Editors note: This is Stephen's first review of an opera. It was also his first opera, so he has nothing to compare it to. Stephen boundless energy and love anything artistic are taking him in new directions every day. He continues to grow. Soon Stephen will be a veteran of these affairs and as you can see he has flair for the written word and we're confident his reviews are going to continue to entertain and inform.

Verdi’s Rigoletto

Reviewed by: Stephen R. Lang

I still have four napkins full of wishes that I filled out back in July 11, 2001.  My roommate had watched “Oprah” that day and one her guests had written down 50 things he wished to accomplish within 10 years.  He not only inspired the audience, but also gave me a dream.  My #3 wish was to “See an Opera with Someone Who Really Likes the Opera.”

Well, waiting for the Opera to start, not knowing what to do, all I could do was just watch.  Yesterday, one of my friends came to me asking what to wear.  I assured him that both he and his boyfriend would look totally appropriate in shirt/tie/slacks—but who was I to know?  I had never been to an Opera before, and, as an Opera Virgin, did not know what to expect—only guess.  I have seen several Broadway musicals, plays, and performances, and based it on that.  I saw the gamut between:  dark suits and tuxes, to a guy with a bowling shirt and sneakers to ladies with furs, and a lady dressed in fuchsia.  There were Opera Scarves, broaches, a variety of animal skins, diamonds, and strands and strands of pearls.  I’m just glad that I never bought that Opera Coat from the International Male catalogue! 

As I made headway to my section, way, way, way up in the balcony, I was grateful to be given a guide.  I had been searching online yesterday to find out exactly what this one was about.  All I kept getting were performances and reviews.  So, as I found my seat, in Row M (it only goes up to N), I crammed like there was a test in ten minutes.  It gave me a synopsis of all three acts.  The basic thing is that it is about love, honor, and a curse.   

Let me break this down quite simply and easily.  

Act I:

*Rigoletto is a Jester and works for the Duke.

*Rigoletto has a daughter—named Gilda.

*Everyone thinks that Rigoletto has a mistress (really Gilda).

*The Duke is a womanizing pig and has no respect for women.

*Count Monterone is mad at the Duke and accuses him of violating his daughter.

*The Duke is unaffected by harassment and Rigoletto makes fun of The Count.

*The Count puts a “Father’s Curse” on Rigoletto. 

Act II:

*Rigoletto runs into the hired assassin Sparafucile who offers help.  Not taken.

*Rigoletto afraid for Gilda.  Wants her locked in and safe.

*Gilda has been making goo-goo eyes with boy at church.

*Boy follows Gilda home, finds out she would like it if he were poor.

*Since Boy is The Duke—pretends to be poor student, for the heart of Gilda.

*Townspeople kidnap Gilda (thinking she’s the mistress) and bring her to The Duke’s home.

*Ashamed, Rigoletto vows to right the wrong and restore Gilda’s good name.

*Rigoletto is scared of the curse. 

Act III:

*Rigoletto hires Sparafucile, who, with help of sister, will kill The Duke in Sparafucile’s home.

*Sparafucile’s sister (Maddalena), who is supposed to occupy The Duke’s attention while her brother kills him—falls in love with him and begs for his life.

*Rigoletto and Gilda hear The Duke and Maddalena being frisky and naughty.

*Gilda runs home to run away, forever, but disguised as a boy.

*Gilda cannot stay away—still loves The Duke.

*Brother and sister argue over whom to kill—Brother gave word to Rigoletto and vows to kill The Duke, Sister says kill Rigoletto and keep all the money.

*Gilda bangs on door and is let in….

*Gilda stabbed and disguised as The Duke in a bag.

*Rigoletto happy The Duke is dead.

*Rigoletto hears The Duke sing, thinks going mad, looks in bag to see Gilda.

*Rigoletto cries out “The curse!” 

Let me just tell you, from the opening, I was a fan.  Anyone and everyone can and will enjoy this performance.  There is something for everyone, even if you do not like The Opera or Opera Music—everyone will take away something they liked.  One thing that put my nerves to rest was the fact that there was a tiny screen above the stage telling you some of the lines, in English.  I speak some Spanish, can understand some Italian, but Opera Italian is totally different.  That did not matter—I love music.  I am particularly drawn to female singers, and the ranges that they go through, was shear amazement.  As a former Chorus singer, I know the balance and endurance it takes to carry a note, standing up.  However, Gilda had many scene lying down, partially down, on her side…and I never missed a note. Maddalena, even when trying to seduce The Duke, you felt the intensity, passion, and determination to save him when Sparafucile has to kill him.  Even though I do love my women, Rigoletto was on stage, in the flesh and blood.  You shared in his angst, and felt the complete abandonment when Gilda slipped away when he screams “The curse!”   

I was blown away by the sets; they were simple—yet amazingly malleable.  One way you are looking at a courtyard, the next a dissected house, then The Duke’s residence, and finally, with simple changes, it is made to look like a waterway with moving water.  I did not need Opera Glasses—even though I could have used them, everything was crystal clear, simple, clean, and well thought-out.  Some times, I felt like I was looking at a painting—until someone moved.   

As a person that has never been to an Opera before, but attended several Broadway musicals and shows, I actually had the best seat in the house.  I remember years ago in Voice Class, the conductor telling me that we had to sing to the last seat in the house and that Opera stars can do that easily.  I was in Row M—there’s only Row N left.  Yes, I literally did see rivets in the roof beams, but, by the time the vocals and instrumental acoustics made it to me, it was the perfect blend.  Two Chef friends of mine told me that most food tastes better the next day—after blending and meshing.  Well, I was in the Next Day Section! 

Whether you liked “Rigoletto” for the music, the acting, costumes, stage design, or whatever have you, you went there.  Even though I do not have a child, I know what it is like to be worried for someone, to want the best for them, and to do whatever is necessary to keep them safe.  I know that there are certain aspects of my job I do not like, try to change the path my life is going down, and the sanctity of a person’s word.  I can relate to all of these themes, couldn’t you? 

Who would have thought that a bar napkin could contain such power, almost five years later?  It comes from a restaurant that it itself is no longer around, bulldozed years ago.  The only thing that I have to honor that night, to the person that I was with almost five years ago—is four napkins.  Sure, some of the things I could care less about, or no longer need. Here are a few of them. 

[#24:  Help manage a hot nightclub. #40:  Have Versace underwear.]   

But, on the other hand, I have actually done a lot, without even realizing it.  

[#14:  Ride in a limo.  #21:  Get a Pedicure.]   

I still cannot believe that seeing an Opera was so far out of reach for me at the time yet in my Top Five.  Out of the 50, I have now accomplished 15 things.  Most I will never do, for that was the me of 2001.  I am the me of 2006.  I am now on the lookout for #4:  See a real Ballet with someone who likes the ballet.  Any takers?