Press and Sun-Bulletin from Binghamton, New York • 49

OOU'U ii I f.M it.ft tpr.i Thursday February 2002 i i 1 i Press Sun-Bulletin i 73 TCO singers meet challenge of bel canto classic 'Elixir' OPERA REVIEW WHAT: Tri-Cities Opera presents The Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti (in Italian with English V. WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday WHERE: The Forum, 236 Washington Binghamton TICKETS: Range from $20 to $43. Discounts available for groups, seniors and full-time students; student rush tickets for $1 0 will be available.

MORE INFORMATION: Call the TCO box office at 772-0400. acter of Adina is sort of like Car men if she had been wealthy ind Don Jose wasn't such anqj Webb's acting was too, and made the charactef tfome to life. Playing her Nemorino was Adam Kirkpatrick, who appeared at TCO last season as Almaviva in The Barber of Seville. He was delightful to watch, once again having to play drunk this time after two swigs of the "elixir of love," which is actually a Bordeaux (although some would say that a Bordeaux in the right Kirkpatrick was delightful to listen to as well, and his Una Furti-vaLagrima, the show's warhorse popularized by the three tenors, was mesmerizing. Opera vocal parts are often stereotyped i.e., mezzos often "nuts and sluts." Aaron Nicholson seems to be making a successful career with the baritone territory of "hams and pigs." which smacked of the hesi-tancy that comes from jack of preparation.

Now, heffieHhing: Elixir, although a'deb'gfitful story, is not a laugh riot like Barber, and it isn't exactly action-packed. As in many bel canto operas, there is a lot of stand-and-deliver singing what I have heard jokingly called "park and bark." But it is hardly barking! Elixir is beautiful music, meant to be sung by beautiful voices. Bel canto means beautiful singing, after all.) But, since the TCO performers aren't belters, the orchestra sometimes overwhelms them. A case in point: the duet when Nemorino and Adina proclaim their love, after she buys out his contract to join the army. Maybe she learned about those army guys from Carmen.

He gets to bg faptfi as the swaggering as only Nicholson cart- which is.BJ.say, well. fan-M "Todd RobirisohtejbinedTCO as Dulcamara; 19th century Tus-cany's answer to the snake oil salesman. It's guys like him who make you glad for the FDA, and Robinson was sufficiently greasy without everbecomingunlikable. He also handled some very acrobatic singing with ease at least he made it sound easy. Lucie Ewing made an enchanting appearance in the unfortunately small role of Gianetta, whose big moment comes when she tells the village women that the previously scorned Nemorino is now rich, leading them into the "gold digger chorus." And speaking of choruses, I don't know what was up with the usually reliable TCO Chorus.

At times the choristers were singing loud and clear, and other times you could barely hear them Now you're. online. vV A (607)687-2042 tstahlished 1973 fMg New production is visual treatiaswelr By SARAH D'ESTIMILLEkAR Press Sun-Bulletin Tri-Cities Opera's current production of Donizetti's The Elixir of Love is a delightful evening of intoxicating melody, served by some familiar faces and a very notable newcomer. The show has gorgeous new sets, designed by Gary C. Eck-hart.

In fact, looking at the grape leaves painstakingly painted on the scrim made me realize I should have eaten before the show. The costumes, by Martin Thaler, were also a sight to behold. Now on to those wearing Brava, brava, brava to Anna Webb who did a beautiful job as Adina, her biggest role yet with TCO. Webb sang the Dew Fairy CHAIR CANING Genuine Sjik Splint Splint Re-glne i -t Furniture -a Chair Cane For Sale -j -A 35 lairvic'w Binghamton, NY 3904 (607) 724-6528 K' J77 1 nun icyuu unu accessories a specialty. By Appointment only for January and February 607-648-4293 Rt 12 of henanpn Fork miles On left fwaich for I A THE PLAID A 11 MOOSE 21 i I New mcrcnamme Arriving I Cookie CMtten Uatly Moosr Ifogs Lamp Clocks Dolls i'Baskfh Candles )aKilckaiIirmj hWekmt Signs Country Gifts Accessories Closed a a a 4Wmhmgiit XS fit.J0)Girm.NV:s; Sat KM.Snn 124 i M-aosed WmhingBii-St UM.S, liXLXL A 636-901 hop yjp Great New Merchandise! The Air.

Stop la See Oaf Gifts FrcraThe Heart in Hansel and Gretel last fall, but it seems her days as a supporting character are over. Adina requires an agile voice, and Webb, who has a beautiful voice to begin with, did not sacrifice power for agility. She came through loud and clear. The char 1110 Chenango Hillcresl Heights Ploza BinghamtonKillcrest (6071 7240680 Many 11 om -6pm, Hi. 11 am-Spm, 10 am-4 pm RECORD RESTORATION and TRANSFER TO CD Transfer your LPs, 45s, 78s to CO without hiss, noise, scratches On Point Productions 122 State St.

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