Spartan Daily

La Traviata, a must-see this Valentine's Day

Jeffrey Cianci, Spartan Daily

Torlef Borsting (left) as Giorgio Germont and Jouvanca Jean-Baptiste (right) as Violetta in Opera San Jose’s La Traviata. Photo Courtesy of P. Kirk

Same story line, same actors, same Hollywood ending. It's played out.

Instead, opt for a classic that never goes out of style — Opera La Traviata.

Opera San Jose kicked off the opening of this production this past weekend, to the rapturous applause and bravado of a full house at California Theatre, located at 345 South First St.

The same rollercoaster of emotions could be yours to ride (with a Valentine date, perhaps?) for the same cost of a movie. Skip the box office regret and enjoy an enthralling romantic epic.

After all, that "Moulin Rouge" movie starring Nicole Kidman (you know the one, the same one you've Netflix-ed on past Valentine's Days), well, it was inspired by La Traviata.

However, in this love story, there are no can-can dancing harlots.

Rather, the story revolves around Violetta Valery, an opportunistic, Parisian courtesan who is distracted from her latest benefactor by a young man with true affections for her.

Though, to see how the story plays out when all Violetta's reservations about love are turned on their head, you will have to see La Traviata for yourself.

The musical movement of this opera tugs at the heartstrings, from brief moments of melodic joy sung in duet by Violetta and her lover Alfredo to the pensive, discordant ensemble which unfolds the eventual plight of the couple.

The audience is thrown into the emotional meaning between each chord and chorus.

At the opening weekend matinee performance, Rebecca Davis took the stage as Violetta in an impromptu cast change made by Opera San Jose.

Rarely is one outstanding performer enough reason to make a production worth a go-see, but Davis is the exception.

This woman is a voice to be reckoned with and a gifted talent.

Davis reminds the viewer that on the one hand there is operatic singing and on the other there is opera. Opera evokes emotion. It puts you on the edge of your seat. It is provocative. Watching and hearing Davis' performance as Violetta is opera.

Michael Dailey, an Opera San Jose company member, in the role of Violetta’s lover, Alfredo, is the perfect complement.

Dailey’s youthful charm befits Alfredo’s lovestruck character.

The themes of young, distracted love are not too far off from a contemporary spring break romance.

Sooner or later, one realizes that blissful retreats from everyday life are short-lived and bills must be paid.

Though La Traviata was contemporary at the time Guiseppi Verdi premiered the opera in Venice in 1853, it is interesting to see that the themes of the production are still thought-provoking in this day.

Have you ever dated someone that your parents or peers suggested was not the “right one” for you?

Ever ignored the obligations of life and got carried away in a romantic affair?

Maybe you got involved with someone and walked blindly into a love triangle?

Whether you have encountered these situations in your own life, the characters of La Traviata have.

With the true to life possibilities of these scenarios, this opera beats out the improbable Hollywood ending of a romantic comedy blockbuster any day.