IL TROVATORE

CENTRAL CITY OPERA: 7/14 – 8/3

Composer Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto by Salvadore Cammarano

L-R: Michael Mayes, Alexandra Loutsion and Jonathan Burton (Photo courtesy of Central City Opera)

     I’ve been waiting for two seasons to experience Central City Opera’s production of Verdi’s IL TROVATORE. Worth the wait on all counts, this is Grand Opera of true magnificence.

     The complex plot is made simple to understand because of director Joachim Schamberger's brilliant concept!  This opera and the play on which it was based, were penned in an era in which it was considered to be tasteful to have the characters only talk about the violence and gore in their world, rather than to display it onstage. 

     Lucky for us, director Schamberger took into account the sensibilities of a modern audience, and opted to make those offstage scenarios visible above the stage as well as in an aperture behind it.

      Some of the glorious vignettes depicting the offstage action are lit so exquisitely by master lighting designer David Martin Jacques, you may feel as if you’re seeing classical paintings come to life.

     The look of this production owes a great deal to the genre of Fantasy, which includes such works as Game of Thrones and the Lord of the Rings.  Just as in those quasi Medieval productions, cruelty is often couched in visually stunning imagery. In IL TROVATORE, some of Verdi’s most beautiful music is paired with disturbing atrocities.

     Lyndsay Amman(Azucena) and Michael Mayes (Count Di Luna)Photo courtesy of Central City Opera

 The casting is sensational! For this opera CCO has brought back the outstanding cast of TOSCA!  

     Michael Mayes, who thrilled us as Scarpia, is Count Di Luna. Jonathan Burton, whose Cavardossi stunned, is Manrico, and Alexandra Loutsion , who dazzled us as Floria Tosca, has been cast as Leonora.

     Add to this the magnificent mezzo soprano of Lyndsay Ammann as Azucena and Ashraf Sewailam’s profound basso as Ferrando, and you have a cast of dreams!

      Casting against the traditional choice of two buff, muscular men pounding out the percussion in the famous Anvil Chorus, CCO has opted to have two strong, beautiful women hammer it out.

      The costume design by Dana Tzvetkova, with its armor for the men and fur-collared gowns for the women, assists in creating the illusion of Medievalism.

    Conductor John Baril elicits all the dynamic passion and power of Verdi’s score from Central City Opera’s ear-pleasing orchestra with glorious ease.

     A riveting and visceral production of one of the best loved Verdi operas, this is Grand Opera at its finest!

     Just as I had to wait for two seasons to experience CCO’s IL TROVATORE, now the wait is on for their production of Benjamin Britten’s “BILLY BUDD” next summer. Having seen this company’s breathtaking productions of Britten’s GLORIANA and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, the chance to see and hear them do BILLY BUDD will be a dream come true!Marlowe's Musings 

For tickets call: 303-292- 6700  or 1-800-851-8175 or go online at centralcityopera.org

DIE ZAUBERFLOTE (THE MAGIC FLUTE)

CENTRAL CITY OPERA: 7/7 – 8/5

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder

L-R:Veronique Filloux(Papagena) and Will Liverman (Papageno,the Bird Catcher) (Photo: Courtesy of Central City Opera.)

Director Alessandro Televi’s vision for Central City Opera’s production of THE MAGIC FLUTE will make the most jaded opera-goer feel as though he were attending Mozart’s masterwork for the very first time. You will be enchanted from curtain to curtain!

     Mozart wasn’t doing well in the period just prior to composing THE MAGIC FLUTE. Money was scarce, and his wife, Constanze, was not well. When his friend, Emanuel Schikaneder, proposed the idea of working on an opera based on a play involving magic, humor and Masonic ritual (both men were Masons), Mozart agreed. As Mozart set to work on the musical composition, Schikaneder, who would later play Papageno, wrote the libretto. The opera appeared in 1791, having 100 performances, and becoming one of Mozart’s most popular operas. 

    Alessandro Televi’s directorial concept for the opera allows us as audience to view our young hero, Tamino’s, journey through the eyes of three spirits (in this case, three very talented little boys from the Colorado Children’s Chorale.) 

     Their mother is the Queen of the Night in this production.  Sarastro, the high priest at the Temple of Isis and Osiris, is their father.

     As the Queen of the Night, Jeni Houser gives a virtuosic performance. Scaling the musical heights with her exquisite coloratura, this Diva dazzles us. 

    Kevin Langan has played the role of Sarastro numerous times over the last two decades. His superb basso delivers the hymn-like “O Isis, O Osiris,” magnificently.

       In his journey to and through the ritual cleansing of fire and tears at the Temple, Joseph Dennis provides a strong stage presence and a superb tenor as Tamino.

      You will fall in love with Will Liverman’s  Papageno, the bird catcher.  Liverman’s performance is most memorable in both the singing and the acting.

     Katherine Manley is a fetching Pamina with a gorgeous soprano.

    The harmonies delivered by the Three Ladies (Tasha Koontz, Kira Dills-DeSurra and Melanie Ashkar), who follow Tamino throughout the opera, are nothing short of divine.

     Under the baton of conductor, Andre de Ridder, Mozart’s sublime score receives exquisite treatment from the luscious Central City Opera orchestra.

     Madeleine Boyd’s scenic design is eye-pleasing indeed. 

     Susan Kulkarni’s costumes are eye-popping! Besides a nod to the costume design of Downton Abbey, Ms. Kulkarni leans into the look of 19^thcentury German circus posters with her imagining of Papageno, the bird catcher. Here he and his love, Papagena(Veronique Filloux),  are seen as half human and half ostrich. Whimsical magic!

     David Martin Jacques’ lighting design delivers the supreme best in mood-altering, scene illumination. He’s a master of the craft and has done this great work for virtually every season except one for two decades. Marlowe's Musings

For tickets call: 303-292-6700 or 1-800-851-8175.

Or go online at Centralcityopera.org

DISNEY'S "THE LITTLE MERMAID"
BDT STAGE: June 1 – Sepmber 8

L-R: Lillian Buonacore and Cole LaFonte

BDT Stage’s production of DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID is sheer theatre magic from curtain to curtain. The magician who created this evening of delight is director/choreographer Matthew Peters. His casting is phenomenal, and his team of techies unbeatable.

     Lillian Buonocore, who plays Ariel, enchants us! 

     Cole Lafonte’s performance in the role of Prince Eric is unforgettable. Both actors come to us from the theatre arts department at CSU. Their onstage chemistry will make you smile.

     Alicia K. Meyers is hilariously wicked as Ursula, the Sea Witch. 

     Chas Lederer is smashing as Flounder!    

    Bob Hoppe’s Scuttle, the sea gull is sensational.          Anthony P. McGlaun (Sebastian) gets to delight us, singing "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl!" 

    Scott Beyette’s performance in the role of Chef Louis is a dazzler.  

     Add to this list stellar performances by Scott Severtson as King Triton and Brian Burron as Grimsby! 

      Both the kingdom beneath the sea and the one on land perfectly mirror the animated Disney film.      

       Amy Campion’s scenic design is a breath

taking stunner. 

      Linda Morken makes her costumes shimmer, sparkle and flash. This artist’s costume design, creating the illusion of scales, fins and their requisite stage movement, is genius!

   Karl Hermanson’s puppets for Flounder,Scuttle and Sebastian delight us in a way that brings up memories of Julie Taymor’s “The Lion King.”

     The music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken sounds better than ever under the baton of musical director Neal Dunfee. 

     I could say more about this glorious production, but absolutely refuse to add spoilers. 

     You, and your entire family – and the rest of the neighborhood - need to experience this for yourself!

It’s the hottest ticket in town this summer! Run, swim or fly to get tickets now!!!Marlowe's Musings

BDT Stage 

5501 Arapahoe Ave
Boulder, CO 80303 United States

Phone: 

(303) 449-6000 Website: www.bdtstage.com

THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY

VINTAGE THEATRE: JUNE 22 – AUGUST 5

     L-R: Megan Van De Hey and Andy Sievers

Can an Italian war bride living in Madison County, find happiness with a photographer from National Geographic while her husband and kids are away at the state fair? This is the question asked by playwright, Marsha Norman. One assumes this is the question Robert James Waller asks as author of the best-selling book, and that Richard Le Gravenese asks as screen writer for the 1995 movie, in which Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood starred. (Eastwood also directed the film.)

      Andy Sievers is a believable Robert. The chemistry between Ms. Van De Hey and Mr. Sievers is poignant.

     If one looks at this evening as a concert by the mega-talented Megan Van De Hey, I can recommend it. If not, I can’t. Other than Ms. Van De Hey’s beautiful and powerful vocals, only the comic moments provided by Abby Apple Boes as a prying, nosey neighbor named Marge, delight.Marlowe's Musings

Vintage Theatre presents the Regional Premiere of

“The Bridges of Madison County” 

A four-day love affair has lifelong repercussions.

June 22-Aug. 5

Fri/Sat and Mon., July 9, Thurs., Aug. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays and Sat., Aug. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010.

2hrs. 30mins; 1 intermission.

THE BOOK OF MORMON

ELLIE CAULKINS OPERA HOUSE: 6/14 - 7/7

              

                                                          Kevin Clay 

With a firm grip on the funny bone, this evening of theatre has a little something to offend everyone.

       Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of South Park, joined forces with Robert Lopez of AVENUE Q fame in 2011, to create the Broadway phenomenon, THE BOOK OF MORMON.

       Nominated for 14 Tony Awards, the show won 9, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Score.

        Like Rabelais and Swift, Parker and Stone are masters of the art of satire. Unsavory and in extremely bad taste, the bald Truth gets told with relish, and hypocrisy gleefully eviscerated. 

      The cast, led by Kevin Clay (Elder Price) and  Conner Peirson (Elder Cunningham), is all exuberant talent, and yes, poignantly heart-opening warmth. (Need your heart opened? These kids have just the right crow bar!!!)

     Heavenly Father won’t mind if you pee your pants laughing at this universally acclaimed masterpiece. THE BOOK OF MORMON will leave you helpless with laughter.

      p.s. It’s even better the second time around.

For tickets call  303-893-4100 or go online at DENVERCENTER.ORGMarlowe's Musings

AGNES OF GOD

VINTAGE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS: 5/30 – 7/8

                                               Haley Johnson(above) and Mariel Goffredi

Thought-provoking and disturbing, Vintage Theatre’s compelling production of AGNES OF GOD is not to be missed.

     John Pielmeier was inspired to write this play when he came upon a newspaper article about an event that took place in a convent in Brighton, New York.

    After a successful run on Broadway, Norman Jewison directed a film adaptation of the play, starring Meg Tilly, Anne Bancroft and Jane Fonda.

     In Vintage Theatre’s production Haley Johnson portrays Dr. Martha Livingstone, a psychiatrist who is brought to the convent to determine the sanity of a young novice, who’s accused of killing her new-born child. 

     A radiant Mariel Goffredi performs the role of  Sister Agnes. 

     Emma Messenger portrays Mother Superior. 

     All three women deliver the requisite bravura acting.

    Ms. Goffredi’s performance is a tour de force. 

     Pillars flank the playing space, and swirling bolts of pure white tuele surround the set pieces, giving an otherworldly look to Cheryl Brodzinski’s scenic design. 

     Steve Tangedal's lighting design enhances the production exponentially.

      Taking us from the mundane to the sublime and back again, Craig Bond directs with a touch of the poet.Marlowe's Musings

     

Vintage Theatre presents

“Agnes of God”

May 30-July 8*

Opening Wednesday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Fri/Sat and Mon., June 11, Thurs., May 31 & July 5 at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays and Sat., July 7 2:30 p.m.

$16 - $32 

www.vintagetheatre.org or 303-856-7830. 

Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 80010.

1 hr. 45 min. with 1 intermission.

* Please Note Opening night date change.

DISTRICT MERCHANTS

Miners Alley Playhouse: 5/18 – 6/24

District Merchants is a dazzling, multi-faceted gem of a production!

L-R: Chris Kendall and Cris Davenport

So many times, Shakespeare’s works are transported to other times, places and planets for little,

if for any good reason. Here, playwright Aaron Posner’s choice to set his reimagining of “THE MERCHANT OF VENICE” in post - Civil War Washington D.C. works like a charm. Although the focus is on the conflictual relationship between blacks and Jews, the play touches on many aspects of racial prejudice. 

    Posner’s bold choice to have the actors in constant connection – and communication - with the audience works superbly. His is a juicy piece of writing that stuns both in craft and wordmanship!

     Len Matheo, who brought Posner’s “My Name is Asher Lev” to the stage with such heart-opening brilliance, has directed this show with a sure hand. He’s cast some of Denver’s finest actors and given the piece a brisk pace.

      Chris Kendall’s Shylock is powerful. 

      Cris Davenport’s Antoine Dupree is revelatory! 

      Last seen by this reviewer as Mother in The Oldest Boy at Vintage Theatre, Candace Joice is luminous as Portia. 

       Sinjin Jones is  splendid as Portia’s love interest, Benjamin Bassanio. 

      Kristina Lorice  Fountaine is a vibrant Nessa.

       Isaiah Kelley’s performance as Launcelot is hilarious!

       Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, is an arresting Amy Elizabeth Grey.

       Sean Michael Cummings is most memorable as the bold Finn Randall, Jessica’s impetuous lover.

     The technical aspects of the show are handled with a professional expertise sometimes lacking in other venues. One would be remiss not to mention Jonathan Scott-McKean’s stunning set, Vance McKenzie’s mood shifting, eye-leading lighting design and the costumes created by Crystal McKenzie. Len Matheo’s  sound design choices add a startling emotional dimension to the proceedings.

In case you missed something… I LOVED IT!Marlowe's Musings

Miners Alley Playhouse

“District Merchants"

A hilarious retelling of The Merchant of Venice in post-Civil War Washington, D.C.

May 18 – June 24

Thur./Fri. /Sat. at 7:30 p.m.; Sun at 2 p.m.

$15-$38

Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washington Avenue, Golden, CO 80401
303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com.

2 hr 30 min with Intermission