The good news about the Opera Saratoga season is that it is filled with gorgeous voices. Casts are populated with mostly young performers, who not only sing with beauty, they find the passion or the comedy within the situation.
This season is being offered at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs which is a good interim location. It offers good sight lines and a sense of intimacy. However, intimacy is a mixed blessing.
“Don Pasquale” is one of those operas in which bigger is better. It’s a very familiar story in the comedia del arts style of comedy. A foolish old man marries who he thinks is a sweet young woman. She is actually in love with the man’s nephew. Immediately after the fraudulent marriage contract is signed she turns into a shrew, and Don Pasquale is only too eager for his nephew to legitimately marry her.
At UPH, the opera is performed on a rectangular stage with audience on three sides. The splendid orchestra, directed by Brian Garman fills the rear. It is performed in modern clothing.
As said, this is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the marvelous performances of Andy Papas in the comic title role, Trevor Haumschilt-Roca as the plotting Dr. Malatesta and Randy Ho as the lamenting nephew, Ernesto. A promising star of the future is Haley Whitney as she brings a sly sense of control to the seductive Norina.
Each singer offers a breathtaking moment, but rarely are they able to totally overcome a creaky story. You love the musical moments and bide your time until the next piece of music lights up the Hall.
None of this it the fault of director Meaghan Deiter uses as much of the room as possible and offers some clever bits of staging. But with only four singing roles it does not fully overcome the limitations presented by a show needing big effects.
On the other hand, the Broadway show “A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder” uses a cast of a dozen. Most are members of the company’s Festival Artist Program. Their professional experience is limited, but don’t let that deceive you. This is a group overflowing with talent - especially the leads.
As Monty, the young man who is responsible for numerous deaths in his goal to gain a family fortune, Maximillian Jansen is terrific. His journey transports him from a decent young man to an immoral murderer to a sympathetic individual. He is a complelling singer and a excellent actor.
The tour de force role of a single actor playing all eight victims is a challenge that Eric McConnell savors. He offers a number of broad portrayals that never fail to garner a laugh. He has a powerful voice and an impressive stage presence.
Claire McCahan as Sibella and Meghan Fleischmann as Phoebe, bring contrasting types of charm to the key roles. Each is a delight in their own way.
There’s a lot of talent on stage and director David Gram uses it well. He is especially inventive using Grace Laubacher’s sparse but inventive set. Here too the orchestra under the direction Laura Bergquist is outstanding.
This is not the most thrilling of Opera Saratoga seasons. However, not only does each show offer a pleasing evening, it offers great hope for the future.
“DON PASQUALE” continues July 7 & 9. “GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE ….” Plays July 6 and July 8. For tickets and information go to operasaratoga.org
Bob Goepfert is theater reviewer for the Troy Record.
The views expressed by commentators are solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the views of this station or its management.
