A View From the Bridge DETROIT Michigan Opera Theatre 4/5/14 Since its 1999 world premiere at Lyric Opera of Chicago, Pulitzer-prize-winning composer William Bolcoms A View from the Bridge has seized a place as one of Americas great operas. An adaptation of Arthur Millers 1955 play, the perfectly tuned libretto is by long-time Bolcom collaborator Arnold Weinstein, co-written with the playwright himself. Set in 1950s Brooklyn, the story follows dockworker Eddie Carbone (Kim Josephson). His once-paternal concern for his live-in niece Catherine (Kiri Deonarine) has become disturbingly taboo, something only his wife Beatrice (Beverly ORegan Thiele) suspects. The family welcomes two Italian cousins who are in the country illegally: Marco (Jonathan Lasch) works to support his destitute family back home; his younger brother Rodolfo (Eric Margiore), still unattached, catches Catherines eye. As Catherine and Rodolfo fall in love, Eddie grows desperate to keep them apart. Although reluctant to tip off the immigration authorities, his obsession inevitably pushes him to a deadly confrontation. In a cast without a single weak link, Kim Josephson — who created the role of Eddie at the world premiere — was truly outstanding. With unwavering commitment, Josephson transformed from a warmly likable Everyman to a seething husk, devoured by obsession. His powerful baritone is remarkably flexible, slipping from compelling richness into speech, bitter growl or mocking sing-song with equal ease and impeccable timing. Three relative newcomers also dazzled. Cast as the niece, Catherine, Kiri Deonarine — Josephsons real-life daughter — evinced a lush, shimmering soprano, especially in her frequent stratospheric entrances. Her brilliance persisted in But you do not know this man, a lyrical gem that dipped far below her usual tessitura. Jonathan Laschs sumptuous bass-baritone captivated, particularly in his volcanic A ship called hunger. He dominated the final scene with commanding intensity. John Arnold, as Eddies buddy Louis, was a beacon of light in the dark story. With a bright, exciting tone and breezy accuracy, Arnold embraced the Brooklyn accent and popular style to a degree matched only by the much more experienced Josephson. Congratulations Kim Josephson & Kiri Deonarine!!!!
Posted on: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 01:42:45 +0000
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