friday, march 12, 2004
news
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the university daily kansan 5A
Opera plays with Shakespeare
By Dave Nobles
dnobles@kansan.com
Kansan staff writer.
A Kansas City opera is aiming to shake up the typical Shakespeare performance.
An operatic adaptation of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream that is set in the 1930s will open at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City tomorrow night.
The opera was written by Benjamin Britton and first performed in the 1960s in England, but not with the twists that the Lyric Opera is putting on it, said Evan Luskin, general director of the Lyric Opera.
The opera will still use a shortened but exact version of Shakespeare's text as its libretto, the script of the opera.
But a Marilyn Monroe lookalike and a faux Gary Cooper will play Titania and Oberon, two of the show's main characters.
The Rustics in the opera will don Boy Scout uniforms and the chorus will dress like the Little Rascals.
Luskin said that the characters will not look like their lyrics may sound, but that the costumes were an appropriate form of conveying the meaning.
"Since it's a fantasy and it's a dream, there's a lot of leeway," Luskin said. "I think it translates well into an opera."
"I think some parts of Kansas are conservative about opera. This is going to be on the risque end."
Lindsey Poling Erie, Pa., senior
The opera's experimental costuming helps to effectively relate the story to the audience, said Mark Ferrell, associate professor of music at the University of Kansas and assistant conductor for the opera.
"People relate to allegorical icons and figures," Ferrell said. "When you update a play or opera, it makes it more immediate."
Another difference from the opera's traditional format will be the chorus, made up of 20 children.
Singers who auditioned for the Lyric Opera in New York will be playing the major roles in the work.
Luskin said that it was standard practice for the company to bring in professionals for larger roles.
The Lyric Opera also has an apprenticeship program with the University of Kansas and
Lindsey Poling, Erie, Pa., senior, is one of about 10 KU students involved with the production. She has been in rehearsals for more than three weeks.
the performance will allow students to showcase their abilities.
Poling will be playing the role of Hippolyta in the show. She said that the different aspects of the performance may not appeal to many Kansans.
"I think some parts of Kansas are conservative about opera," Pollingsaid. "This is going to be on the risque end."
Shakespearean purists will still appreciate the opera because it remained faithful to the script, Ferrell said.
William Scott, professor of English, teaches Shakespeare at the University and has some reservations about the opera.
Scott said he had seen the opera in its traditional format long ago and thought it was done well. He said that if a company were to change aspects of it, there should be a valid reason.
"You move it to another time if you have a point to make," Scott said. "Not to get an audience reaction."
Dick Hardin, professor of English, said he didn't see a problem with the costume experimentation as long as the
IT'S SHOWTIME
Benjamin Britton's operatic adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream will be playing five times at the Lyric Opera Company of Kansas City,1029 Central Ave. Tickets range from $10 to $62. Students can buy $5 tickets one hour before showtimes.
Friday, March 19 - 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 21 - 2 p.m.
■ Saturday, March 13 - 8 p.m.
■ Monday, March 15 - 7:30
p.m.
Wednesday, March 17 - 7:30 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office at (816) 471-7344 or online at www.kcopera.org.
Source: www.kcopera.org
play's meaning remained unchanged.
"If they did that to the play, I might have qualms," Hardin said. "I guess I'd have to see it, though."
Just don't go in expecting a typical Shakespeare performance, Hardin said.
— Edited by Danielle Hillix
CAUCUS: Some say it matters
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A
That doesn't stop her, though.
said.
because people already now who the nominee is going to be," Marchin said.
She said she had spent months supporting former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who vocally dropped out of the race but left his name on some ballots.
"At least in Lawrence it might not be a foregone conclusion that Kerry will get every vote." Marchin
People, like Marchin, who still work to promote their beliefs will help make the caucus a success. Greathe said.
"I have a feeling that it's going be a pretty big turnout," Greathouse said.
The caucus will begin at 2 p.m. at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maine St.
Edited by Danielle Hillix
CAUCUS BASICS
If you're a Democrat aching for some political involvement, then the Kansas Caucus calls:
What: A chance to meet with fellow Democrats and give a shout out to your presidential nominee of choice.
Where: Lawrence Memorial Hospital, 325 Maist St.
When: 2 p.m.
Note: If you live in some parts of North Lawrence your caucus site might be at the Baldwin City Library, 800 Seventh St., Baldwin City. Call the county clerk if you have questions.
Source: www.ksdp.org and Marilyn Greathouse, leader of the Douglas County Democrats and receptionist for the Department of Engineering Administration
Administration
kansan.com News Now
The First Regular Missionary Baptist Church Family invites you to share in the celebration of the 3rd Pastoral Anniversary of Rev. Reginald and Sister Detra Bachus on Sunday, March 14 at the 10:50 a.m.
Pastor Lemuel E. Wynn (First Baptist Church of Quindaro, Kansas City, KS) will deliver the morning message.
Voices of Faith providing music.
Afternoon service at 3:30 p.m. with Rev C.L. Bachus (Sr.
Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Kansas City, KS).
Music by the Mt. Zion choir.
1646 Vermont Street Lawrence, KS
LYRIC
PRESENTS
featuring British countertenor Ryland Angel as Oberon
MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
BY BENJAMIN BRITTEN
Performed in English with easy-to-read text above the stage
TICKETS
CALL
$10-$62 816.471.7344
Student Rush $5.00 one hour prior to curtain, with ID.
www.kcopera.org
March 13 8:00 p.m. SAT In recognition of Master Craftsmen Foundation
March 21 2:00 p.m. SUN Sponsored by Historic Suites of America
March 15 7:30 p.m. MON In recognition of The Soosland Foundation
March 15 7:29 a.m. MON In recognition of The Scotland Foundation
In recognition of Arvin Gottjieb Charitable Foundation
March 17 7:30 p.m. WED In recognition of Metropolitan Performing Arts Fund
March 19 8:00 p.m. FRI In recognition of Arin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation
FREE PREVIEW
IN THE THEATER, ONE HOUR PRIOR TO CURTAIN
Bank of America
Media Sponsor:
The*Star
Issues 24 - Your News Here
KansasCity.com.
Financial assistance provided by the Missouri Arts Council MAC and the NEA