What: “Daughter of the Regiment” by Gaetano Donizetti

Who: Tacoma Opera

When: 2 p.m. Nov. 8

Where: Rialto Theater, 310 S. 9th St., Tacoma

Tickets: $25-$62

Information: 253-627-7789, www.tacomaopera.com

It’s not often a reviewer gets to praise an opera production wholeheartedly – there are just too many components that could be less than ideal. But Tacoma Opera’s opening of “Daughter of the Regiment” on Friday night earned its praise. Cast, chorus, orchestra and production came together in this light-hearted tale with a show that delighted in its own silliness and reveled in its outstanding singing.

The highlight of the show had to be the stunning vocal pyrotechnics of soprano Jenny Shotwell and tenor Marcus Shelton as the lead couple Marie and Tonio. Despite the ridiculousness of the plot – orphan girl brought up by French army regiment falls in love with Tyrolean farm boy, is whisked away by newly-discovered rich aunt, then manages to marry her boy anyway – Gaetano Donizetti’s score is one big sing from beginning to end for these two, and they sailed through it with gleeful confidence.

Shotwell made a chirpy, petite Marie, tomboyish with cartwheels and jumps yet cutely flirtatious. Her bright, clear coloratura was perfect for the role, soaring effortlessly to high Fs and with an edge that worked well. Shelton, playing a Tonio that mixed dorky with arrogant stud in a Hugh Grant kind of way, matched Shotwell point for point. Though nasal, his singing had excellent control and high notes to blow the roof off – definitely a singer to watch.

Also thoroughly enjoyable were the supporting characters. Mezzo Sarah Mattox made a delightfully hammy Marquise, crotchety and self-important with great comic timing. As her long-suffering butler, Jeremy Shilley was inaudible in the first act but deliciously suggestive, and Craig Grayson as the sergeant sang with resonant voice and relaxed humor.

But the surprise success of the evening was the men’s chorus: Often lackluster, these 10 gents whipped out a hysterically funny slapstick as the well-meaning but inept Napoleonic army. While singing strong and mostly spot-on entries, they jostled, bumped and finger-jived their way into the audience’s funny-bone, getting whistles and loud applause in return. The slapstick kept up with Marie, Tonio and the rest, with stage director Christopher Nardine leaving no gag unturned: kisses narrowly missed, musical puns (Bavarian polkas, anyone?) and a general Gilbert and Sullivan jollity that fit perfectly with the plot.

Throughout the mayhem, conductor Bernard Kwiram followed the complex stage action excellently, with the 13-member ensemble sounding great (including fine solos from cello, horn and cor anglais.) Judy Cullen’s minimalist-drape set worked well, throwing the spotlight on the hilarious action, and despite Tonio’s horribly dweeby wig, Kathleen Anderson’s costumes were well-done. And the satisfaction from the nearly-full house at the joyful finale was tangible – just the way comic opera should be.

Tacoma Opera’s next production is the Young Artist Showcase on Feb. 6 and 7, 2010.

Rosemary Ponnekanti: 253-597-8568 rosemary.ponnekanti@thenewstribune.com