Cavalleria rusticana
Celebrating 10 years of Pop Goes The Opera with the highly rated show that started it all. Cavalleria rusticana is a snippet of post-war Italy where a tale of love, jealousy, betrayal and revenge is told through some of the most stunning verismo operatic music written. Sung in Italian with English subtitles.
This is my favorite show of the season! I am astounded at the level of talent in that group; the casting choices were perfect, especially Santuzza's character. I have no idea what she was saying (I don't speak Italian) but I believed every single word!! This show should not be missed! Even for people not familiar with opera these shows by Pop Goes the Opera are a great way to try it out.
Well that was absolutely thrilling! Beautiful, sad, romantic and so so so Italian. Superb! Awesome scream to end the show. Perfect.
If you are looking for a sure-fire pleaser at the Fringe try Opera! Pop Goes the Opera is celebrating its tenth year at the Fringe with a remount of the beautiful one act play Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni. With a live ensemble of gifted musicians under the baton of talented Maestra Kimberley Taylor-McMann the sublime music fills the sanctuary of the Holy Trinity Anglican Church and instantly you are transported to mid-twentieth century Italy, immersed in a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. The singing is magnificent. Mezzo-soprano Alla Salakhova delivers an absolutely stellar performance, her voice laden with emotion in every note. And Italian tenor Andrea Pinna is a perfect fit for Turiddu – caught up in a forbidden love he can’t escape. Bertrand Malo's mellifluous baritone is a fine match for both. The chorus too is remarkable – they deliver the hymn that fills the church so you actually feel like you are there, on Easter Sunday, celebrating the holy day. It’s a short opera that will have you leaving the church humming, and craving more. Cavalleria Rusticana is the world’s most famous one act opera, and this production certainly does a masterful job showcasing its power. What a beautiful production! Great value for your fringe dollars!
Love Island: Post-War Italy!
“He loved me. I loved him!” A quote that changes its direction and relation throughout this operatic tale of betrayal, community, and love.
Filling the stunning Holy Trinity Anglican Church sanctuary with resonance and sound, Cavalleria rusticana was an eloquent, witty, and gorgeous show. Accompanied by a small live chamber orchestra, the music enveloped the space and sent chills through the audience.
English subtitles to accompany the italian opera made the show accessible and welcoming to any Fringegoers daunted by opera. The set was simple but intentional, and the actors took advantage of the sanctuary space masterfully.
Alla Salakhova, playing Santuzza, a conflicted lover and heartbroken belle of post-war Italy, was a particular standout of this performance. Her cutting vocals and strength sent waves, everything from her phenomenal voice to her gestures and acting, forced your eye in every scene.
Arguable the most necessary part of this performance, is the incredibly skilled ensemble that added the layers and depth to the show. They carried themselves as individuals that brought such character, sass, and personality to the story.
This was such a joy to watch and experience, and the roaring applause following the performance surely agreed.