June 26, with a brand new production of Puccini's "Tosca." If the audience reaction was any indication of what's ahead this season and in this show, then we are in for a treat.

What makes this season so special is that each show is from the 20th century. During the preshow talk led by the director, Joshua Borths, you learn that "Tosca" premiered in the 20th century, on January 14, 1900. It's also interesting to hear the history behind the play the opera is based on, as well as the historical events featured in the opera. When you attend "Tosca" or any opera with Des Moines Metro Opera, I highly recommend these talks, as they always deepen my understanding and appreciation of the show, making the experience more meaningful.

"Tosca" tells the story of a devout Catholic singer named Floria Tosca. She has fallen for a Napoleonic supporter, the painter Mario Cavaradossi. Cavaradossi helps a fellow Napoleonic supporter, Angelotti, who has escaped prison, escape from the church they are in. When Baron Scarpia finds out, he sets out to find Angelotti and Cavaradossi and win the heart of Tosca. This is just the first act of the opera. To experience the full story of beauty and brutality, you will have to attend the show.

Hearing director Joshua Borths talk before the show gave audiences a glimpse into his vision for the show. A vision that understood the events happening offstage and the influence they have on the show. A vision that looks at the brutality of the time the show is set, but also finds the beauty around it.

This understanding allows scenic designer Steven C. Kemp to build breathtaking sets that pay homage to the architecture and artistry of the buildings in which each scene takes place. The idea of beauty vs. brutality is seen in the final scene set at Castel Sant'Angelo, in the starkness of the building, while the skyline of Rome shows its beauty. This continues in the costumes designed by Robert Perdziola, which add another element to the story. I appreciate how Perdziola told a story in the dresses worn by Tosca in each act. The flow and colors of these dresses effortlessly play into the story seen on stage.

One of the things you can't help but notice when attending a Des Moines Metro Opera is the live orchestra in the center stage pit. Christopher Allen expertly conducts these performances alongside the orchestra's phenomenal musicians, taking us on a journey from the forboding opening, written in a whole-tone scale, to the glorious celebration with the full ensemble at the end of act one, and to the grim finale.

The show is led by three powerhouse performances, including two performers making celebrated returns to Des Moines Metro Opera and one making his debut. I found myself captivated by Brian Michael Moore's debut with DMMO as Mario Cavaradossi. His glorious tenor voice captivates the audience the moment he comes on stage, and has you rooting for him to succeed in escaping and having a life with Tosca, even when you know he won't. On the opposing side of the show is Norman Garrett as Baron Scarpia. His baritone voice brought a menacing tone to Scarpia, and his presence could be felt whenever he was on stage.

You can't talk about "Tosca" without mentioning Laura Wilde's mesmerizing performance as Floria Tosca. Her performance was nuanced and stays with you long after the production. This is especially seen in Act 2 when we see the emotional pain Tosca is going through, and each beat of seeing the knife and then forming the plan to kill Scarpia. It makes her character's demise even more devastating.

Summer is here, and I can't think of a better place to start it than spending it with Des Moines Metro Opera's production of "Tosca." From its care in the history and locations seen in the directing and designs, to the outstanding performances, this is a production audiences won't soon forget. With an opening like this to their season, you won't want to miss "Tosca" or any of the operas this season, but make sure to act fast, as several performances are already sold out. To find out more about Tosca, visit https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/productions/tosca/

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