Regina Opera presents another extravaganza, by George Fiala

Faithful readers of this paper will remember how I discovered one the great community gems that Brooklyn has to offer (and offered for over fifty years). I what because of the late Nino Pantano that I found myself in a Bay Ridge high school auditorium being blown away by talent that I thought was only reserved for tourists and well-heeled New Yorkers who could afford our major opera houses. There are no reserved seats, seats are first come-first served, meaning that for $25 or less, you get to see a top notch performance, complete with a full orchestra, including strings, percussion, piano and bras, performing right in front of you, conducted by Scott Jackson Wiley, who boasts an impressive portfolio spanning thirty years.

Verdi’s La Traviata was first performed in 1853 and has proven to be one of the most popular of all opera performances and a staple of most companies.

I

t is a tragic love story involving a woman described in the story as a courtesan. I guessed that meant being a prostitute, but upon checking I see that there were two kinds, upper and lower class. Violetta was upper class and a respectable gentleman, Alfredo, falls in love with her. One of the problems is that Violetta is sick with tuberculosis. Another problem is that this relationship threatens the upcoming respectable wedding of Alfredo’s sister.

Alfredo’s father begs Violetta to break it off, which despite her happiness at actually being in a real true love relationship, she reluctantly agrees to.

Many things ensue, including a poker game where Alfredo, in a show of temper, throws his winnings at Violetta, thinking that she has foresaken him due to fickleness instead of his father.
In the end, there is a reunion that is spoiled by Violetta succumbing to her disease.

Regina’s performances always feature a simultaneous translation above the stage, but I went to a dress rehearsal without the translation. Maybe knowing the words would have informed me about the tuberculosis, as Yujin Zeng, singing a beautiful Violetta, didn’t seem to cough.
Jonathan R Green , who played the father, has a wonderfully rich baritone. Note that performers change during the engagement.

There is much ensemble singing in this opera, and the large cast were full of wonderful voices.
I cannot stress enough that even if you think that opera is not for you, give this company a chance.

All the performers are top notch, and the music is extraordinary.

There is one free dress rehearsal coming up on May 8, with performances on Saturday May 10 and 17, and Sunday May 11 and 18. Performances are at 7 pm except 3 pm Sundays.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help is 5902 Sixth Avenue, between Bay Ridge and Brooklyn’s Chinatown.

George Fiala

George Fiala has worked in radio, newspapers and direct marketing his whole life, except for when he was a vendor at Shea Stadium, pizza and cheesesteak maker in Lancaster, PA, and an occasional comic book dealer. He studied English and drinking in college, international relations at the New School, and in his spare time plays drums and fixes pinball machines.