The Opera Tattler

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Don Giovanni Cast Changes (SF/NY)

Don_Giovanni_Playbill_Vienna_Premiere_1788Shawn Mathey will replace Topi Lehtipuu as Don Ottavio in San Francisco Opera's new production of Don Giovanni, opening this Saturday. Lehtipuu has withdrawn due to illness. Shawn Mathey makes his San Francisco Opera debut with these performances.

In other Don Giovanni news, Peter Mattei replaces Mariusz Kwiecien in the first three performances of Met's new production, on October 13, 17, and 22. Kwiecien herniated a disc in his back during rehearsal. He will return to the role starting October 25. Rodion Pogossov takes over Mattei's performances of Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia on October 14 and 22.

SF Opera Press Release | SF Opera's Official Site | The Met's Official Site

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11 responses to “Don Giovanni Cast Changes (SF/NY)”

  1. Anon Avatar
    Anon

    well…not going to see Don Giovanni anymore (@ SF)

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  2. Hank Avatar
    Hank

    Is that because you hate Shawn or because you love Topi?
    h

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  3. Lilacrobin Avatar
    Lilacrobin

    Topi will be missed…. not only does he have a sweet, yet powerful voice, he is so handsome! I hope his illness is not too serious…. meanwhile, at last night’s Final Dress, Shawn Mathey was in fine form…in fact, all the singers are solid – Lucas Meachem – wow – what a Giovanni!!!! Go see this!
    ♥ Robin ♥

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  4. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    Sorry to hear that.

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  5. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    Looking forward to it.

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  6. Hank Avatar
    Hank

    Anybody go to opening night?
    I’m thinking of spending (what I call) serious bucks for a ticket for Tuesday night, but I don’t want to go if the performance turned out to be a bust…

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  7. crc Avatar
    crc

    performance definitely woth seeing. sets? other than watching a distorted view of conductor in one of the mirrors (an artistic comment) minimal sets fine. who cares about “realistic sets.”
    Most performances good to great. Meachem is an excellent actor, has a sweetness to his voice that is lovely-even if voice could be a little consitantly bigger.Dehn (dona anna) good acting, good voice, occasional lips moved no sound. Farnocchia (Elvira) lovely voice if body language that of a rag doll. BTW what is with increasing trend of having singers kneeling, lying down crouching??? Is that to offset those who can’t move on stage? If so Mathey should have been in a hospital bed-I actually wondered if he had a spinal disability-I apologize if he does. Wonder why he is so well liked- I am amateur, don’t even know technical terms, but i know stuttering from gliding in Il Mio Tesoro. Lindsey started out great, beautiful voice, great acting AND dancing (some fliexibility) was really enjoying her performance when she ent flat toeards the end. Leporello-WOW! Looked like he studied with geoff hoyle. Commander-limited role but great voice.
    Probably a mistake to compare performances to your CD collection. This crew was definiely high quality (with some exceptions-Mathy being one to me and what is with the way he held his sword in act one-like he was urinating in the park). My last Giovanni was with Samuel Ramey and my CD is Hampson-so a tough go for Meachem. But I am very glad I saw this and highly recommend it….
    Is this performance worth seeing-absolutely.

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  8. The Opera Tattler Avatar
    The Opera Tattler

    I do think the performances will get better as time goes on, and there is a lot of pretty singing in this.

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  9. Hank Avatar
    Hank

    Well I’ve got a ticket for Tuesday night so I’ll see it then and report back.
    Hank

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  10. Lilacrobin Avatar
    Lilacrobin

    Hank….go! Though the staging is dull (reminiscent of Gerald Howland’s “Season of Mirrors” during Lotfi’s final season)…the singing is really solid…costumes are good….even Lucas’ shades are sort of cool.
    I like his portrayal of the Don… there is some humour to it….he is not a 100% brutal rapist and murderer. His voice is wonderful. The ladies are all good…..so much better than the last horrific production we had…..
    Topi Lehtipuu is really missed though… he made a believable and even sympathetic Don Ottavio….
    Nothing (not even a perfect DVD can beat good opera when it is live….at least to me). Looking forward to hearing your review!
    ♥ Robin ♥

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  11. Erin Wall Mauro Avatar
    Erin Wall Mauro

    Shawn has had a pretty serious back injury in the past. Maybe it flared up. He’s a wonderful colleague.

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