Reviews

Superb Handel Opera

23/03/2011

PUBLICATION: Wanganui Midweek
REVIEWED BY: Mary Bryan
WHERE: St James Theatre, Wellington, 15 March 2011

What an absolute privilege it was last week to hear in New Zealand this superbly performed Handel opera. The first fully-staged Handel opera to be staged here offered almost three thrilling hours of hearing what an incredible instrument the voice can be. Enhanced by the Lautten Compagney, the opera on opening night received a standing ovation from many in the audience.

The story line, loosely based on fact (Xerxes was the 485-465 BC King of Persia), could have been used for a Monty Python skit. The opera opens with Tobias Cole as Xerxes singing to a plane tree, which he is in love with (fact). Then Xerxes, although engaged to Queen Amastre (Kristen Darragh), upsets her by falling in love with Romilda (Tiffany Speight), the sweetheart of his brother Arsamene (William Purefoy). Despite Romilda’s rejection, Xerxes banishes his brother. Romilda’s sister Atalanta (Amy Wilkinson), in love with Arsamene, encourages Xerxes while Amastre dresses as a man to keep an eye on Xerxes. There is also Arsamene’s servant Elviro (Steepen Bennett) and the sisters’ father General Ariodate (Martin Snell).

Countertenors Cole and Purefoy show superb technique in roles, which were written for castrati, and their fine acting makes the most of the comedic plot. Coloratura Speight is an absolute delight to watch and hear, equally impressive as a young girl in love and a woman not to be thwarted by Xerxes. Her Trelise Cooper-designed yellow dress and very full hot pink cape are eye catching in the extreme. (I found the cape’s colour too bright against a white set but very easy on the eye when the set was washed with blue or rose lighting). Amy Wilkinson makes the most of her beautiful voice while Kirsten Darragh is especially effective in her lower range. Basses Bennett and Snell are tremendous vocally and in their characterisations. Bennett’s impersonation of a female flower seller is one of the funniest moments . . .

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Did you know?

Early opera resembled the atmosphere of a race course - chatting, food, laughter and loud comments were the norm.

During all our opera performances an English translation of the libretto is projected on screens above the stage, so you can easily follow the story.

If you are 25 years old or under you can purchase $25 tickets at the venue box office before any performance.

The world's longest opera is Wagner's The Ring Cycle, lasting over 14 hours plus intervals. That's 18 hours at the theatre.

The world's longest applause lasted for 1 hour and 20 minutes as a standing ovation. The opera: Otello starring Placido Domingo.

On average, an opera will last between 2 and 3 hours, with one interval in a two act show, and two in a three act show. Operettas and musicals tend to be shorter.

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