Teddy Tahu Rhodes brings the ‘original player’ Don Giovanni to life in a comical and eye catching production of Mozart’s opera.
WA Opera have enticed Rhodes, one of the most acclaimed opera singers in the world to Perth, for this lavish production which is captivating from start to finish. Rhodes is captivating on stage, unlike some other performers his physique matches the part, as the Lothario Don Giovanni he has a sexy swagger and flirtatious attitude.
Once again the WA Opera brings a stage setting that is a marvel in itself, huge columns, balconies fill the performance space, which is deep, sloping upwards creating an unnerving optical illusion which disappears as soon as the action begins.
The story follows Don Giovanni and his companion Leporello. Leporello keeps watch while the masked hero tries to seduce the Commendatore’s daughter Donna Anna. The Commendatore dies when he engages in a duel with the hero. Donna Anna makes her finance swear to avenge the death of her father and so kicks off a journey of Don Giovanni attempting to seduce women, gathering scored boyfriends in pursuit and his humble companion Leporello trying to keep him out of trouble.
Needless to say like all good opera’s Don Giovanni has his comeuppance in the second act and dies a spectacular death. The final scenes of confrontation were actually quite terrifying as parts of the set unexpectedly came crashing down and Don Giovanni is pulled down into hell when he won’t repent his sins.
The show is full of comedy, there are a few laugh out loud moments as Don Giovanni tires to impress a maid on a balcony. The show has subtitles on screens at the side of the stage so you can follow the story, but at times I was so engrossed in the expressions and physical movement of Teddy Tahu Rhodes performance that I forgot to follow the words.
Teddy Tahu Rhodes embraces this role and delivers a captivating performance. Jud Arthur’s prominent portrayal of The Commendatore is unforgettable, especially in the second act of the show when he returns as a statue. James Clayton get’s his fair share of laughs as the sidekick Leporello, and Katya Webb is impressive in the role of Donna Elvira.
This is the first of two engagements in Perth in 2013 for leading man Teddy Tahu Rhodes, later in the year he’ll be back to star alongside Lisa McCune in Opera Australia’s production of ‘South Pacific’.
The West Australia Opera’s production of Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is playing at His Majesty’s Theatre until July 27. Bookings can be made at www.waopera.asn.au
Graeme Watson
