The Opera Tattler

* Notes *

Rinaldo (ovation pictured, photograph by author) opened at West Edge Opera on August 2 in a pop-art superhero staging that was so much fun. The orchestra was a bit rough, but the beauty of Händel’s music came through, especially because the singing was lovely.

Keturah Stickann directed this very silly production that involved lots of bright colors and reimagines Rinaldo as a caped crusader or some such. There were many funny details, including supertitles that were clearly much sassier than what was in the original libretto, and a tandem bicycle provided by a magician.

This version cuts the role of Eustazio (brother to Goffredo, leader of the First Crusade) entirely, and comes to a spare 2 hours and 10 minutes. Maestra Emily Senturia led a lively but imprecise orchestra, I was occasionally quite startled by phrases that sounded very much out of tune.

The music is very beautiful and all the singing is quite strong. Baritone Efraín Solís (Argante) is always a solid presence, he has much charisma and his voice is distinctive. The depths of contralto Sara Couden’s sound as Goffredo are impressive.

Soprano Nikki Einfeld is incisive as Armida, she certainly has the creepiness to channel a witch, and sang quite appropriately. Soprano Shawnette Sulker is sweet and bird-like as Almirena, though there were times when she sounded less than sparkling, just slightly raveled. She has a very youthful stage presence and her “Lascia ch’io pianga” in Act II was pretty.

Best of all is countertenor Kyle Tingzon in the title role of Rinaldo. His full range is very even and clear, I never felt like he slipped into his non-falsetto voice. His sound is so full and resonant. I especially liked his “Cara sposa, amante cara” and “Venti, turbini, prestate” in Act I.

* Tattling *

I completely missed the lasciviousness with which the magician treats the tandem bicycle at the end of Act I, which was noticed by one of my companions at the performance. Another companion managed to drop a water bottle and mobile phone in Act III.

It was rather warm in Oakland the day of this performance, and Scottish Rite Center was not particularly well-ventilated. It was hard to ignore a large, malodorous man in front of us who was sweating profusely.