SFO SUPERS IN FESTIVAL OPERA’S TOSCA

The summer opera season continues for Supers Mike Harvey, Kurt Krikorian, Charlie Lichtman, Paul Szczesiul, and Tom Romero (cover) as they act up a storm in the church, the palace, and the prison in Walnut Creek Festival Opera’s production of Tosca.

Starring Othalie Graham in her debut (and knockout) performance as Floria Tosca, Robert Breault singing and acting one of the finest Cavaradossis ever heard in these parts (SFO casting department – take notice!), and San Francisco Opera favorite Bojan Knezevic working the snarl as a most convincing Scarpia, it was not surprising that the audience had no trouble jumping to their feet to show their appreciation for this "dream team" cast when the curtain went out for the bows.

The role of Spoletta was sung by former SFO chorister Wayne Davis, and Sciarrone was performed by John Minagro, who appeared in the SFO production of Giulio Cesare.

For the Supers, it was no trouble at all following the able direction of New York City Opera producer and director Beth Greenberg. Paul Szczesiul appeared as the Cardinal, doing a solo processional during the Te Deum in Act 1, and the Captain of the Guard in Act 3, but his best performance was in Act 2 as Roberti, the deranged torturer, after changing costumes and having his makeup and wig altered by Denise Gutierrez as an homage to Lucille Ball. Mike Harvey reprised his SFO opera roles as a Scarpia’s agent and Executioner. Kurt Krikorian, who made his SF Opera Super debut last season in Norma, both sang (Act 1 and 2) and supered (Act 3) in this production. This was Charlie Lichtman’s fifth Tosca (three with SFO, one with SF Lyric Opera). He reprised his role in the Act 3 firing squad, but this was his first time out as a Scarpia’s agent.

Puccini’s "‘shabby little shocker" was performed at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek and in a grand circus tent at Meadowood Resort in the Napa Valley.

Here is a small gallery of backstage photos of some of the performers and crew.