COC’s Production of Falstaff -- An All-Canadian Cast Brings It Home

Closing night of the COC’s production of Falstaff, Verdi’s last opera. At 80, he was still artistically fresh, writing a work which was outside the convention of opera’s set-pieces, which normally focus on arias for the soloists.

Verdi wrote a through-composed opera where, for the most part, the music continuously tumbles along with the rapid fire words of the libretto in ensemble pieces rather than solo arias. It is intricate and masterful writing.

Director Robert Carsen gave us an effervescent production, full of light-heartedness and good humour.

When the curtains parted for Act II, Scene 2, there were smiles, giggles, and spontaneous applause for the set - a 1950’s yellow kitchen! The zany Keystone Cops antics of Ford, the husband, and the male choristers in this setting were truly delightful. The entire all-Canadian cast was excellent. 

How did our Falstaff, Gerald Findley, act and sing so well, encumbered as he was with his “fat suit” and latex neck and jaw makeup! All this to give our slender baritone the proper girth for the role!

Alex and I laughed from the first scene of the opera to the last. The entire audience left the opera house with huge smiles.

– Alexina Louie