OPERA: flaws hinder performance
By MARILYN McMULLEN Kansan Staff Writer
Gilbert and Sullivan shocked and angered audiences with "The Grand Duke" in 1896. The comic farce holds nothing sacred, and does its best to ridicule two-bit rulers of small monarchies which flourished in the 18th century. London audiences were not ready to accept a piece whose main characters were greedy, debauched and powerless to correct the ills of their realm.
Intact, "The Grand Duke" is much more acceptable to Lawrence audiences, who can see the comic opera through May 9 at Central Junior High.
"The Grand Duke" is a mockery of the sick society which is being criticized so adamantly today. However, the Mt. Oread Company's production has too many flaws to allow the full flavor of the farce to be savored.
The brass section of the orchestra overpowers strings, soloists, and the chorus, which is not the fault of musical director Lynn Schornick, but of the acoustics of the auditorium.
Musical numbers are difficult to understand. The actors need to enunciate more clearly. English inflections fall flat because they obscure the actor's lines.
Ronald Highley, a guest performer and a veteran of Gilbert and Sullivan productions was most easily understood because he spoke in his normal voice.
Staging of the first act was a bit sloppy in places. There were several exits by members of the chorus which needed to be executed more quickly so that the performers would not look as if they were wandering off stage.
Choreography was much better in the second act. The dances looked more polished and were infinitely more graceful than those in Act I.
Notable performances were turned in by Scott Holmes as the tightwad Grand Duke, who was anything but grand as he schemed for money and threw up in his subject's town well, and Sharon Zongker, as the slightly tipsy Baroness von Krakenfeldt who was deliciously repulsive, thanks to an excellent make-up job by Wendy Jones.
Carolyn Weber did an outstanding job with a glamorous
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bit part, and her thrilling soprano bit voice was its usual best.
Beth Carr, as an English comedienne overplayed her role in the first act, but blossomed in the second, and deserved the encore of her lyrical mezzo-soprano solo which brought a long and sagging performance back to life.
Mike Rapport, who is usually a credit to a production, was somehow flat in his role as a would-be duke.
Costumes and make-up saved
the show. Although some actors did not perform until last night, there was no hint of unfamiliarity with Greek togas and 18th century decolletage. The costumes of the peasants and noblemen were convincing and quite beautiful.
The opera would have had its needed polish with the extra rehearsals missed during the curfew. There is room for improvement in subsequent performances, which, if it can be
achieved, will make "The Grand Duke" an amusing glimpse of
human impropriety, which is timeless.
KU Experimental Theatre presents
An entertainment for the benefit of war widows, cripples, and other friends of the Union.
QUANTRILL!
Written by Mr. Stephen Biddle Directed by Mr. Gerald Rabkin
First time ever Rock Music!! And other diverse delights. May 3rd to the 10th 8:20 p.m.
Matinee on the 10th at 2:30 p.m.
Evening Performance at 8:20 p.m.
For tickets call UN 4-3982
$1.50 or 75c and current student registration card.
EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE MURPHY HALL