FROM AROUND THE WORLD: MILWAUKEE.(Review)

Florentine Opera completed its season with a production of Le Nozze di Figaro (seen April 28) that had the potential for excellence. But the enterprise, though well sung by a fine cast, rarely rose above the level of routine. Inadequate rehearsal time may have been the cause, but this was a traditional-style production, and the conductor and director should have been able to do it -- better than this -- in their sleep. British maestro Steuart Bedford started the famous overture with an unusually fast tempo, which, combined with his illegible beat, drew ragged ensemble from the normally highly polished Milwaukee Symphony. Indeed, several minor ensemble flaws throughout the performance must be credited to Bedford's account.

Bass John Cheek brought his excellent tone and style to Figaro. He also contributed a sprightly, if not outright youthful, stage manner and his usual polished musical presence. He sang the high notes of "Se vuol ballare" securely and was a rock-solid contributor to the many vocal ensembles. Soprano Anita Johnson was a cute, active Susanna. She sang exceedingly well -- her "Deh' vieni, non tardar" was delicious -- and she proved an excellent actress, making a success of her "Venite, inginocchiatevi" scene with Cherubino despite the paucity of stage direction given her. The petite mezzo-soprano Kitt ...