I can't say enough about Maureen McKay's Norina, in the Anchorage Opera production of Gaetano Donizetti's 1843 opera buffa masterpiece. So I'll let two of the 75 students I brought there this evening say it instead.They're both male freshmen at UAA. One is on the school's Nordic ski team, the other a hurdler and sprinter on the Seawolves track team, who is already setting records in the 110-meter and 400-meter hurdling events.
Both asked me the same thing after the second act - "Where can I meet her?!"
That's how youthful, exuberant and light this production is. McKay's control of the cast mirrors the premise of the opera's plot more closely than any version I've seen or heard. She was marvelous.
And nothing in the production's dress rehearsal Thursday evening seemed to be holding back too much more than they have to in the ensemble's last go at fixing and tightening the contraption before they charge you big bucks to watch. And listen to.
As good as McKay is, she was almost eclipsed by Mark Walters' crafty portrayal of Dr. Malatesta. His singing isn't as spectacular as McKay's, but it isn't supposed to be. His sly movements about the stage, and snide asides toward the audience were brilliant. Real ROFL stuff. The rest of the cast was quite good, too.
The orchestra played comfortably, following Maestro Timothy Myers' lead closely. But Myers needs to bring out the same humor in the pit that is happening so aptly on a stage the orchestra cannot see.
I love taking a whole bunch of young people to the opera who have never experienced one. Operas were the movies before there were movies. And more, much more. They still are.
Seeing that realization in the 10-to-30 percent of the kids who I watch go through this, from production to production, year to year, is one of the most rewarding things I get to do.
2 comments:
If she's an opera singer I'M THERE!
I attended this Anchorage production and Ms. McKay was stunning with a beautiful voice to match. Her absolute petite package packed a surprising comedic punch, her richly textured voice seemed larger than life. She took our breath away. The entire cast played to the audience and it was well received, the audience felt they were let inside the obvious and not-so-obvious jokes. The orchestra was also well managed and allowed the wonderful singers to shine when they were supposed to. That was one maestro who has figured out that the orchestra looks better in the eyes of the audience when they know how to balance their role. The chorus looked like they thoroughly enjoyed being on stage and hamming it up. Well done, Anchorage! Bravo!!!
Post a Comment