Opera 2007: streetwise, naughty and mystical

NARROWSBURG, N.Y. n The 21st season of the Delaware Valley Opera will showcase the company in productions that are “streetwise” “naughty,” and “mystical.” According to new Artistic Director Jim Blanton, the season will interest both opera lovers and those who have never seen, or been interested in, Opera. Maestro Blanton challenges the public to “come if you dare!” For a “streetwise” experience, the DVO offers “La Perichole” by Offenbach, sung in English, on July 14 at the Seelig Theatre at Sullivan County Community College in Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. and July 20 and 28, and August 3 and 12 at the Tusten Theatre in Narrowsburg. The street singer, La Perichole, and her jealous lover follow adventure from the streets of Peru to the Viceroy’s Palace and back again. A cast of eccentric characters and a toe dance in a jail cell help make this an uncommon opera experience! Area singers Julie Ziavras, Osualdo Cicchetti and Eric Barsness will headline a large cast along with chorus and orchestra. The “naughty” portion of the season will be a program entitled “Naughty Operetta,” featuring the music of Victor Herbert and Sigmund Romberg, with performances July 22 and 27 and August 5 at the Tusten Theatre and August 11 at Sullivan County Community College. Soprano Jody Weatherstone, tenor Anthony Daino and baritone Mark Gargiulo, with Blanton at the piano, will perform the flirtatious, romantic and heartfelt music of Victor Herbert and Sigmund Romberg in highlights from favorite operettas of these two popular composers, all in English. Surrender to some of the century’s finest melodies, and you won’t even hate yourself in the morning! The “mystical” part of the season will be “Norma” by Bellini, sung in Italian. Performances are July 21 and 29, and August 4 and 10 at the Tusten Theatre. This famous opera proves that incantations, sorcery and treachery did not begin with “Harry Potter” or “The Lord of the Rings.” Hold on to your seat as the tale unfolds of the ancient Druid Priestess, Norma and the invading Roman womanizer, Pollione. This story of betrayal, illicit love affairs, vengeance and even self immolation makes the modern soap opera pale by comparison. Tenor Marshall Cooper of Matamoras will join rising New York opera stars Erika Wueschner and Erika Person to headline this production with chorus and orchestra. Ticket prices range from $15-$25, and can be ordered by phone or purchased at the door as available. To order tickets, or for more information, please call the DVO box office at 845-252-7272.