To Be or Not To Be: An Opera Opportunity

You were force fed the book in high school, but viewing the operatic Hamlet isn’t an obligation, it’s an opportunity.   Remember Hamlet?  The son of a tyrannical King pledges to avenge his Father’s questionable death and get to the bottom of his Mother’s betrayal.

This great work of literature became great entertainment on the stage of the Kennedy Center.  The Washington National Opera presented Shakespeare’s Hamlet, simplified – but definitely not the Cliff Notes version.  Lengthy, yet laudable, with a cast that sang and acted with passion, emotion and proficiency, Ambroise Thomas’ French Opera came to life on an ultra contemporary set, with musical accompaniment conducted by Maestro Placido Domingo, and featuring some young, talented opera stars.

The quality of the vocal performance was all the more spectacular given the circumstances of casting, but Liam Bonner (Hamlet; alternating with Michael Chioldi) and Elizabeth Futral (Ophelie) were delightfully attune.  While Ophelie’s “Mad Scene” might steal the show for some, it is Hamlet’s “Wine Dance,” and perhaps his “To Be or Not To Be” aria that mark Hamlet as an opera not to be missed – particularly with Bonner in the role.  The combination of his confident stage presence and balanced, charismatic voice on stage with Futral created a magical memory.

*Hamlet was WNO’s last production of the 2009-2010 season.  Check here for next season’s schedule.
(Photo credit: Karin Cooper for the Washington National Opera)