Opera Per Tutti @ Solon Center for the Arts 1/16 Although both Show Boat (1927) and Porgy and Bess (1935) were written for Broadway, they're really hybrids -- adapting as readily to the opera house as they do to the musical stage. It's pretty safe to say that without a Show Boat there would have been no Porgy, as the former was the first stage musical to introduce mature subject matter into what was previously primarily lighter, comedic material.

Show Boat is based on the novel of the same name by Edna Ferber, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and music by Jerome Kern. Porgy and Bess had a libretto by DuBose Heyward, based on his story of the same name and he also worked with Ira Gershwin on the lyrics. Ira’s brother George wrote the music. Both composers had classical training, although Kern tended more to popular and jazz than did Gershwin.

When you add in trained operatic type voices to this splendid music, you get a spine-tingling, thrilling performance. Opera Per Tutti, northeast Ohio’s newest professional opera company understands this concept very well, thanks to its general director, soprano Andrea Anelli. Last weekend at the Solon Center for the Arts, two sold-out houses were afforded the opportunity to share her belief.

Granted, this was the condensed version of each masterpiece – the ‘greatest hits’ as it were, but it was still an audacious presentation by this young company. Costumes and scenery by SCA’s Sarah Cantrell and technical mastery by Kristina J. Ferencie greatly enhanced the performances. Stage manager Matty Sayre kept things running smoothly.

In addition to Ms. Anelli as Julie and Bess (and also stage director), other featured performers were William Clarence Marshall as Joe and Porgy; James Love as Ravenal and Jake; Tina D. Stump as Queenie; Melanie Woodruff as Magnolia; Jennifer Woda as Ellie; Norris Kelly as Sportin’ Life and Paulette Maria Penzvalto as Clara and Serena. Ensemble members were Diana Rodenhausen, Jonathan Schulz, Steven D. Skaggs and Grace Penzvalto. Narration for Show Boat was by Ms. Stump and Mr. Marshall, while Ms. Woda and Mr. Schulz did the honors for Porgy and Bess.

The SCA Opera Orchestra (which sounded great!) was conducted by Greg Bassett, Marcia Snavely was chorus master and Karen L. Prasser was pianist.

Of course it was the music that set this production apart—the music and the high level of singing. Mr. Marshall stopped the show (and rightly so) with his rendition of Ol’ Man River, while Mr. Norris achieved a similar effect in It Ain’t Necessarily So and There’s a Boat Dat’s Leavin’. Ms. Penzvalto sang the shimmering Summertime and made us forget (at least temporarily) the frigid temperatures outdoors. Ms. Anelli was outstanding in Bill and with Mr. Marshall in Bess You is My Woman Now.

But truthfully, the very best part of this production by Opera Per Tutti is that all the artists live here in Northeast Ohio! We can compete with anyone. In May, more local talent will be on stage for I Pagliacci. Tickets may be reserved now, by calling SCA at 440-337-1400. Or visit the website: http://www.operapertutti.org.

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com

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