Practice makes perfect
There are several ways to become a major opera star, a divo, or whatever they call it. One is to study music and performance for decades until somebody finally recognizes your talent. Another is to be born with an incredible instrument that defies all human comprehension and makes sounds that, usually, only angels can produce. The other way is the one I took: Buy your way in.
I’m now a cast member of “Don Giovanni” because I paid to be one at the Castleton fundraising gala in March. I have no shame. It was worth every penny!
I’ve studied Italian against the chance that I might get to perform in an opera one day. But most of what I’ve learned has come from opera libretti, so my conversational Italian is along the lines of (translated into English) “Perfidious one, thou hast deceived me!” I recognize that probably would be useful only in addressing a Roman street vendor who has just sold me a pair of “Gucci” loafers.
Nevertheless, our rehearsals progress. I’m struck by the incredible energy generated by our director, Giandomenico Vaccari, a man of slight build and tremendous perspicacity who knows every note and every word of “Don Giovanni.” He moves about the rehearsal hall like a caged panther, pacing and thinking, his head in his hands. When the inspiration hits him, he’s on it like a drone strike. He knows exactly what he wants from his performers.
The principal singers, all of whom appear to be in their late twenties or early thirties, are as spirited and enthusiastic as any producer or director could hope. They’re personable, friendly and supportive of each other and the entire cast. And can they sing. They’ve memorized their roles — most have appeared in other productions of “Don Giovanni” — so for them, it’s primarily a matter of honing in on the director’s interpretation and learning where to be and what to do when they’re on stage.
But we’re not on stage yet. We’re still rehearsing in the Rappahannock County Elementary School gym while sets are being constructed and costumes made at Castleton. Vaccari says we’ll be in the gym for another week.
His concept for this production is interesting. The legend of Don Juan (Giovanni in Italian) has been around for centuries. He first took literary form in Spain in the mid-1600s and, later in that century, was brought to life in France by no less a playwright than Molière. The story of the his life and loves has fascinated great writers through the years and he’s been interpreted on screen by stars from John Barrymore to Johnny Depp.
Vaccari’s concept is that the Don exists through time because he manages to escape punishment and death as easily as he slips away from the women he loves and leaves. He operates by trickery and deceit, with one foot in reality and one on an otherworldly plain where spirit-like enablers help him get what he wants then get away.
Don Juan/Giovanni truly is a man for the ages.