Turandot

Opera Colorado kicks off its 2001 season with Puccini's Turandot, featuring the debut of its new Artistic Director James Robinson. If this production is any indication, Robinson's reputation for putting the grand back in opera is well deserved.

Using modern sets and projection techniques that evoke oriental architecture, calligraphy and landscapes, and rich costumes that establish classical dynastic power, this tale of a vengeful Chinese princess reaches mythic proportions.

Theresa Santiago, as the slave woman who makes the ultimate sacrifice, leads the company with her passionate pleadings to the prince, Calaf, to resist the temptation of Turandot. Jeanne-Michele Charbonnet, as the icy queen, is strong medicine, while Antonio Nagore's Calif is consuming yet short of heroic.

Lots of good work from the supporting roles surround the principles, as well as the Colorado Children's chorale and the orchestra itself. Two performances of Opera Colorado's Turandot remain--this evening (3/16) and a Sunday matinee (3/18). The box office can be reached at 303-893-4100.