Voices Soar in Utah Valley University’s Production of La Traviata

By Jason Hagey and Alisha Hagey

In the Utah Valley University’s Smith Theater, UVU’s School of the Arts performs Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata with an unmistakable passion and unrelenting love. La Traviata tells the story of how the lovely but sick courtesan, Violetta Valery, is deceived into leaving the love of her life, Alfredo Germont. As the curtain rises, we are treated to a beautiful, backlit tableau. The music swells and this heartbreaking story begins. Violetta lives a life of luxury, her lifestyle provided by a wealthy benefactor, but upon meeting Alfredo, she is willing to give it all up to be with him. Like too many stories, however, our lovers are star-crossed. Their journey is beautiful, not only in music but in the romance that blossoms like the rose Violetta proffers to Alfredo upon first meeting. Sadly, Violetta is duped, sacrifices all that truly matters to her, and in the end, she dies. Their love resounds in our hearts as the curtain falls.

Louise Frazier as Violetta Valery shines with her impressive vocal prowess. Verdi does not make it easy for his lead soprano, but Frazier is up to the task and proves a powerful personality. In fact, she carries the entire show. She impresses on the dancing coloratura lines while conveying a strong and potent soliloquy. Samuel Plumb (Alfredo Germont) provides passion in his performance. He is an ardent lover and his fervent tenderness is palpable, raising the stakes of the relationship in a way that most actors are not able. Playing his duplicitous father, Christopher Clayton (Giorgio Germont) is incredibly sincere and authentic. Though the character is false, Clayton does not perform him as diabolical. Instead, he gives the role an unexpected sympathy because of his personal authenticity.

These three very gifted leads are supported by a wonderful ensemble cast of diverse and authentic characters. Unusual for a cast this large, the performers create individuals that appear to have their own backstories and relationships. Never upstaging the action, yet full of personality, you could watch each person and wonder what was going to happen next in their lives. Among them, Cristina Villalobos (Flora Bervoix) stands out as a very gifted actor who is easily able to communicate character through song.

Director Dr. Isaac Hurtado gives us a traditional telling of La Traviata. Hurtado is especially strong during the ensemble numbers. He creates exceptional stage pictures, using the levels of the stage to his advantage. Nicholas Giusti (Conductor) is able to connect with his musicians, all while supporting the actors on stage. He does a masterful job at bringing this incredibly challenging score to life. 

Glenn Pepe (Scenic and Prop Design) creates a very versatile world. He has pieces that are reused to create the four locations, all while feeling fresh and giving levels for the actors. The sets easily inhabit the lush qualities of the Parisian nobility. Tawnie Robinson (Lighting Designer) uses the scrim to give us strong impressions of emotion. Robinson shines especially bright in the final moments of the piece, leaving us with the haunting image of a woman dying. Carla Summers (Costume Designer) creates lavish and lovely pieces. They instantaneously give a sense of location and time as well as create a dynamic world for the actors. The costumes are very much another character. Especially with the cultural familiarity to the story due to movies such as Pretty Woman and Moulin Rouge, it is easy to see why La Traviata is one of the most often produced operas of the last few years. The plot isn’t overly complicated, the characters are straightforward and relatable, and we all love a good love story. La Traviata is a wonderful entry point for someone new to the world of opera. Many of the roles are double-cast, which means you can see it twice and have a whole new experience each time. La Traviata is accessible to everyone and well worth seeing. Come be swept away by the passion.

Utah Valley University School of the Arts presents La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi.
Utah Valley University, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem, Utah 84058, Smith Theater
January 22-25, 7:30 PM
Tickets: $17 Individuals, $12 Students (Ages 6-College), $15 Group Rate (Sets of 10)
Contact: 801-863-7529
Ticket Office
UVU School of the Arts Facebook Page
La Traviata Facebook Event

Photo Credit: Graham Whipple