"I found the production really beautiful and Ms. Podles amazing. I can honestly say that the whole afternoon passed like a flash. It was a very theatrical as well as an intensely musically enriching experience,"Â said Jenkins, who arranged to use the same set by Paul Steinberg and costumes by Constance Hoffman for the Seattle Opera debut of Handel's Julius Caesar.
Podles sings Caesar in the Saturday/Wednesday cast that also includes French-Canadian soprano Alexandra Deshorties as Cleopatra, Japanese-American countertenor Brian Asawa as Tolomeo (Cleopatra's brother and rival), American mezzo-soprano Helene Schneiderman as Cornelia (a Roman widow captured by Tolomeo), and American mezzo-soprano Kristine Jepson in her Seattle Opera debut as Sesto (Cornelia's son). In the Sunday/Friday cast, English mezzo-soprano Anna Burford makes her U.S. opera debut as Caesar and American soprano Christine Brandes makes her Seattle Opera debut as Cleopatra. American mezzo-soprano Gloria Parker makes her Seattle Opera debut as Cornelia, American tenor Mark Crayton makes his Seattle Opera debut as Tolomeo, and American mezzo-soprano Carolyn Kahl (a former Seattle Opera Young Artist) returns to sing the role of Sesto.
The production is directed by Robin Guarino, who served as the associate director for Seattle Opera's 2001 and 2005 productions of Wagner's Ring des Nibelungen. Maestro Gary Thor Wedow, a noted Handel specialist, makes his Seattle Opera debut as conductor for Julius Caesar. Tony-award nominee Donald Byrd (The Color Purple) choreographed the dance elements, which include some exciting dance/ fighting sequences.
Internationally-known Baroque instrumentalists Stephen Stubbs (baroque guitar and theorbo), Maxine Eilander (baroque harp), and Margriet Tindemans (viola da gamba) form the continuo group required for Baroque opera. Maestro Gary Thor Wedow and Assistant Conductor Philip Kelsey play dual harpsichords in the pit.
To encourage families to attend this Baroque classic, Seattle Opera has designated March 4 as Family Day, with $15 tickets available for students ages fourteen to eighteen. During intermission, "Roman soldiers"Â and other costumed characters from the cast will be visiting the lobby areas of McCaw Hall, allowing families to see the colorful costumes and props up close. Students also receive a specially-designed Egyptian temporary tattoo, a souvenir study guide, a Caesar-specific activity sheet, and an opera sampler CD. Julius Caesar runs for eight performances at McCaw Hall: February 28, and March 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10. Tickets start at $41. -- www.seattleopera.org
Posted February 27th, 2007 by ruzik_tuzik
