Rarely staged ‘Thérèse’ brings heightened drama and passion to Sarasota Opera

The Sarasota Opera has once again revealed a hidden gem of a long-neglected opera with its production of “Thérèse” by Jules Massenet.

For many years, Artistic Director Victor DeRenzi has made it his mission to produce an opera that has been overlooked and is rarely performed anywhere. At times, we might guess the reason for an opera’s previous omission. Massenet’s “Thérèse” is another matter altogether. “Thérèse” presents the entire package of a tight and compelling story packed with thrills and lush musical beauty.

The title heroine, Thérèse, is married to a conservative revolutionist, André Thorel, who purchased the château where his family had served the now exiled Marquis Armand de Clerval. Secretly, Thérèse is torn between her dutiful gratitude for her husband and the rekindled passion she feels for Armand when he returns to the château.

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Mezzo-soprano Liza Chavez brings strength to Thérèse while also expressing her fears about the outcome of the revolution. The caramel tones of her voice with expressive nuances carry us from situational anxiety to reminiscences of love and back again to sheer panic. In the opening of Act II Thérèse sings “One Day in June,” a poignant aria that celebrates the natural joys in contrast to the street violence that threatens.

Both of her leading co-stars match her well. Sean Anderson, as André is the braver of the two, a strong leader devoted to his wife. He loves her well yet is pulled to be on the front lines of the struggle. Anderson’s voice conveys all of these qualities with pleasing ease.

Andrew Surrena delivers a consistently pure tone that remains firmly in the realm of romance as Armand. He fears for his life but wants Thérèse to flee with him to safety. His duets with Chavez in both acts are among the most beautiful moments in the production. As they sing together, the revolution is held at bay.

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Before the curtain rises on the First Act, the orchestra introduces the dramatic tension with a frightening flurry of notes with sharp edges and jabs. The overture introduces a revolution in full swing accompanied by soldiers singing, marching and pounding the butts of their guns. Softened by the strings lending melodic grace to the otherwise unsettling context, the entire score provides an underlying terror and uncertainty, which is just delicious. The Sarasota Opera Orchestra musicians have been simply superb this season and are led in this production by conductor Louis Lohraseb in his Sarasota debut.

Stage director Katherine Carter, along with the entire production team of scenic designer Ryan Howell, lighting designer Ken Yunker, costume designer Howard Tsvi Kaplan, and wigs/make-up designer Kellen Eason, attend to every detail for a compelling impact. Autumn leaves drifting in the chateau courtyard in Act 1 against the sunset glancing through the woods not only set the exact moment but lend a sense of grounding normalcy. In contrast, the 18th-century drawing room in Paris with distinctive green walls and floor-to-ceiling windows shows the ravages of war in the tattered remains of curtains and a slashed painting with a broken frame left hanging on the wall.

Action in this opera is swift and direct. Nearly ready to run away with Armand, Thérèse feels the tug of duty and honor on the heels of horrific news. Her decision to act is instinctual and the results are immediate. And you will want to experience it before the production ends on March 25, the final weekend of Sarasota Opera’s winter season.

‘Thérèse’

By Jules Massenet. Conducted by Louis Lohraseb, directed by Katherine M. Carter. Reviewed March 17. Continues through March 25 at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota. $23-$150. 941-328-1300; sarasotaopera.org

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Opera brings passion and drama to rarely seen ‘Thérèse’