A Verdi Good Show

By Richard Mineards | February 20, 2024

The Stage duel between rivals Manrico and the count in Verdi’s Il Trovatore (photo by Priscilla)

Karin Wolverton (Leonora) and conductor Kostis Protopapas before their stage performances (photo by Priscilla)

Opera Santa Barbara’s newest production – Verdi’s historical melodrama Il Trovatore, a story of superstition, revenge, and ill-fated love in medieval Spain, including the famous “Anvil Chorus” – was an absolute delight.

Featuring a powerhouse cast at the Lobero with tenor Harold Meers, soprano Karin Wolverton, baritone Timothy Mix, bass Andrew Potter, with mezzo soprano Deborah Nansteel making her company debut, the atmospheric production was conducted by general director Kostis Protopapas and directed by Chuck Hudson.

Steven Kemp’s simple scenic design did the trick as did Jared Sayeg’s mood lighting.

Kudos also goes to the rest of the talented cast including Andrew Potter, Xavier Prado, and Max Potter.

A memorable evening…