The Opera Tattler

* Notes * 
A run of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Sorcerer (ovation pictured, photograph by the author) from Lamplighters Music Theatre opened last night at the Presidio Theatre Performing Arts Center in San Francisco. Delightfully silly, the cast featured many talented singing actors.

The piece involves Alexis, a son of a baronet, who wants to level class distinctions by using a love potion from one John Wellington Wells (the sorcerer of the title) to bring all sorts of people together. Antics ensue and the plot goes awry when his betrothed Aline drinks the potion at his insistence, only to fall in love with another.

The music is bubbly and cheerful. Maestra Lynne Morrow had the small orchestra sounding appropriately jaunty, there were very few noticeable issues in intonation or synchronization.

The production, from director Nicolas A. Garcia (who also heads Pocket Opera), is inventive and lots of fun. Video projection is used for the backdrops and Garcia was able to employ this very well, especially in a scene when Dr. Daly, the Vicar of Ploverleigh, rides a bicycle through the town. There are lots of sight gags and it is all quite charming. Though the opera is from 1877, it is placed here in 1920, which works perfectly well.

The consummate performers were amusing to watch in action. The physicality of all of them was spot on. Mezzo-soprano Cary Ann Rosko and baritone Josh Black were particularly hilarious as Lady Sangazure, Aline's mother and Sir Marmaduke Pointdextre. Their duet "Welcome, joy!" garnered much laughter.

Tenor Eric Mellum did well with the role of Dr. Daly, the lovelorn vicar, his plaintive sound and physical presence were completely convincing. Constance, a young woman in love with the vicar, was sung by Jayne Diliberto, who has an interestingly dark-toned soprano.  Mezzo-soprano Carly Ozard was humorous as Constance's mother Mrs. Partlet.

Tenor Max Ary has a powerful sound as Alexis, and soprano Syona Ayyankeril sounded lovely as his love Aline. Ayyankeril's "My kindly friends" and "Happy young heart" in Act I were the highlights of the show for me.

* Tattling * 
The opening night audience was enthusiastic to say the least. Many patrons were dressed in Roaring Twenties style. Before the performance, audience members were invited to cast spells on the stage using wands and the video projector in the background.

There was quite a lot of talking, but it was all in reaction to what was happening on stage.