Youthful Cast Delights in ‘Regiment’

Young singers of exceptional talent but small experience make up most of the cast of the New York City Opera National Company’s “La Fille du Regiment.” The troupe launched its 1998 U.S. tour at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday night.

Staged by the inventive Matthew Lata as a turn-of-the-last-century romp, this mounting of Donizetti’s French opera moves straight toward its climax. Conductor Joseph Colaneri--who made this recitative version and reduced the orchestration--leads the proceedings with splendid versatility, letting the singers take their moments but never restraining the action.

The handsome sets, including a huge touring automobile of the period used for maximum effect, are the handiwork of Allen Moyer, who also created the mostly unflattering costumes. Lighting, credited to Clifton Taylor’s design, looks primitive and almost willfully unsubtle.

The cast sings well and enthusiastically. The one veteran here is Nancy Shade, who makes the most of her cameo as the Duchess of Crackentorp (her fans should note that she sings the role of the Marquise of Berkenfeld at the Saturday matinee).

Extravagantly gifted, Jessica Siena takes on all the musical baggage--and high notes--of Marie without flinching. Wednesday, the soprano needed half an act to warm up and showed some signs of opening-night nerves. But she triumphed nonetheless. One would be hard pressed to bet exactly where this huge vocal gift is eventually headed: Wagner? Lady Macbeth? Aida?

Melissa Parks, much too young for the Marquise, nevertheless gives it honest characterization, and sings impressively at the same time. William Fleck’s Sulpice shows musical and histrionic solidity and moves authoritatively. Near the end of the opera, young Thomas Trotter hit a ravishing high C that made up for the halfway efforts he put forward in his early aria. As Hortensius, the Marquise’s factotum, Matthew Surapine added a charming dimension of lightness and grace.

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* With changing casts, the New York City Opera National Company performs “La Fille du Regiment” at Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. $15-$45. (562) 916-8500.