Review of Opera Carolina's "HMS Pinafore"

Photo courtesy of Opera Carolina. "HMS Pinafore."

Last night Opera Carolina ended their beautiful season dedicated to love with a delightful rendition of Gilbert and Sullivan's "HMS Pinafore."

The show is a delicious delight and the perfect ending to a season that has been uniformly spectacular.

The story is simply about what happens when the one you love is not the one your parent would choose for you. And with the standard topsy turvy world of a Gilbert and Sullivan ending, all turns out right. BTW, seeing the show last night made me want to see the fabulous movie about Gilbert and Sullivan's partnership, "Topsy Turvy," available now on Netflix's instant viewing.

The whole cast was solid but among the standouts worthy to call out include Deborah Fields, who imbues a lot of sass in her rendition of Little Buttercup; Alicia Berneche's Josephine, the captain's daughter, who brought endearing qualities and sweetness; John Muriello as Captain Corcoron and a true send up and class clown, Gary Briggle playing Sir Joseph Porter. They make going to the opera one enchanting evening.

Before the curtain opened, maestro James Meena, executive director of Opera Carolina, took a moment to share the 2011-2012 season, which includes a mixture of opera classics, such as "Il Travatore" and "Madame Butterfly" and a new opera, the Russian classic "Eugene Onegin." It's going to be an amazing next season too, so get your subscriptions early! Learn more at http://www.operacarolina.org/.

The opera may be one of the best places to see such a mix of Charlotte lovers of arts. I loved seeing many friends and colleagues from years past.

Take the time out to enjoy a delightful night of arts that is truly entertaining! "HMS Pinafore" is in town until Sunday, May 15. Tickets and more info at the Opera Carolina website: www.operacarolina.org.

Review: Opera Carolina's La Traviata

Opera Carolina's sensational production of "La Traviata" debuted to delighted Charlotte audiences providing a spectacular no one will soon forget. Giuseppe Verdi's beloved opera tells the story of true love found, noble sacrifices and love triumphant.

The story is a classic: Violetta is a courtesan in Paris in the 1850s when Alfredo professes his unabashed love for her. As someone who uses love as currency, she never believed that true love could happen to her. But she allows life grand experience to happen to her, her entire life changes. She begins to heal from the consumption she battles and they move to the country. Three bliss-filled months later, Alfredo's father asks her to give up their love to save their family from scorn. She does with much difficulty, returns to her life as a courtesan in Paris and tries to convince Alfredo that she no longer loves him. After a duel with her patron, Alfredo's father tells him of her sacrifice. He rushes to her side and they reunite but her illness takes her life shortly thereafter.

Leads Jennifer Black (Violetta Valéry) and Jonathan Boyd (Alfredo Germont) bring the lovers to life with full splendor. Ms. Black, a recent graduate of the Metropolitan Opera prestigious training program (think American Idol for opera singers) is spectacular and will be the next great opera star. See her in this production now so you can say you knew her when.

The production was brought to life under the guidance of guest conductor Joel Revzon, house conductor for the Met. The entire set glitters with spectacular costumes, evocative lighting and a score that has you humming out the door.

If you're looking for one artistic experience this season to lift your spirits and send your soul soaring, see "La Traviata" before the run ends. This show reminds us why classics deserve to live on for so long and Opera Carolina's production of the show is truly world class.

Review of Opera Carolina's "Cosi Fan Tutte"

There are many reasons art enriches life. Besides its beauty and its spectacle, it speaks truth.

Recently, I've been musing a lot about the role of love in one's life. It's very easy to somehow forget how transformational true love really is. We all get busy with work, family and just day-to-day life and even if we have a beloved in our lives; it becomes very easy to forget the magic.

Opera Carolina's premier offering of the season, Mozart's "Cosi Fan Tutte" reminded me just how important love really is. And more importantly not questioning or testing love but believing, accepting and surrendering to its power.

At the heart of the story lies two sisters who are faithfully devoted to their beaus. However a world weary older man convinces their boyfriends that they could be swayed by their devotion. And therein the plot unfolds.

To say more might ruin the fun. But take a dash of "The Road" movies with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, add some modern goddesses and add some the lushly inspired music of one of the world's greatest composers and you begin to understand what a delightful experience "Cosi" offers.

James Meena's thoughtful staging of the show really helped make the plot relevant and realistic. Originally Mozart wrote this as a contemporary piece in the 1790s but Meena updated the period to the 1920s/30s and used a somewhat contemporary set from "The Transit of Venus." This helps make the opera far more approachable than if it had stayed in the 18th century. Even though stories of love are universal, the updated staging and costumes helps the audience just relax and slip into the beautiful arias.

The opera talent on stage -the combined talents of Robert Mack (Ferrando), Caitlin Lynch (Fiordiligi), Elizabeth Stannard (Dorabella) and Marian Pop (Guglielmo) - are uniformly spectacular. Together with Sarah Callinan and Krisopher Irmiter, as Despina and Don Alfonso, respectively, the cast puts forth a world class offering. They make the quartets and sextets reach incredible heights as well as shine in their solo arias.

Ultimately the story leaves you wondering to the end how this romantic folly will play out. But I walked away feeling more hopeful about love than before and being grateful how great art can inspire great living. See "Cosi Fan Tutte" before its run finishes this week at the Belk and remember the magic of love!

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit CarolinaTix.

Alison Woo
Carolina Weekly Newsgroup

Opera Carolina's Cosi Fan Tutte

Opera Carolina launches its new season with “Cosi Fan Tutte,” featuring, from left to right, Robert Mack (Ferrando), Caitlin Lynch (Fiordiligi), Elizabeth Stannartd (Dorabella) and Marian Pop (Guglielmo).

Ah, Mozart. Nothing really does it for me more then a bit of Wolfgang.

That's why I'm super excited to be going to Cosi Fan Tutte, Opera Carolina's debut offering this season.

There are still tickets left so join me! With performances Saturday, Oct. 16, Sunday at 2 PM (that's the one I'm going to!) and Thursday night, Oct. 21, you still have plenty of chances to join in the magic. Here's more details.

I had the great fortune of sitting down with the esteemed conductor of Opera Carolina, James Meena, who is now in his 11th season with the beloved arts organization. Read my article here.

If you can't make it this weekend, I'll be tweeting and blogging more. Be sure to follow me on Twitter by clicking here. I'll give you all the inside scoop on what's bound to be the premier event of the season!

See you at the opera!

Alison