Review-Opera Orlando's "Frida"

Frida -Review Opening Night January 26, 2024

This season, Opera Orlando kicked-off its All for Art theme with Frida. The life and times of the most famous female painter, Frida Kahlo. Her life with her husband and famous painter, Diego Rivera is a thrill to behold. Hurry and catch the final performance on Sunday, January 27, 2024 at 2pm at the Dr. Philips Center in Orlando. Tickets Here.

Book by Hilary Blecher, Music by Robert Xavier Rodriguez and Lyrics and monologues by Migdalia Cruz.

It was a full and lively house on opening night with a well-deserved standing ovation for the cast and crew of this amazing opera.

Set in Mexico, where both Frida and Diego lived, loved and languished in an often abstract and tumultuous world of art, politics and fame.

The story begins with Frida, a young schoolgirl, a student of art who is enamored with the famous older painter. Diego instantly falls in love with her on their first encounter when she brazenly pulls out a painting and tells him to give her a painfully honest critique. Almost immediately after laying his eyes on her work, he hands it back and tells her to keep painting.

Frida was a woman way ahead of her time. Strong, independent, brave, and brutely honest about herself, Diego and the world around her. She embodied a free spirit, a true artist who conveyed her most passionate and painful experiences on canvas.

The life and times of Frida and Diego is fascinating, and Opera Orlando did a superb job of casting a spell on the audience and drawing us into the colors and strokes of their lives. The musical score will be enjoyed by melophiles of all genres.

Cecilla Violetta Lopez is remarkable in the role of Frida and portrayed every colorful value and hue of the artist. Her singing voice is sweet, strong and perfect.

Bernardo Bermudez is riveting and embodied Diego Rivera with his physical and emotional tones.

These two fine actors were so believable in their roles it was stunning.

Stage direction and choreography by John de los Santos was flawless. One of the highlights was the enchanting and sexual dance scene with Frida in the bathtub with dancers Ernesto Caballero, Danny Enriquez, Jenny Rios-Caballero and Natalia Soto who were able to express the eroticism that Frida exuded.

The simple yet poignant scenic design by Grant Preisser drew us into the web and flow from 1923 to Frida’s final days in 1954 with large artwork by Kahlo.

Argentinian conductor, Jorge Parodi, lithely transitioned from hope to sadness bringing me to tears at the end of the show.

For more on Opera Orlando’s All for Art 2023-2024 season visit their website.

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