#1
Posted: 5/9/13 at 8:59am
I saw Washington National Opera’s production of Show Boat last night at The Kennedy Center. This is the same production that Francesca Zambello directed for Chicago Lyric Opera last year. All I can say is it was an extremely underwhelming and dull evening. There were so many missed opportunities. Ironically the performances for the most part were quite good, but the direction and tempos just made the evening drag.
To start off with, the overture that the orchestra played was one of the dullest I have ever heard. There was absolutely no emotion or energy behind the playing. And it was played very slowly. Goodness, gracious. Not a way to start the evening.
This production is double cast. I particularly liked the set and costume designs. The most energy of the evening came from the dancing ensemble.
Although there were quite a number of people onstage for the ensemble numbers, the singing just didn’t reverberate through the Opera House. It came off kind of flat, like the sound was being absorbed. Even Joe’s (Morris Robinson), “Ole Man River” didn’t ring. Whereas, I distinctly remember Michel Bell’s version from the ’94 Broadway Revival (which was so much better than what I saw last night).
I thought Jennifer Holloway did a wonderful job as Magnolia. She had a Charleston number towards the end of Act 2 that she executed nicely. I was kind of shocked because one is accustomed to seeing opera singers just stand and sing.
The clear audience favorite was Angela Renee Simpson as Queenie. Her chemistry with Joe was very good.
Now a sticking point. The time period in Show Boat spans 47 years, yet Joe remained in the same dingy shirt and pants throughout, whereas everyone else had several costume changes. It was also strange to hear, “Bill” sung in a higher key. Not sure if that was the original key in which it was written, but I’m accustomed to the ’94 revival cast recording.
There wasn’t a song list provided in the program, but I noticed at least 2 songs that weren’t included in the ’94 revival and that “Room Above Her” was cut. At the end of the evening I was certainly glad I didn’t spend the money to see this in Chicago. Thankfully I got my ticket on Goldstar for 50% off. The applause at the end was extremely tepid, yet most of the audience gave it a standing ovation (I stayed seated). Go figure!
To start off with, the overture that the orchestra played was one of the dullest I have ever heard. There was absolutely no emotion or energy behind the playing. And it was played very slowly. Goodness, gracious. Not a way to start the evening.
This production is double cast. I particularly liked the set and costume designs. The most energy of the evening came from the dancing ensemble.
Although there were quite a number of people onstage for the ensemble numbers, the singing just didn’t reverberate through the Opera House. It came off kind of flat, like the sound was being absorbed. Even Joe’s (Morris Robinson), “Ole Man River” didn’t ring. Whereas, I distinctly remember Michel Bell’s version from the ’94 Broadway Revival (which was so much better than what I saw last night).
I thought Jennifer Holloway did a wonderful job as Magnolia. She had a Charleston number towards the end of Act 2 that she executed nicely. I was kind of shocked because one is accustomed to seeing opera singers just stand and sing.
The clear audience favorite was Angela Renee Simpson as Queenie. Her chemistry with Joe was very good.
Now a sticking point. The time period in Show Boat spans 47 years, yet Joe remained in the same dingy shirt and pants throughout, whereas everyone else had several costume changes. It was also strange to hear, “Bill” sung in a higher key. Not sure if that was the original key in which it was written, but I’m accustomed to the ’94 revival cast recording.
There wasn’t a song list provided in the program, but I noticed at least 2 songs that weren’t included in the ’94 revival and that “Room Above Her” was cut. At the end of the evening I was certainly glad I didn’t spend the money to see this in Chicago. Thankfully I got my ticket on Goldstar for 50% off. The applause at the end was extremely tepid, yet most of the audience gave it a standing ovation (I stayed seated). Go figure!
Hey Dottie!
Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
