Pagliacci

Under the guidance of Melanie Smart, the Gold Coast’s newest theatre company has staged Leoncavallo’s short opera Pagliacci for their inaugural production and what a great choice it proved to be.

With a strong principal line-up of Patrick Oxley as Canio, Melanie Smart as Nedda and (Musical Director) David McNeven stepping in at short notice as Tonio, and with the support of the minor principals and small chorus the music was well sung.

The conductor, Sue Roberts, controlled the 5 piece orchestra and chorus beautifully and the minimalist set suited the production.

Canio’s Aria “Vesti la giubba” (also known as “Bring on the Motley”) at the conclusion of Act 1, was beautifully sung by Patrick with the right amount of pathos to tug on the audience’s emotions.

At times, I felt that the chorus needed to relax and for some, not to over react to the action unfolding on stage. This, however, will improve as the company embarks on other selections from the Operatic repertoire.

It was encouraging to see a large number of younger people in the audience and enjoying this entertaining piece.

Roger McKenzie