Director Ben Robinson developed this model of Elixir for Anchorage Opera’s manufacturing. In his message in this system notes, he said that in adapting a traditional opera to a brand new setting, he “desires to account for each musical nuance that the composer infuses into the piece.” I imagine in that he was largely profitable. Nonetheless, the updating was a two-edged sword. The plot line required a higher suspension of disbelief than the traditional versioin, troublesome to imagine {that a} reserved tv cameraman can be unable to give you twenty bucks and shifting to a close-by set carries much less weight than being conscripted to enter the navy. The set presenting a tv sound stage with lights, cameras, and motion labored convincingly; kudos to Scenic Designer Rochele Mac. General, it was a well-known setup for contemporary viewers raised on tv. The overhead display screen displaying what a TV viewers can be seeing added curiosity however was additionally a distraction. The constructing rigidity between the 2 would-be lovers wanted focus and time to simmer to additionally deliver the viewers extra deeply into the love story. I believed the tempo supported the comedic features over the love story. The colourful costumes have been enjoyable and accented the light-heartedness of the opera; kudos to Costume Designer Kathryn Braden. The motion was well-orchestrated by Director Robinson.
General, I loved the efficiency; it was colourful and enjoyable, and I appreciated having the ability to view the story by way of a unique lens. The music and the singing have been great. On the identical time, I felt the nostalgia for the 80’s tv had been substituted for the easy allure of the traditional staging. It was nice leisure, however for me, the human poignancy obtained a little bit bit overshadowed within the shuffle and the love story much less compelling. Additionally, I felt that Felice Romani’s dialog had been altered to the purpose that maybe this model needs to be given a brand new identify, perhaps “Nemorino Loves Adina”, tailored from The Elixir of Love. Maybe it could have labored higher for me if I had not seen the traditional model first. Nonetheless, it was an satisfying afternoon, and Annapolis Opera continues to play above its weight in presenting superb arts leisure to its group.
The Fan Expertise: Performances of The Elixir of Love have been scheduled for March 15 and 17 within the Maryland Corridor for the Artistic Arts . The opera was sung in Italian with supertitles in English proven on a display screen over the stage; the efficiency ran about two and half hours, together with one intermission. Parking on the Maryland Corridor was free.
This was the final staged manufacturing of the season for Annapolis Opera, however two extra occasions are scheduled:
April 14 – Voices of Our Time: Vocal Competitors All Stars; tickets at this hyperlink.
Might 5 – thirty sixth Annual Annapolis Opera Vocal Competitors; it is a free occasion. I personally advocate this one, a few of the greatest singing you’ll hear and at a value that may’t be beat. You additionally get to vote in your favorites.
