This compilation of three modern mini-operas, in English (with surtitles) not only offers soaring music, but also many featured solos. Melanie has invented a 1960 family to unite these three pieces:Serenade to Music(Ralph Vaughan Williams/Shakespeare) has Mom watching the “Ned Soloman Show” on TV, and the performers come to life, and stream onto the stage in red/black/polka dot costumes.
Next, Mom and Dad set up chairs forA Hand of Bridge,(Samuel Barber/Gian Carlo Menotti) a fun little game where each player has something other than bridge on his/her mind.
Bridge friends go home andL’enfent et les Sortileges (The Child and the Enchantments)Maurice Ravel/Colette - finds Mom at a loss as her defiant, uncooperative son won’t do his homework and proceeds to tear up all the objects in his room. These objects then come to life in an amazing assortment of fantasy costumed singers, from clock to frog to fire, to arithmetic… and many more— eventually convincing him of the error of his ways. He bandages and consoles an injured squirrel, and is forgiven. Mom returns with a hug and all ends well.
The set is wonderful, with a “working” large TV, and fantastical lighting for the final scene. (Set Kirk Domer/Mark R. Willoughby; Lighting (Brent Wrobel) The costumes are an entertainment in themselves (Howard Tsvi Kaplan; wig/makeup Martha Ruskai) And, of course, the 36-piece MSU Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maria Fato,a Corona del Toro is fantastic and full.
The program is only an hour and 15 minutes with no intermission.The short duration and fun, fantastical nature of this show could make it a good one to introduce older children to opera.
The show continues Friday and Saturday at 7 and Sundays at 3
https://www.music.msu.edu/performance/performance-highlights/msu-opera-theatre