DON GIOVANNI till 19 July.
DON GIOVANNI: Mozart – new version by Chris Monks.
New Vic, Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
www.newvictheatre.org.uk: 01782 717962.
Runs: 3h, one interval, till 19 July.
Review: Rod Dungate 27 July 2008.
A delight . . . keep them coming.
This production of Mozart’s Don Giovanni by Chris Monks is remarkable in that it’s 100 per cent accessible but never patronising. It has an impish delight about it that you suspect may bring it close to Mozart’s original intention. It’s extremely well sung by the predominantly young company yet there’s nothing posh about it – opera with its feet firmly on the ground.
It’s some time since I’ve been to the New Vic in Newcastle-Under-Lyme and I’d forgotten just how friendly the place is. This quality is another that makes the evening so special; both theatre and the show want you to be there; they warmly welcome you with open arms.
Chris Monks has a great record of producing these operas at the New Vic; the music remains the same but he resets them and provides a new book and lyrics – all of which are underpinned by a razor-sharp wit. In this production Giovanni becomes Count Zhivarny – Victorian magician-illusionist, womaniser, cad and conman. The young woman he wishes to have his wicked way with becomes young bride Christine Stingo married to publican Matt Stingo. The abandoned lover is updated to American actress Vera Landion. It all works very well indeed – and I still hear the Count seductively singing ‘Give me your hand, Christina.’
Jez Unwin plays the libertine count. He has a most beautiful voice – easeful and warm, particularly effective in his quieter moments; he creates a charming villain, though I’d like to see his acting sustained with a little more strength. Marcus Cunningham is a most able partner-in-crime.
Jennifer Rhodes is a lovely Christina and I adore the vigour of Aimee Thomas’s Vera.
Chris Monks directs with his usual, intelligence and swagger. He’s off to pastures new soon (to Scarborough); I hope we’re not going to lose this near-annual delight . . .
Stephen Carlile: Tod Ovation.
Claude Close: Mr Fisher / Treadles of the Yard.
Phil Corbitt: Matt Stingo.
Deborah Crowe: Anna Manometer.
Marcus Cunningham: Alfred Actotem.
Georgina Field: Jenny / Magician’s Assistant / The Humat.
Jennifer Rhodes: Christina Stingo.
Aimee Thomas Vera Landion.
Robert Traynor: Doctor Manometer.
Jez Unwin: Count Zhivarny.
Also: Joan Lister, Nicki Magnier, Robyn Mather, James Peake.
Director: Chris Monks.
Designer: Sue Condie.
Musical Supervisor and Arranger: Richard Atkinson.
Illusions Designed and Supervised by: Paul Kieve.
Lighting Designer: Chris Ellis.
Sound Designer: James Earls-Davis.
Choreographer: Beverley Edmunds.
Fight Director: Kate Waters.
Accent Coach: Caroline Hetherington.
Choreographer’s Assistant: Daniel Keen.
2008-06-29 13:38:28