Puccini's "Tosca" is a seething cauldron of emotion — love, jealousy, hate, domination, desperation and despair all embodied by three passionate characters.
Yet in the Orlando Philharmonic's production, those emotions never felt ready to bubble over. The show is well sung, and the orchestra sounded grand. But the singers didn't demonstrate the connections with one another that can make this intensely personal opera shake you to your core.
That didn't prevent the work's famous arias from resonating. In the title role, Keri Alkema delivered a beautifully moving "Vissi d'arte." Under the stage direction of Henry Akina, she also emphasized the humor in Tosca's jealous nature. As her lover, Cavaradossi, Adam Diegel did justice to the despairing "E lucevan le stele."
Todd Thomas's villainous Scarpia could have used a bit more leering in his menace, while Thomas Hammons nicely characterized the doddering sacristan.
Under the direction of Joel Revzen, the orchestra magnificently tackled the dramatic crashes of Puccini's score. Especially lovely was the Act III opening, where gentle sounds of dawn mixed with the underlying sadness of what the day would bring.
Balance between the singers and orchestra, though, was problematic at key moments: When Scarpia vowed to have Tosca, was he exerting himself in anger or to be heard over the musicians? And incredibly, the orchestra drowned out the famed "This is Tosca's kiss."
Lizz Pittsley's lighting was hit and miss. "Tosca" is a story of shadows — fugitives and spies abound. But the utilitarian lighting displayed much of the action at the same level. The lights did darken for Tosca's deadly deed — but that left Alkema's face obscured far too long at a crucial moment.
The chorus, from Florida Opera Theatre, was in fine form — especially during its offstage singing of Tosca's "Cantata." Harmonies could be clearly heard, providing a poignant backdrop to Scarpia's interrogation of Cavaradossi. The chorus was well-prepared by Robin Stamper, who unfortunately for Central Florida audiences, is moving down Interstate 4 to become general manager of Opera Tampa. He has done exceptional work as chorus master and pianist for both Philharmonic and Florida Opera Theatre productions, and he will be missed.
On a more upbeat note, Philharmonic executive director David Schillhammer was surprised during his preshow speech — he might call it ambushed — in recognition of his 15 years at the helm of the Phil. Former board president Candace Crawford proclaimed him "an extraordinary leader" in the well-deserved tribute.
'Tosca'
• What: Orlando Philharmonic production of Puccini's tragic opera
• Length: 2:35, including 2 intermissions
• Where: Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre, 401 W. Livingston St., Orlando
• When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3
• Cost: $22-$63
• Call: 407-770-0071
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