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Austin360 blogs > Austin Arts: Seeing Things > Archives > 2008 > April > 21 > Entry
Review: Austin Lyric Opera’s ‘Carmen’
The audience buzz was high Friday night at Austin Lyric Opera’s debut performance at the new Long Center for the Performing Arts, the first of four sold-out shows of Bizet’s “Carmen.”
A “Home Sweet Home” banner greeted a festive crowd as they climbed the stairs to Dell Hall, the much-anticipated new home stage for the 22-year-old opera company. But unfortunately that audience energy far exceeded the verve coming from the stage. Awkward stage directing and weak performances from the lead performers left this “Carmen” lackluster.
Thankfully, sharp conducting by music director Richard Buckley flaunted the Long Center’s sparkling acoustics and provided the performance’s only real sizzle.
As Carmen, mezzo-soprano Beth Clayton lacked volume and a fullness of tone, never quite grabbing the pitch she needed during what should have been show-stopping arias. Tenor William Joyner, as Don Jose, likewise struggled with consistent delivery.
In the secondary roles, soprano Barbara Divis, as Micaela, did manage more volume and flair. And as Escamallio, Luis Ledesma had a good tone and plenty of dramatic flourish. Alas it was some of the only dramatic action we saw. Stage director David Gately seemed to have given little structure or purpose to the movement during the crowd scenes and principal characters lacked focus. This was a Carmen and Don Jose in love? It was hard to buy.
Perhaps the only star of the evening was the Dell Hall and its acoustics, amply celebrated by Buckley and the orchestra. Buckley drew a nuanced and shimmering sound from the pit that resulted in hearty cheers from the audience.
If this “Carmen” was underwhelming, at least Dell Hall and its sound continues to impress.
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By RN
April 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
The only star of the evening was the Dell Hall and its acoustics, eh? Why am I not at all surprised… From Barbarians straight back to safe cataloged uneventful productions. Next, Die Fledermaus with esther’s follies? Yikes..