Recent Press Releases
- Intermezzo
- The New England Chamber Opera Series
Contact:
Donna Trapp
(207) 698-1807
August 8, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
TWO
AMERICAN OPERAS TO BE PERFORMED AT HACKMATACK PLAYHOUSE
Berwick,
ME: Hackmatack Playhouse will
host Intermezzo: the New England Chamber Opera Seires as they present two
unique and intriguing modern American Operas: “Trouble in Tahiti” and
“A Question of Love” this September.
The
first of the two operas, “Trouble in Tahiti”, was both written and
composed by the legendary Leonard Bernstein in the early 1950’s. Featuring just two characters, Dinah and Sam, and a jazz trio
of voices “Trouble in Tahiti” is a satirical look on suburban life of
the ‘50s replete with the emptiness of materialistic values, post-war
consumerism, Hollywood escapism, and the resulting marital discord.
It has been suggested that the two main characters are
biographically based upon Bernstein’s own parents and that moments
within the opera are reflections of actual events within his life.
Whether this is true or not, audiences even today will appreciate
and relate to the touching lyricism that resonates along with a beautiful
-- sometimes catchy, sometimes haunting -- score.
The
second opera, “A Question of Love”, makes its world premiere
performance at Hackmatack. Composed
by Charles Shadle, based on an original story by Michael Ouellette, it is
a touching piece idyllic for the local setting.
The story is set on the seacoast of Maine just shortly after World
War II.
An
established painter, Carter, and his wife, Jane, have taken in a talented young apprentice painter, Ted,
for the summer. Although Ted -- a former G.I. -- is engaged to be married, he
confesses to his mentor that he has strong feelings for him and would like
him to go to New York with him.
This confession and suggested opportunity stirs long, deep-seated
feelings in Carter forcing him to reflect upon his life with Jane, the
choices he has made, and the decisions he will need to make.
Lusciously scored for five singers, piano, violin, and cello “A
Question of Love” promises to be a winning finale to our summer season.
Intermezzo:
The New England Chamber Opera Series was born out of a vision to produce
contemporary chamber opera and bring new and exciting works to New
England. Chamber opera merges
the musical and dramatic flavor of grand opera with the immediacy of art
song, performed on a smaller, more intimate scale.
Their focus is primarily on performing 20th and 21st
century works, particularly by American composers. A relatively new opera company under the guidance of Artistic
Director and Founder John Whittlesey, they have achieved success and
acclaim performing a live web cast production at the Kennedy Center for
Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. this past May in addition to several
other engagements in Boston and throughout New England
There
are only two performances for “Trouble in Tahiti” and “A Question of
Love”. The performance
dates and times are Friday, September 3rd and Saturday,
September 4th at 8 p.m.. Tickets
can be reserved by calling the Hackmatack Box Office at (207) 698-1807.
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