Vancouver, BC – written February 15, 2024 – Vancouver Opera is excited to announce the continuation of its 2023-2024 season with a stunning rendition of Gaetano Donizetti’s timeless comic opera, Don Pasquale.
Filled with a stellar cast and music crafted for virtuosity, Donizetti’s delightful masterpiece explores themes of inter-generational jealousy, reconciliation, young love, and madcap machinations. Bursting with vibrant colors and captivating melodies, the opera comes to life in a mid-20th century Technicolour makeover by the acclaimed creative duo of André Barbe and Renaud Doucet, transporting audiences into a world brimming with ramshackle vibrancy.
Photo Credit: ©Elke Porter
The performance was delivered in Italian with Projected English Titles, though personally, I found myself wishing for a few more to fully grasp the intricacies of the plot! A production led by Barbe & Doucet (comprising costume/set designer André Barbe and stage director/choreographer Renaud Doucet) presents a rare and unforgettable experience for Vancouver audiences.
In their interpretation of Don Pasquale, they not only infuse the sets and costumes with eye-catching colors but also apply a whimsical mid-century Technicolor filter and meticulously detailed stagecraft, enriching the narrative with new dimensions while providing audiences with a delightfully sensory experience.
Photo Credit: ©Emily Cooper
Full of hijinx and hilarity, Don Pasquale is the story of an aging bachelor’s scheme to marry and disinherit his rebellious nephew Ernesto of his accumulated wealth (namely a ramshackle pensione populated extensively by cats). Not to be outdone, Pasquale’s plan is countered by a bait-and-switch caper hatched by Dr. Malatesta and Ernesto’s love, Norina, who goes undercover as Pasquale’s new and decidedly not-as-advertised bride. Luckily it all works out in the end, although you have to see it for yourself to get the story.
Photo Credit: ©Emily Cooper
“Don Pasquale is a beloved opera that will appeal to any music lover, and we are delighted to present it in collaboration with the dynamic artistic team of Barbe & Doucet,” said Tom Wright, Vancouver Opera General Director. “This production is a testament to Vancouver Opera’s commitment to delivering exceptional and innovative performances. We are thrilled to have Maestro Jacques Lacombe, join us in his first production since his appointment as Vancouver Opera Music Director, as he conducts the music of Donizetti’s opera buffo masterpiece.”
Photo Credit: ©Emily Cooper
Don Pasquale is performed by Gregory Dahl who returns to Vancouver Opera following last season’s The Flying Dutchman. Making their Vancouver Opera company debuts are Canadian Soprano Elizabeth Polese as Norina and Victoria native Josh Lovell as Ernesto. Phillip Addis is Dr. Malatesta and was last seen with Vancouver Opera in The Pearl Fishers. They are joined by members of the Vancouver Opera Chorus and the Vancouver Opera Orchestra.
Photo Credit: ©Emily Cooper
This production is courtesy of Scottish Opera and features Lighting Designer Guy Simard. Don Pasquale is sung in Italian with English SURTITLES™ projected above the stage. My favourite parts were the cats and the dog actor at the end, the comic strips at the beginning and the speech bubbles built into the show. Finally, the creative laundry that was used for many scenes to highlight, to hide, to change the set to help move the story along. Super creative backdrop that was not too much, not too little, but just right.
Single tickets for the 2023–2024 season start at $50 and are available now through the Vancouver Opera box office online or at 604-683-0222.
Photo Credit: ©Natalya Porter
Vancouver Opera has the continuing support of The Canada Council for the Arts, Government of Canada, the BC Arts Council and BC Provincial Government, the City of Vancouver Cultural Services and Vancouver Civic Theatres. Vancouver Opera thanks our long-time season sponsor, BMO. Ticket Centre sponsor is Mission Hill Family Estate.
For more information about the 2023–2024 Vancouver Opera Season, and to subscribe, please visit vancouveropera.ca.
About The Author
