DAUGHTER OF THE REGIMENT at San Diego Opera

Nine high Cs for the tenor in one aria, and brilliant coloratura for the soprano, make The Daughter of the Regiment an exciting, sparkling and hilarious opening to the 2013 Season. This delightful production from Italy’s Teatro Comunale di Bologna tells of an orphan French girl adopted by a regiment of soldiers in the waning days of World War II. The independent, spunky tomboy Marie loves Tonio, a peasant, but the Marquise tries to marry her off to a rich Duke. She’s thwarted by another “invasion” by the regiment, which frees Marie to marry Tonio. Yes, a happy ending!

L’ubica Vargicová, described by the New York Times as having “…devilish coloratura with fearless attack” sings Marie with Stephen Costello whose “…polished tenor boasts… command, brightness at the top” (SanDiego.com) singing the nine high Cs. Ewa Podles “…a force of nature…”, (U-T San Diego) is the Marquise of Birkenfeld with Donato DiStefano as Sulpice. Toronto-born conductor, Yves Abel and stage director, Emilio Sagi, make their San Diego Opera debuts.