High Art Lite:The Boston Lyric Opera’s Ariadne Auf Naxos

An idealistic young composer is asked to edit his debut opera, a retelling of the Greek tragedy Ariadne, to include the members of a comedy troupe. Egos are bruised, changes and cuts are made- all with unexpected  results.

Boston Lyric Opera‘s presentation of Richard Strauss’ Ariadne Auf Naxos is a highly entertaining show -a comic opera about making an opera. This Ariadne is the American premiere of a Welsh National Opera production and comes with some terrific sets and costuming. The  present-day “backstage” theater set  in Act I is very detailed -complete with minute dressing rooms and a much-used coffee machine.  Act II takes place in a dreamy post-modern version of the Greek island of Naxos.

Directed by Neil Armfield, Ariadne features several up-and -coming opera talents. Soprano Marjorie Owens plays the title role- and at only 28 years-old – she has a clear and beautiful voice. Brandon Jovanovich is outstanding as Bacchus; both appropriately heroic and conceited . Mezzo-soprano Edyta Kulczak is convincing as the passionate Composer . Soprano Rachel Gilmore plays the flirty Zerbinetta-the lead actress of the comedy troupe- with excellent phrasing and great  appeal. The merry pranks of the band of comic actors; Julius Ahn, Jesse Blumberg, David M. Cushing, and Tracy Wise, are a delight and move the story along well. While another classical music rising star, Eric Nielsen, conducts Strauss’ lovely score, nicely keeping the  balance between the voices and the orchestra.

Ariadne Auf Naxos at the Schubert Theatre, 265 Tremont St., 866-348-9738,(Map) March 12-23, 2010,tickets from $36,  sung in German with English surtitles.

Image Credit: Jeffrey Dunn for Boston Lyric Opera, used with permission

PlanetEye Boston received complimentary tickets to review.