The MSU Opera Theatre gives this Stephen Sondheim waltz masterpiece an elegant and musically excellent stroll through the unsettling perpetual twilight of a Swedish summer night.
This enchanting tribute to the follies of sexual politics features memorable songs and ironic twists of romance. The opera practice of projecting words above the stage might seem unnecessary, since the show is in English, but it lets us appreciate some of Sondheim’s more intricate, witty, sometimes-overlapping lyrics we might otherwise miss. There is also the opera tradition of a plot synopsis included in the program, which you may choose not to read in advance, if you want to preserve the element of surprise, as a first-timer.
MSU Opera production values are excellent, with lovely set (Ranae Selmayer) elegant period costumes (Glenn Breed & Wardrobe Witchery costume rental) And the 28-piece MSU Symphony Orchestra gave a rich depth to the music. Kudos to Melanie Helton, Stage Director, and Katherine Kilburn, Conductor.
As always, MSU Opera double casts to give more students the opportunity to perform. The November 15 cast we saw will repeat November 18 and a different cast will perform November 17 and 19. All the performers were sensational singers. My favorite actors of this cast were Connor Lindsey as Henrick, Nic Bishop as Fredrik, Divira Pahwa as Desiree and Blake Phillips as Charlotte.
Only three more chances to see this classic Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Fairchild Theatre on the east end of MSU’s Auditorium Building on Farm Lane. Free parking on Auditorium Road across north of the auditorium. Tickets at:
https://www.music.msu.edu/news/msu-opera-theatre-presents-a-charming-celebration-of-wit-and-love