Don Giovanni played here by Christopher Brandon Morales, a stand-in for Luis Alejandro Orozco, and Leperello played by Thomas Richards - Courtesy: Mark Lyons
Mozart’s Don Giovanni has all the hallmarks of his legendary literary counterpart: a freewheeling hedonist and serial lover with 2,065 alleged amorous conquests copiously recorded by his servant Leporello. In the space of 24 hours, the Don kills a man, attempts a few more seductions and willingly faces eternal punishment rather than repent. CCM Professor of Opera and renowned director Nic Muni calls his staging a “re-imagination,” setting it in 18th century Seville. Known for his edgy interpretations, Muni and his production staff explore social and economic constraints that were even more restrictive in Spain. Fortunately, Muni hasn’t forgotten that Don Giovanni is a “dramma giocosa” — a comic drama with memorable music, including Leporello’s “Catalog Aria.” Double casting means more opportunities to hear CCM’s extraordinary range of vocal talent. Thursday-Sunday. $17-$29. Patricia Corbett Theater, UC’s College-Conservatory of Music. 513-556-4183.
If you are looking for an evening consisting of sexual scenes acted out and innuendoes that were not intended as such by the libretto, then this is the opera for you. Otherwise, I would precaution anyone wanting to attend this rendition of Mozart's darkest opera, that the CCM opera staff has gone overboard with their interpretations of Don Giovanni and have portrayed completely unnecessary scenes that dirty a classic piece of literature. I was impressed with the vocal ability of the actors, but very displeased with the director's interpretations.