Donizetti’s Don Pasquale, Irish National Opera’s five star opera (The Irish Times) was a hit with audiences and critics alike when it opened last year, with sold out shows and top reviews. The comedy opera is back on tour to the Lime Tree Theatre on Thursday February 9.
The put-upon Don Pasquale is sung by highly praised bass Graeme Danby, who according to the Irish Times “moves and mugs and poses with comic brilliance.” Wexford soprano Kelli-Ann Masterson, sings Norina. The Irish Examiner praised her performance “Kelli-Ann Masterson, whose talent for physical comedy is as clear as her dexterous singing in their four star review.
“It is”, Kelli-Ann says, “a dream role for me. Her character is so much fun, she’s feisty, ambitious and full of energy and her music is both stunning and vivacious.” The Wexford singer says she is fired up by the music, which she describes as “lively, upbeat, fun and instantly appealing”.
Don Pasquale’s nephew and rival Ernesto is sung by Welsh tenor Rhodri Prys Jones, who was praised in Arts Scene in Wales for his “smooth vocal performance” and “charismatic stage presence.”
Newry-born baritone Ben McAteer, described by the Sunday Independent as “a velvety Dr Malatesta, utterly in control of both his score and his comedy timing” rounds off the cast.
Irish National Opera performs Don Pasquale at Lime Tree Theatre on Thursday February 9.
