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Opera Pacific, “The Magic Flute”: a review
The Magic Flute, Magically Delicious - Best Family Entertainment Value in Orange County Hands Down
J. Clemons
February 7, 2008
With a few star performances, an engaging set, and vibrant costumes, Opera Pacific concluded its four-performance run of The Magic Flute Saturday evening, February 2, 2008
Mozart’s final opera has a basic, prevailing “Good versus Evil” theme with a few minor twists and some comedic relief. Nicole Cabell, as Pamina the princess, gives a technically sound performance showcasing her wonderful voice, yet highlighting her limited acting talents. Chad Shelton as Tamino, Pamina’s prince rescuer/hero, also shows off his sub-par acting skills, while his singing lacks emotion and is mostly strained throughout the performance. This is unfortunate due to the fact that the story is centered around the young lovers and although one can appreciate Cabell’s singing (she did deliver with the aria to Tamino), Shelton fails to present himself (in voice and stature) as a strong character, thus failing to convince the audience of his “hero” status.
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Although the two main characters fall short of their respective roles, the supporting cast, for the most part, pick up the slack. Rod Gilfry is excellently cast as Papageno, the Hedonistic bird-catcher who is befriended by Tamino and accompanies him on his journey. Gilfry’s stage presence and poise not only give great comedic relief, but allows us to tolerate Tamino more. The Queen of the Night, performed by Luz de Alba Rubio, is also wonderfully cast as Pamina’s autocratic and megalomaniac mother. She shows off her range of voice and acting and leaves no doubt who people are rooting against.
Morris Robinson, as the wise Sarastro, lends his bass to the sympathetic role. The power of the lower register fits nicely with the character, and makes the audience warm up to him that much faster.
The audience does not warm up to Monostatos, Scott Scully, who gives a delightfully “evil” performance as Sarastro’s servant who falls out of favor and joins forces with the Queen. The Three Ladies - Erin Wood, Priti Gandhi, and Audrey Babcock - blend together well, do not step on each others toes, and make grand entrances and exits. It should be noted, as one opera lover observed, that the opera is not over ten minutes into the performance when the Three Ladies make their debut.
Director Dr. Michael Hampe does a fantastic job of keeping the show moving and allowing the cast to sing their requisite roles. Dr. Hampe collaborated with Alberto Andreis to design the set and what we see is a very innovative and intricate mix of moveable walls, trap doors, and backdrops that heightens the experience. Zandra Rhodes lends her personal style to the costume development, using bold colors and geometric patterns that do not distract, but enhance the magical theme of the opera.
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