TODAY at 3PM. at The Reading Liederkranz: Die Fledermaus, FANTASTIC review from the Reading Eagle!!!! Text posted below: readingeagle/…/theater-review-die-fledermaus-soa… You never know where Berks Opera Company will turn up next, but one thing of which you can be certain is that they will give you something out of the ordinary. Their latest venue is the Reading Liederkranz, and its perfect for Johann Strauss Jr.s beloved operetta, Die Fledermaus, in an English translation by BOCs artistic director, Francine Black (who also accompanies on keyboard). What passes for comedy in most operetta performances tends toward a stilted and antiquated sort of humor. Not so in this updated version, in which the young cast communicates at times by cell phone and makes references to songs like Im All About That Bass. Black, always an astute translator, has outdone herself here, with lyrics that rival Gilbert & Sullivan for delirious wit. The ensemble, directed by BOC executive director and producer Tamara Black, is deliciously funny. And then, theres the music. Just closing your eyes and listening to that gorgeous score in this intimate space is thrilling, especially with a soprano like Toni Marie Palmertree, who stars as Rosalinda. The last time she sang a lead role for BOC was when she did Carmen; she was wonderful, but this mezzo role didnt show everything she can do. This role fits her voice like a glove, and when she pulls out the stops for the Csardas, its breathtaking. Soprano Julie Kremm, in the role of Adele, is sassy and sings delicately and with precision. Tenor Jarrod Miller is adept at comedy and sings well as Eisenstein. Tenor Lyle Ingram, a veteran of many BOC leading roles, is hilariously amorous as Alfred, Rosalindas would-be lover; however, his voice sounds a bit strained, with some cracking (on Saturday night). Baritone Zachary Luchetti is fine, vocally and comedically, as Dr. Falke. Mezzo Erica Convery, as Prince Orlofsky, not only has an exceptional voice, but is an intriguing presence in this travesti role. Tenor Benjamin Delp Watts is exquisitely silly as the bumbling attorney, Dr. Blind. Ko Kaiden, as Frank the prison warden, is simply priceless-a natural comedian. Soprano Sarah Dungan is excellent as Adeles sister Sally, and Richard Black, in the speaking roles of Frosch and Ivan, shows an unexpected comic gift. I wish there were a grand piano instead of an electronic keyboard, so that people could appreciate what a fine pianist Francine Black is; she does a remarkable job as the orchestra, giving the Viennese tunes a lovely lilt. The performance will be repeated today at 3 p.m. Contact Susan L. Pena: life@readingeagle. - See more at: readingeagle/…/theater-review-die-fledermaus-soa…
Posted on: Sun, 28 Dec 2014 12:19:38 +0000