I would strongly encourage anyone even slightly interested in or curious about opera to attend this weekend’s run of Beatrice & Benedict. People unused to operatic drama will find the English dialogue and familiar plot are an easier way to begin; opera-lovers will find beautiful arias sung emotively by talented performers. Everyone will find this production to be a charming and entertaining comedy that provides laugh-out-loud moments throughout.
For this production, the Italian setting has been relocated to New Orleans, and the set is an impressive courtyard with fountain, upper levels reached by ladder and staircase, bougainvillea vines and French doors. It was almost as beautiful to look at as the performers in their gorgeous costumes and hairstyles. I don’t really care about clothes, ever, at all, but if Beatrice doesn’t need her Act II dress after this, I’d take it in a heartbeat. If you’re not sure about the performance aspect, go for the pretty.
Speaking of Beatrice, Amanda Kasem plays the role on even-numbered days, and her arched eyebrows and disdainful looks in the first scene assured me that my favorite heroine was in good hands. Her vocal performance even surpassed her dramatic one, and I was captivated by both her voice and expressions during her aria. I was surprised, however, to be even more impressed by Jennifer Elaine Wiggins as Ursule. Her voice gave me actual chills, it filled up the stage and my heart and made me resolve to return for future productions in the hopes of hearing more.
The lead male roles did not disappoint, either, although they were written to focus more on the comedic aspects rather than the emotional. The song where Claudio celebrates his love and Benedict derides it was choreographed and acted like a hilarious buddy-movie, and the subsequent plot to entrap him was filled with physical humor well-played. In those scenes, my attention was drawn to the antics and expressions of Joseph Trumbo as Don Pedro, who kept it funny but not hammy. No, the ham award goes to Xiaoyi Zha as Somarone, and his talented chorus who were there for comic relief. Each chorus member had a distinctive character and personality, and they all brought unique humorous moments to the production.
Most of the performers I’ve mentioned will perform all four nights, but the two principals switch off even/odd dates. I can’t speak for the 5th and the 7th, but the performers I saw (who play the 6th and the 8th) were up to the demands of balanced acting and singing, kept my attention, and made me laugh. It was a beautiful night at the opera, and now that I have experienced Lyric Theatre @ Illinois, I will be certain to return. Often. You should, too.