I sat front row in the mezzanine. Overall, I was not impressed with the performance. I was born and lived in Europe, where opera is very established, loved and cherished as a fundamental part of our culture. The singers were weak, couldn't overpower the music and couldn't hold the high pitch for more than a few seconds. They were cold, almost no emotions or sentiment. It was a shock to find that they didn't have a spare actor for Spoletta; a woman was moving on the stage while somebody was singing from the back with a microphone! Last night was the first time that my boyfriend attended an Opera, and even he immediately recognized and pointed out these shortcomings during the first intermission. I hope this disappointing first experience doesn't tarnish his view of something that can and should be such an enjoyable, emotionally moving experience. The shooting of Tosca, rather than her suicide (her voluntary act of defiance) was also a questionable choice.
Finally, a note to the audience. The overall behavior of the spectators was intolerable. First, a dress code problem: when did it become acceptable to go to the opera in flip flops, cargo shorts, plaid shirts and baseball caps? In Europe the Opera is a black tie event; tuxedos and evening gowns. While I don't expect such formality in North America, you could respect the event by dressing a little nicer than you do when you go for groceries. Second, you don't applaud during the performance, ever...not until the end of the Act - and you certainly you don't shout "bravo". You break the concentration of both singers and orchestra, not to mention any emotional connection that other members of the audience may have been having with the performance. I would suggest that the production issue these basic instructions to the audience during the pre-show announcement.
