In the Opera Saratoga season opener, the Broadway musical “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” audiences are treated to a delightful mix of treachery, mayhem, and comedy. The young and talented cast impressively delivers the kind of exceptional singing one would expect from a top opera company, without getting distracted by the elaborate staging.
Maximillian Jansen takes the stage as Monty, the cunning social climber, and his performance is simply outstanding. With the poise of a true British lad, Jansen embodies the character’s scheming mindset with his warm and penetrating voice.
Equally impressive is Eric McConnell, who flawlessly portrays eight different members of a noble family lineage. With a range of voices and a knack for camp and overacting, McConnell fully immerses himself in each role. The occasional costume malfunctions, mostly involving wigs and facial hair, only add to the enjoyment of the performance.
When the two female leads take the stage, all distractions fade away, and beautiful singing takes center stage. Mezzo Claire McCahan’s portrayal of Sibella is radiant, with a gorgeous rounded tone reminiscent of Julie Andrews. Soprano Megan Fleischmann captivates the audience with her appealing midrange and captivating upper range as Phoebe.
Director David Gram brilliantly utilizes the company’s new venue, Universal Preservation Hall. The thrust stage creates a spacious yet intimate atmosphere, with cast members entering and exiting from every corner. The chamber orchestra, skillfully conducted by Laura Bergquist, is positioned behind the main playing area. The lighting design by Anshuman Bhatia enhances the magic of the performance, shifting and changing in sync with the music, but never harsh or jolting.
While it is uncommon for opera companies to amplify their singers, it proves to be a necessary and successful decision in this production. The fast-paced rhyming lyrics, reminiscent of Gilbert and Sullivan or Sondheim, are nearly impossible to keep up with. However, this adds to the operatic nature of the show – a reminder to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Performances of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” will continue through July 8th.
In conclusion, the Opera Saratoga season opener offers a delightful evening of music and theater. With a talented cast, impressive directing, and impeccable singing, this production of “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is not to be missed.
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