Verismo Opera’s version of La Traviata shines at Vallejo’s Bay Terrace Theater

VALLEJO — Cooperative opera group Verismo Opera premiered Giuseppe Verdi’s opera La Traviata at Mira Theatre Guild’s Bay Terrace Theater for a three-week engagement on Saturday.

La Traviata, first performed in 1853, tells the story of Violetta, a high class-courtesan in 19^th century Paris, and her lover Alfredo. Both leave Paris behind to live a passionate romance in the countryside, but the opposition of Alfredo’s father complicates their relationship. 

The production was directed by Verismo Opera’s president and artistic director Eliza O’ Malley. In the intimate setting of the Bay Terrace Theater, which seats roughly 100, you see the singers up close, and you hear clearly the 12-piece chamber orchestra, directed on Saturday by Martha Stoddard. The performers sing in Italian, but the audience can follow the plot by reading supertitles in English set over the stage.

Verismo Opera was started in 2008 by founding artistic director Frederick Winthrop. The company’s goal is to offer high quality, low-cost productions in various settings in the Bay Area, making this supposedly elite musical art accessible for all. Vallejo’s Bay Terrace Theater is one of their regular venues. A ticket to see the show costs $30, but seniors and students pay $20 and tickets are free for kids under 12.

Verismo has double and triple casted roles since its inception. “It’s a great way to assure that the performance can go on if people get sick and also give more singers a chance to participate,” O’Malley said.

On Saturday, Violetta was played by soprano Diane Squires. Her voice rose strong and emotional, and carried the audience with her. Caleb Alexander as Alfredo and the rest of the soloists provided an expressive counterbalance. The choir scenes were rousing, especially the “Libiamo” piece in the first act. You felt the joy that rules Violetta’s carefree days in Paris, soon to be marred by tragedy.

The audience was engaged throughout the 2 hours and 45 minute runtime, applauded after every aria, and offered a standing ovation at the end. 

Two audience members said that they never miss a production by Verismo Opera, something that O’Malley corroborated. “The audience is a combination of regulars and friends of the cast and orchestra, and it has been growing steadily since we’ve started doing more outreach such as the Vallejo Waterfront Weekend,” she said. “A recent collaboration with the Vallejo Symphony for their Porgy and Bess concert has also gone a long way toward getting the word out about the company.”

All the singers at Verismo Opera are volunteers. Only the orchestra gets paid. As it usually happens with community theater, ticket sales cover only a small part of the costs. The rest comes from private donations and grants. It’s a labor of love that allows Solano County residents to enjoy high quality opera at an affordable price and in a convenient location.

La Traviata will be at the Bay Terrace Theater in Vallejo the next two weekends. Find the schedule and a link to buy tickets on Verismo Opera’s website.