Page 13 - The Islander - April '21

The Islander, Page 13

theatre happeninGs

Review Of Palm Beach Opera

Palm Beach Opera’s Boheme Was Superb

New Ideas For New Audiences
By Rex Hearn

The pundits tell us life York’s Metropolitan. Tenor Michael Fabiano sustained couple of occasions I sensed she was pushing in the upper
will be different after the amazing volume throughout as Rodolfo. His voice has register. It did not have the lilt and gay abandon I was
pandemic. By switching the squillo of a Di Stefano and the tenderness of a Gigli expecting. Along with tenors Polanzani and Fabiano she
to outdoor performances in quiet passages. He was truly excellent. Baritone Quinn will sing in The Met’s all star At-Home Gala on April 25,
Palm Beach Opera may Kelsey’s strong supple intonation was unique as Marcello, free for everyone to watch.
have stumbled on a panoply so pleasing on the ear. I could have listened to him all In fairness, I must report that at the height of Leonard’s
of new ideas for its future, night. Ryan Speedo Green’s beautiful baritone gave life arias and those of Moore, aeroplane engines overhead
using the iThink Financial to the philosopher student, Colline. Another great voice competed with both ladies. The flight pattern to PBI will
Amphitheater a t the was a newcomer, the young Korean, Heeseung Chae, be an issue for some.
fairground, with singers’ singing Schaunard. His delightful personality leaped into Mention of the excellent chorus work at the beginning
voices slightly enhanced, our hearts with a delicately shaded performance. Their of Act II must not be overlooked, they were simply
made for reproductive landlord, Benoit, denied his rent, settled for a drink. The marvelous to hear and supported the action throughout
quality not usually heard in smaller houses. Also, having distinguished and sonorous voice of bass-baritone Jake in ghostly fashion, hardly ever seen, “distanced” at
each artist’s aria featured on a central huge screen is like Gardner pulled off the miracle of also singing Alcindoro, the rear, but always right there on cue. So too was the
watching the show from the front row. Facial expressions with convincing aplomb in Act II, as Musetta’s put upon orchestra in fine fettle. They played the rapturous music
and emotions are close up, no need for opera glasses. sugar daddy. of Puccini as if their very lives depended on it being
Better yet, the translation from foreign language into At one point in the Cafe Momus scene, all seven heard to perfection. Palm Beach Opera Orchestra has
English runs under their picture, in easy-to-read big leading artists sing, each 10 feet from the other. always been in the top rank. At one time under Maestro
letters. Introducing one 40-minute intermission is a Distancing, they call it. It was breathtakingly beautiful. Bruno Aprea, they gave symphonic performances in the
brilliant idea. The rush and crush for bathrooms is gone. Apart, yes, but the magic of the cameramen brought Eissey Campus Theatre, they are that good. Mention
The quality and variety of foods on offer is provided at them together on the big screen: a stroke of genius! has been made earlier of the excellent camera work. I
reasonable prices. Separate bars serve wines, soft drinks, Latoya Moore’s lovely soprano continually soared into honestly believe the future of opera is with the brilliant
liquor and beer. Dozens of tables provide seating where heavenly, sweetly rounded sounds as the dying Mimi. techies who man the cameras. Imagine seeing the front
people meet, talk about the opera and compare notes. It’s Happily Moore did not overdo the coughing, signaling of Maestro David Stern as he conducts, instead of trying
a wonderful new way to enjoy opera. General Director that she’s dying of consumption; Anna Moffo had the to find him in the pit with his back to the audience. And
David Walker has added a new chapter to the young Met audience coughing along with her when she sang this the close-ups of the singers bring their very being into life
history of opera. And the young may come in droves. role! The camera close-ups of Moore revealed a sensitive with emotions and expressions we need to see as well as
La Boheme opens with the four students in their attic artist giving her very best. Here I take issue with a small hear. Cameras intensify the operatic experience. Kudos
rental. The first 20 minutes is magnificent, devoted to quibble. Director James Robinson has Moore dying, legs to everyone involved in this memorable Boheme.
the back and forth of student repartee; tuneful singing akimbo seated on a chair in reverse, her body leaning on
conversation that is masterfully written by Puccini. Their the chair back. An unceremonial death scene. The world
strong voices fill the air and we are reminded most have renowned mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard debuted the
already sung at the pinnacle of American opera: New role of Musetta here. It was a fine performance but on a

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