‘Falstaff’ star relishes taking on insatiable icon in Opera San Jose production

Darren Drone is smiling a lot these days.

The American baritone is singing the title role of “Falstaff” at Opera San Jose, and he says that, guided by director José Maria Condemi, he and his fellow cast members are having a blast bringing Verdi’s 1893 comedy to the stage.

“It’s going very well,” Drone said during a recent break in rehearsals. “We’re figuring things out, discovering different vocal stuff. It’s been a really good time, and everybody’s having fun.”

Fun is simply...