Raising a Voice
The comedies of Shakespeare and the comic operas of Rossini are potent examples of the timelessness of humor in the human condition. In the work of both geniuses, the comedy can stand up to a range of treatments, from subtle to slapstick. This current production from AVA leans strongly toward the latter, with not a little of the brutish approach of the Three Stooges.
It begins in the orchestra pit, where Richard A. Raub presented a reading of the phenomenally famous overture with vivid, even rollicking vigor, but unfortunately also a thickness of tone and lack of dynamic variety. He managed to keep up this energy to the end, in a way that carried over to the stage action, to the effect of yelling at the audience nonstop. This is just barely tolerable in a 30-minute Stooges segment, and annoyingly fatiguing for three hours of musical theater.
The chaotic direction from the usually graceful Kay Walker Castaldo and the confused stage set added to the general tumult of the proceedings. Costuming was traditional, but odd modern touches seemed superfluous, such as security cameras in Doctor Bartolo's apartment, or a hippy-dippy portrayal of Almaviva as the ersatz music teacher. The overall aura, while generally entertaining, lacked dramatic cohesiveness.
But this is AVA, and as always, it was all about the singing. The Figaro of Jose Adan Perez should have stolen the show. This Mexican native has an agile and penetrating baritone, and magnetic stage presence. He even accompanied himself, quite nicely, on the guitar. A star in the making; bet on it. Jeremy Paul Milner, as the humiliated Bartolo, kept perfectly in character as the buffoon, bringing a focused physicality to his impersonation as well as a richly expressive basso. But the surprise vocal standout of the evening was Michael Szczesniak, in the role of Count Almaviva. This first-year student has some experience to gain in matters of vocal control and stagecraft, but his natural gifts are extraordinary. His tonal luster and easy legato are the markings of true lyric tenor. It should be a great pleasure to follow this important talent in his continuing years at AVA.
The Barber of Seville
AVA Opera Theater, Nov. 12, Helen Corning Warden Theater
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