Tosca by Giacomo Puccini San Francisco Opera 21 September 1997 Let's settle one thing right away: Was Carol Vaness *trying* to look like Maria Callas, or not? Deliberate or not, she does. Her hair is dark and short, a shaggy cut with bangs on her forehead. Singing an imperious, defiant Tosca, it is hard not to think of Maria in her signature role. Vaness also sings the role, let it be said, with great expression and control: a clean, musical, open sound that captivated the crowd at the War Memorial Opera House. Vaness was alternately flirtatious and commanding; her Vissi was full of expression and emotion, absolutely under control. The audience was arrested completely during the song, silent and attentive. The woman in the row ahead of me shed silent tears as the song ended. Richard Margison was a satisfying Cavaradossi, as well, with a musical, powerful voice, though not much sustained line or legato. He was an animated and engaging actor, as well. James Morris' Scarpia was appropriately brooding and malevolent, his powerful voice and commanding stage presence well suited to the role. This was all-in-all a very traditional Tosca, which is no bad thing for this venerable war horse of an opera. Nello Santi has probably conducted it a hundred times; he did so this evening with a quick steady pace and firm control, coordinating seamlessly with the singers. The restored house also was a winner, a clean, airy and sunny feel inside the newly restored hall. The bright golden gilding and restored, brighter chandelier gave it a burnished feeling.