The search for Vancouver's Arts Scene can find us sloshing about the Peanut Gallery, and grasping around the Contemporary Art Gallery. Recently, it's been leading me to the opera.

The Vancouver Opera is following their record breaking rendition of "Carmen" with a less traditional take on Verdi's controversial "Rigoletto." If you're not familiar with the "Rigoletto," have a listen to it's signature song: "La donna è mobile," or read it in manga form.

Despite the clowns and acrobats that fill this production with a circus-like atmosphere, it's no comedy. Rigoletto (Donnie Ray Albert) is a hunchbacked jester for the womanizing Duke of Mantua (Bruce Sledge). Made cruel and bitter by the debaucherious court, Rigoletto's only source of happiness is his beautiful daughter, Gilda (Eglise Gutierrez). Knowing that the courtiers would steal his child's innocence, he keeps her sheltered and secret—locked in a cage and forbidden to leave their home. As you might suspect, his efforts are laid to waste when the Duke and his courtiers discover the girl and steal her from him. This opera covers all the major themes of love, revenge, passion, and great sadness. The set design is cold, dark, and edgy—which helps to provide a grim atmosphere and a sense of modernism. Another touch of modernity (which caught me off guard) is the partial female nudity in the first act.

While everyone looked forward to "La donna è mobile" I found that Sledge's delivery was lacking. The crowd was obviously impressed by Albert's power and Gutierrez's talent—and together their duets were nothing short of awesome. Gutierrez's soprano gracefully sends shivers down your spine—making you feeling the need to breath for her as she holds those incredible notes. All in all, the haunting notes and vivid imagery of the storm scene stands out as a personal favorite.

To be honest I never thought I'd be one to suggest the opera—but giving the Vancouver Opera a chance has allowed me to see how entertaining this form of theater really is. Rigoletto is performed in Italian with 'surtitles' that are easy to follow. The production provides a great blend of culture and contemporaneity. With tickets starting at $23.25, going to the opera isn't just for the rich and elderly—and I highly recommend checking it out!

The opening night of "Rigoletto" was on March 7, 2009 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Performances will continue on March 10, 12, 14 and 17. Ticket information at VancouverOpera.ca.

This article was co-authored by Cecily McLarnin and Ami Sanyal. Photos by Tim Matheson. Another round of thanks to the Ling Chan and the rest of the Vancouver Opera staff for the generous hospitality.