A Charming ‘Don’

A new production of “Don Giovanni” by Opera Pacific shows the company at its most accomplished and charming. The music-making is first-rate, the visual realization of Mozart’s masterpiece striking, the singing ensemble admirable.

A co-production with the opera companies of Pittsburgh, New York and Tulsa, this “Giovanni,” which opened Tuesday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, was directed by Thor Steingraber in collaboration with designer Riccardo Hernandez, with costumes by David Woolard and lighting by Chris Binder.

The set is not so much minimal as it is effectively abstract. It consists of two vertical thrusts--one a stage-tall door at the left, the other a stage-high opening in the center--and a low wall with two doors, at the right. The props are simple tables and chairs. The moody and specific lighting is where most of the atmosphere is created in this production, including a motif of projected clouds evoking the heavenly judgment that awaits the unrepentant rake, Don Giovanni.

Steingraber’s direction matches the stripped-down set. He’s unobtrusive--the actors move naturally; the acting is as effective as the singing. As he did in two previous productions at Los Angeles Opera (“Cinderella” and “The Capulets and the Montagues”), Steingraber succeeds by allowing the music to be the main event.

And the music comes off the stage and out of the pit handsomely, from a tight ensemble of principals, a good chorus and an able orchestra, led by John DeMain, who proves himself (again) to be an authoritative Mozartean conductor. From the overture through the epilogue, the joys of the score are delivered.

The strong cast begins with the convincingly sung Don of William Shimell, who creates an anti-hero of vulnerability and human weaknesses whose bravado is transparent. Shimell’s Giovanni is not charismatic but highly faceted and his singing not showy, but functional. He is a contrast to Kyle Ketelson’s resourceful, well-sung Leporello.

Christine Goerke makes an imposing, commanding Donna Anna more capable than touching. On the other hand, Pamela Armstrong’s virtuosic singing of Donna Elvira’s music and nuanced acting proved noble throughout. Robert Breault’s Don Ottavio treats the character seriously and sings beautifully through challenging musical hurdles.

Sari Gruber was a charming Zerlina, Mark McCrory (who sings the Don on Friday) her bluff Masetto. In his two appearances, David Michael had the right voice and the proper dramatic weight for the Commendatore. And the convincingly staged fight scene in Act One was the handiwork of choreographer Mark Antonio Pritchett.

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“Don Giovanni” will be repeated Thurs., Fri. and Sat. at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. $25-$175. (800) 34-OPERA.