Opera explodes at AU

By AVON WATERS

February 22, 2006 10:52 am

— Marked with beautiful music and costumes, “The Secret Marriage” delights the senses. But some may be incensed by the fact it’s an opera.
Get over it. It’s in English and what you can’t understand that is sung, you can read as subtitles above the stage. But I’m guessing just by the acting, most patrons will be able to read the body language and know what is happening. Proof of that comes with the overture that depicts the secret marriage between a man and a woman without a single word being sung.
Many of the parts are double-cast with actors alternating nights that they perform in key roles.
As the title implies, there’s a secret marriage. This 18th century comic opera is set in 1770s in Italy. The class system remains very much alive as the middle-class merchant Geronimo (Ben Waltz, Michael Hornback) tries to marry his daughters off to members of the gentry class, to not only improve their place in society, but his too. He’s ecstatic at the opportunity to gain nobility.
Only one problem — Geronimo’s clerk Paolino (Samuel Green) has already secretly married Carolinia (Mary Kathryn Brewer, Katherine Ewing), Geronimo’s youngest daughter. The comedy ensues as the new couple try to keep their marriage a secret.
It’s not the sitcom comedy that many audiences recognize. But the modern audience can still relate to the comedy of this opera. Who hasn’t been in a job where they think they are smarter than the management? The servants seem to be able to outwit their masters and control the situation — every working-class person’s dream.
Brewer’s voice (today and Saturday performances) filled the auditorium during a Monday dress rehearsal. The strength of it with her sister Elisetta (Natalie Stiles) and aunt Fidalma (Lori Carter) give scenes with them together great power, especially when the three voices merge in something like an argument. And many arguments do ensue.
Timothy Hollowell as Count Robinson (Thursday and Saturday) commands attention with not only his voice but his stage presence and characterization of the confused count.
As with many of the musical productions at AU, the set is elaborate and professionally done and this is no exception. Complete with steps, curtains, stone benches, flowers and greenery, this set transports the audience to old Italy and is worth seeing.
A live orchestra adds to the operatic experience. The costuming for an 18th century production always presents cost challenges. The ones used here are often elaborate and others quite convincing for the period.
If there is a weakness, it’s a few of the supporting voices that don’t project as well. And of course there’s the problem that it’s an opera, which is like anchovies — you’ve heard you don’t like them without ever trying them.
But, if you like classical music and opera, you’ll enjoy this AU production.

What: “The Secret Marriage,” comic opera
When: 7:30 p.m. today through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Byrum Hall, Anderson University
Cost: $12 adults; $10 seniors and military; $5 students
Information or tickets: 641-4351
Run time: 2 hours 30 minutes