Seattle Opera opens its 2006-07 season with Gioacchino Rossini's fun-filled farce "The Italian Girl in Algiers." This hilarious comic opera features the adventures of a madcap Italian woman and her escape from an Algerian Harem. The whimsical comedy was first produced by Santa Fe Opera; after that it was the San Fransisco Opera opener where it received rave reviews.
"The Italian Girl in Algiers" is a first for Seattle Opera. Though I am familiar with the music, I can't do my usual nostalgia bit and indulge in fond memories of past Seattle opera productions-there weren't any. Although the original storybook production is from Santa Fe Opera, we can expect a few added magical surprises under the expert stage direction of Chris Alexandra (voted artist of the year for two consecutive years by Seattle Opera).
Written by the 21-year-old Rossini and premièred on May 22, 1813, "The Italian Girl in Algiers" is the original "Rossini romp." Isabella must rescue her beloved Lindoro (enslaved in Algiers), on whom Bey Mustafa is about to fob off an unwanted wife. The opera is filled with great singing and fast-paced arias and ensembles, and the Act I finale is unforgettable.
"It's all about Isabella," says General Director Speight Jenkins. Of Stephanie Blythe, Opera News says, "Imagine a Fricka with the agility of a Cecilia Bartoli and the thrust of a Marilyn Horne; throw in a comic stage presence without a false move, and you're closer to imagining Blythe's Isabella."
Sharing the role of Isabella is Helene Schneiderman, who two years ago won cheers for her Muse hit in "Tales of Hoffmann." William Burden and Lawrence Brownlee (a former Seattle Opera Young Artist) have both won praise for their Lindoros.
Others in the cast include Simone Alberghini and Kevin Burdette sharing the role of Mustafa; Earle Patriarco as Taddeo; Sally Wolf as Elvira; Melissa Parks as Zulma; George Mosley as Ali (Haly); and David Smith-Larsen in a mute role as Vlad the Impaler. Edoardo Muller conducts.
Set in the 1900s, this Santa Fe Opera production recreates a pop-up book's sense of adventure that is perfectly in tune with Rossini's playful spirit. Performing from Oct. 14 through 28, it's an ideal opportunity to bring the whole family. The light-hearted comedy is perfect for new opera-goers; Sunday, Oct. 22, is the family matinee performance; bring the young music-and-theater-lovers you know and pay only $15 for student tickets. (Order your student tickets by phone or in person-no on-line orders.)
Also, this Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join Speight Jenkins and special guests Chris Alexander and Edoardo Muller for a conversation about Rossini's "The Italian Girl in Algiers." You'll get an in-depth exploration of the opera's music, composer and history, as well as a wonderful behind-the-scenes perspective on the production.
What better way to prepare for the show! Seating in the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall, McCaw Hall, is limited, so purchase your tickets early. Admission is $30, refreshments included.
In other opera news, Myriad Murphy and James Rutherford, the winners of the International Wagner Competition winners, will be honored with a special concert in London. For more information, visit the British Wagner Society's Web page at www.wagnersociety.org.
Also, Seattle Opera Guild will celebrate its 50th anniversary at a Holiday Soiree, Sunday, Nov. 19, 5 p.m. at the Columbia Tower Club. If you need more information, give me a call at 282-8161.
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