|
Although they were written in the 19th century, two French works, Dr. Miracle and L'Enfant Prodigue, to be performed by Opera at USC seemed perfectly suited for the 1960s.
"Dr. Miracle examines the juxtaposition of social values, and L'Enfant Prodigue is an interpretation of the Biblical tale of the prodigal son," said Ellen Schlaefer, director of Opera at USC. "What better time than the '60s? Also, it gives our students a chance to wear wild and wacky costumes and explore a different time period. It's a totally different place for them."
 |
| Ellen Schlaefer |
An Evening of One Acts will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 and 3 p.m. Feb. 4 in the School of Music Recital Hall. Admission is free.
Dr. Miracle, by Georges Bizet, tells the tale of a man named Silvio who is in love with Laurette, the daughter of the town's mayor. To be noticed by Laurette, Silvio gains admittance to the mayor's house as a servant and executes a plan to trick Laurette's disapproving father into allowing them to marry. He cooks an omelette for the mayor and later claims it contains poison. Silvio then assumes the persona of Dr. Miracle and returns to the house to cure the mayor under one condition: that he be allowed to marry Laurette.
 |
| David Toulson |
The all-student cast of Dr. Miracle includes Nick Pop as the Mayor, Evan McCormack as Silvio, Ariana Pullano as Veronique, and Sylvia Aponte as Laurette. School of Music graduate David Toulson, who holds master's degrees in voice and opera direction from USC, will direct Dr Miracle, which will be sung in French with dialogue in English.
L'Enfant Prodigue, by Claude Debussy, tells the story of Azael, a young man who leaves his home and indulges in wild excesses and extravagant pleasures. He becomes an outcast. Nevertheless, his mother, Lia, who has forgiven him for his wrongdoings, mourns his disappearance and wants him to return home. Azael eventually returns home to find his mother and father have welcomed him back with open arms.
The all-student cast of L'Enfant Prodigue includes Cathy Siarris as Lia, Khary Wilson as Azael, and Nick Pop as Simeon. Schlaefer will direct the opera, which will be performed in French.
"I chose these operas because of their composers, Bizet and Debussy," Schlaefer said. "Working with the French repertoire gives our students an additional opportunity to expand their knowledge of the operatic genre. The Bizet is a lot of fun, and the Debussy is so lush."
Opera at USC also will present Dr. Miracle in English to the fourth graders of Richland District One beginning Feb. 12 at the Keenan High School Theater. For these shows, Joseph Timms will sing the part of the Mayor; Kohei Toyoda and Evan McCormack will sing the part of Silvio; Ariana Pullano will sing the part of Veronique; and Evelyn Clary will sing the part of Laurette.
"We've done a study guide to sort of help take the scariness of opera away as part of the out-reach program," Schlaefer said.
Opera at USC will conclude its season with Postcard from Morocco April 27 and 29 at Keenan High School Theater.
1/07
|
From left, students Sylvia Aponte, Nick Pop, Evan McCormack, and Ariana Pullano will appear in Dr. Miracle Feb. 3 and 4.
