Madama Butterfly @ Opera Western Reserve 11/7 The productions of Opera Western Reserve, which take place in Youngstown's ornate Stambaugh Auditorium tend to be of a hybrid nature -- an interesting mix of established professionals in the positions that really demand such experience, while yet offering stepping stones to the newcomers in our midst who desperately need such exposure to begin their careers.

Thanks to the untiring efforts of that crafty veteran of opera and theater, David Vosburgh, the overall presentation is entirely professional in appearance. He does wonders with a budget not far removed from the shoe-string category. This year’s production was a gorgeously luminous Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini, and one of the most often produced operas in the repertoire. Puccini specialized in beautiful, lyrical music that requires strong acting abilities to accurately express the enormous emotion he creates. The lead quartet here were all strong actors as well as singers of extraordinary capability, regardless of their ages.

The heroine of the piece (if she may be referred to as such) is Cio-Cio San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with a visiting US Navy officer, Lieutenant Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton, in the summer of 1905. They marry, and of course, he leaves with his ship. Three years later, he’s not yet returned again, but Cio-Cio San now has a child, and little money to keep her small household.

Misook Yun, a professor at Youngstown State University, radiated strength and fragility at the same time in the complex role of Cio-Cio San. Her soprano voice displayed these same qualities, while always remaining clear and distinct. Her big aria ‘One Fine Day’ (Un bel di) deserved the large ovation it received. In the role of her maid Suzuki, recent CIM graduate Irene Roberts was excellent, accurately portraying subservience and protectiveness of her young mistress. (The two ladies wielded their brooms against an invader with great vigor, prompting gentle laughter from the audience. You could almost expect a high-five afterwards, but that would have been totally out of character, even if humorous.)

As Pinkerton, a somewhat thankless role (he’s nowhere visible during the first scene of Act 2, and even most of the second scene, but yet he must be handsome and have a heroic and lyrical tenor voice, Clayton Hilley filled the bill very well. His last aria 'Farewell little house filled with hope and flowers' (Addio, fiorito asil di letizia e d’amor) was truly gorgeous. He’s such a cad, however, that when he does return, he brings an American-born wife with him. Carrie Minenok, a student at YSU, accurately portrayed Kate as young and willing to care for Pinkerton’s love-child.

Brian Keith Johnson, who has performed many times in this area, as well as elsewhere, was simply outstanding as Sharpless, the U. S. Consul, who helps Pinkerton set up the marriage, even though he isn’t sure of the whole thing, and expresses regret when he discovers Cio-Cio San’s plight. Johnson has a large and agile baritone voice which he utilizes with great finesse and emotion.

YSU students Max Pivik (The Bonze and Prince Yamadori) and Matthew Miles (Goro) should have no difficulty in furthering their careers after graduation, being possessed of fine voices and acting abilities.

Music Director and Conductor Susan Davenny Wyner is truly a marvel. She invests every note with energy and emotion, allowing the singers to breathe while never covering up their voices. Her orchestra was superb, especially concertmaster John Wilcox, who performed a sweet duet with Cio-Cio San. The combined chorus was prepared by Chorus Master Hae Jong Lee, with assistance from Carol Baird and Sue Ellen Harris Davis.

Mr. Vosburgh designed the attractive set and directed the action. Lighting design—very important in this opera—was by J. Anthony Ferrello. Barbara Luce designed the colorful and festive costumes. Stage Manager Joyce Jones kept the action proceeding smoothly.

With the performance falling as it did midway between Election day and Veteran’s Day, it was very appropriate to have a color guard from the 910th Air Wing present arms for the singing of our National Anthem. The full house was in fine voice, and there were more than a few sniffles and tears mixed in with the resulting applause.

Bizet’s Carmen will be next year’s production on Friday, November 6, 2009. For more information or to order tickets, visit the web-site: www.operawesternreserve.org

From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATroadrunner.com
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