Excerpt
Over the course of the plot’s several days, women appear to get the upper hand after the roguish and boastful Falstaff (Darcy Carroll) schemes to seduce two married women, Frau Fluth (Teresa Ingrilli) and Frau Reich (Maria Woolford) – Alice Ford and Meg Page in Shakespeare’s comedy. Retaliatory in their attempts to teach him a lesson, Falstaff is outsmarted as part of the work’s comedic comment of entitlement, lechery and gluttony.
Vocally, an immediate sense of assuredness takes hold as Ingrilli and Woolford’s “merry wives” plot their revenge after comparing identical love letters sent to them by Falstaff.
Ingrilli brings a most endearing, bubbly cheekiness to Fluth, and a smashing flexible soprano that polishes the top notes with radiant beauty. She is complemented excellently by Woolford’s plush and umbrous mezzo-soprano, a dynamically thrilling instrument that colours Reich’s personality generously.
Their chemistry is infectious, their duets are gorgeously balanced, and each sings solos that impress while showcasing Nicolai’s mellifluous music.