Let Opera Lyra’s Tosca Take you Away

Photo courtesy of Marc Fowler.

There is nothing quite grander than hearing beautiful voices singing about love, betrayal and politics. There is one chance left to catch Opera Lyra’s production of Puccini’s Tosca and you shouldn’t miss it:  Saturday night.  The singing, set, costumes and music will instantaneously transport you back in time to Rome circa 1800. This production is fabulous but plot spoiler… it doesn’t end well for Tosca or her love, painter Mario Cavaradossi.

Here is the basic plot. Floria Tosca, a famous actress, is caught in the political intrigues of Baron Scarpia, head of Rome’s police who is a total dirtbag who tries to use her to capture her lover, Cavaradossi, and Angelotti, an escaped political prisoner Cavaradossi assists by hiding him.

The love story between Tosca and Cavaradossi is your typical operatic kind with all the funny unfounded jealousy but, in the end, Tosca displays a surprising strength of character as she tries to rescue her love from the vile clutches of the scuzzy Scarpia. She elicits admiration for her actions, but sadly, ends up a tragic heroine. There are funny moments with some of the minor characters, such as scenes with the Sacristan in the church. Then there are the heart-breaking moments, such as Cavaradossi’s final moments that tear at your heartstrings.

Michele Capalbo is sensational as Tosca and David Pomeroy is riveting as Cavadarossi. His voice is magnificent. Todd Thomas is deliciously evil as Scarpia. In short, everyone delivers outstanding performances.  Without exception, the singing will blow your mind. Then again, we have come to expect nothing less from Opera Lyra. You know you are going to get a top-quality experience. It’s their 30th anniversary year to boot. They know how to do opera right.

The last chance to see it is Saturday, September 13, at 8 p.m. at the National Arts Centre. Catch the free pre-show talk before the performance on Saturday at 7 p.m. if you want to learn more before you see the opera itself.

You can buy your tickets here.