Trenton Traducer

by David Shengold

opera

Often called the greatest opera ever written, Mozart's version of the Don Juan story packs a punch. The oldest opera never to fall out of the frequently performed repertory, it owes some of its brilliance to the libretto by one-time Philly resident Lorenzo da Ponte, but the music — by turns sublime, seductive, ethereal and earthy — works the charm. Trenton's reliably enjoyable Boheme Opera offers a new look at Don Giovanni in their priceless venue, the art deco War Memorial. Three excellent young American singers from New York City Opera perform. Adina Aaron (pictured), the standout in Boheme's Carmen a few seasons back, received unparalleled international exposure for her affecting DVD performance as the star of Franco Zeffirelli's small-scaled Aida; she sings the aristocratic Anna, whom Don Giovanni is assaulting as the curtain goes up. Cheryl Evans, a sensational Queen of the Night in Mozart's Magic Flute, should ignite the stage as the passionate Elvira. The fine lyric tenor Matthew Chellis takes on the beautiful music of Anna's fiance, Ottavio — the nice guy she's supposed to want to marry; after tangling with Don Giovanni, doubts arise. At the center of the drama of thwarted passions stands the lustful, mercurial Don himself (Cypriot baritone Constantinos Yiannoudes, another Boheme favorite) and his trusty comic sidekick, Leporello (stage-wise bass Matthew Lau). Edward Crafts draws on his long experience as a fine singing actor to direct.

Don Giovanni, Boheme Opera, Fri., April 15, 8 p.m.; Sun., April 17, 3 p.m.; $26-$63, Patriots Theater, War Memorial, Trenton, N.J., 609-581-7200.

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