Hooray. Titus, also known as La Clemenza di Tito, is show about a ruler who is wise, kind and concerned about the people for whom he is responsible. How refreshing is that?
Oh, sure, conflict is at the heart of all theatre. And Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ fourth and final production of the year has plenty of it. It’s just that Emperor Titus is the good guy instead of some hotheaded revenge-seeking bully who is entitled to what he wants. Mozart created this opera to mark the coronation of Leopold II of Bohemia, although Leopold (who was the brother of Marie Antoinette, she of guillotine fame) did not quite live up to the standard Mozart set, using an old libretto from Pietro Metastasio. Antonio Salieri, whom you may remember from the film Amadeus, had earlier turned the gig down.
Forget Leopold. It’s Titus you want. He’s looking for an empress, you see, and things aren’t working out so well. Titus is sung by Rene Barbera, and he’s extremely satisfying in both voice and characterization of the emperor agonizing over a particularly painful betrayal. The female lead is Laura Wilde, who wants Titus in the worst way – literally, I assure you. She’s a delight, plotting and scheming and lusting after the crown if not the guy who holds it. Both of the women singing the trouser roles, that operatic quirk that has some males’ roles actually sung by women, Cecelia Hall, playing Sesto, Titus’ long-time best friend, and Emily D’Angelo as Annio, who’s in love with Sesto’s sister, are excellent, rocking their breeches with elan and great vocal work.
Titus is the swan song of Stephen Lord, OTSL’s distinguished music director, whose appearance in the pit on opening night was met with a standing ovation. He pulls together musicians both onstage and in the pit in a beautifully synchronized way. A remarkable set from Leslie Travers features the eagle of Imperial Rome, the rest of the set deceptively simple, but it’s the eagle that pulls things together. Travers is also responsible for the deliciously imperial costumes. And the score? It’s Mozart and it’s just marvelous.
It seems like the supertitles are less abundant than they once were, but I’m assured that this isn’t the case and I’m just a fuddy-duddy. Judge for yourself.
Titus
through June 24
Opera Theatre of St. Louis
Loretto-Hilton Center
130 Edgar Rd., Webster Groves
314-961-0644