Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic Christmas tale, Amahl and the Night Visitors, captured the hearts of Americans in the 1950’s and sent thousands of television viewers on their first foray into the seemingly erudite realm of opera. Indeed, it can claim the distinction of being the first work of this nature specifically composed for the small screen. Its run on television lasted fifteen years, making it the first annual televised holiday “tradition” as well, and perfectly fit the bill in a time when promoting education about classical music was actually an honest to goodness value of the big three networks. Tonight’s performance was a mixed bag of delights and frustrations that ultimately succeeded in its purpose.
During his lifetime, Menotti recieved mixed critical response but much popular adulation. Shrill attacks of being too derivative and eclectic for serious consideration are now giving way to a more tempered look at his purpose as a composer. This music is completely accessible, always melodic (if not always instantly memorable…), and, at times, strikingly, achingly beautiful. Menotti’s greatest strength lies in how he developed and adapted the verismo tradition of Italian opera to the needs of American audiences, and the shiny electronic gizmos they posess. Fortunatly for this audience, none of those gizmos uttered so much as a chirp!
The evening began with two narrations of the plot, one in English and the other in Spanish, much like a television voice over during the opening credits of a show. A little incidental music behind it would have been nice, but this reduction of the entire plot sets a course for the entire series. Opera IS for everyone, and the sooner young generations are exposed to and (heaven forbid!!!) allowed to participate in works of this caliber, the sooner our nation will stop seeing a decline in its education system. The narrations finished, and Maestro Terrell gave the downbeat.
A tender opening strain slowly wafted upwards leading to the entrances of Will Isaacson as Amahl, and Jennifer Luiken as his mother. Isaacson’s boy soprano has a light almost distant quality that tenderly matched the nature of Amahl’s situation. His pitch fell once or twice, but never to distraction. His blocking was an issue, however. Our characters were placed in front of the orchestra, which was on stage out of necessity, so their area became quite cramped as more characters arrived. Several times, Amahl’s lines were delivered facing across the stage. Even with the CSO backing him at pianissimo, it was sometimes quite hard to catch that beautifully distant quality. Dr. Luiken’s voice is quite strong…it needs to be, since her character carries most of the emotional weight throughout the opera. Her vibrato well served the more romantic elements, yet sounded a little heavy when the music took a mid-eastern or more modern turn.
The Night Visitors, James Broussard as King Kaspar, Jacob Will as King Melchoir, and Tyrone B. Wallace, Jr. as King Balthazar, were a well matched trio that regally brought out many of the humorous elements this opera has to offer. Mr. Broussard in particular, with the engaging sense of playfulness his Kaspar carried throughout the opera, drew many laughs. Mr. Will and Mr. Wallace held down the lower end without a hitch.
The chorus parts, handled by the Charleston County School of the Arts High School Chorus, were brilliant! Their fresh tone meshed perfectly with the CSO, and a cappella,was quite a joy to hear. I found myself amazed at their consistency and level of artistry. The dancers, Lorenzo Perez and Celeste Pompeii, quite quickly proved that they were not merely a cute addition to make the parents smile. These two seventh graders showed a grace that only comes from native talent and a good deal of hard work. It’s a shame their dance had to take place in front of the stage.
Highlights included the Night Visitors entrance, the ensemble work as the visitors describe the child they seek, and the theft leading to Amahl’s miracle.
Opera really is for everyone!
There will be two more performances of Amahl and the Night Visitors. On May 31st at Fort Dorchester High School, 8500 Patriot Blvd., 7:00 p.m.; and June 1st at Stratford High School, 951 Crowfield Blvd., 7:00 p.m.
