Melodious, Family-Friendly Phantasmagoria Charms Large Audience
By GEORGE B. PAROUS
Resonance Works gave the first of two performances of Rachel Portman’s charming The Little Prince last evening, and a full house (or nearly so) at the Carnegie Music Hall, in Carnegie, was rewarded with an outstanding evening of magical music that is richly orchestrated and was excellently performed. The story is taken from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s book of the same name; a book the commercial pilot wrote for youngsters, but one that has an appeal for all. The music is melodious, in spots exotic, warm and full of lyric beauty.
Victory Brinker (The Little Prince) and Daniel Teadt (The Pilot)
Maria Sensi Sellner conducted with her usual aplomb and grace, and the orchestra responded with a reading that was enchanting even on a first hearing. Too much can’t be said of how much the Pittsburgh Youth Chorus added to the production. Their every appearance on the stage (as abstract stars as birds) was a genuine thrill, and they were on the stage often. The large ensemble was strong, with a number of the members stepping forward to sing solos that were for the most part very entertaining. The only flaw in the ensemble was a soprano who decided she was going to stand apart from the crowd and sing the house down.
The fanciful story is rather complex; space can’t cover a whole synopsis here. Basically, a Little Prince from another star owns a tiny asteroid, where he cares for a lovely, but demanding, rose. The rose insists that he leave and become more worldly in order to take better care of her. He falls to earth, after trying less desirable planets, but lands in a desert where he meets a pilot who has crash landed nearby. In two acts they come across various characters as they search for water, until the opera ends in a magnificent, stirring finale. It was here that Ms. Sellner pulled the stops out and gave the orchestra, ensemble and chorus free rein. It was glorious.
Timothi Williams (The Fox)
In the role of the pilot, baritone Daniel Teadt had probably the lion’s share of singing to do, and he did it admirably and well. His tones are warm and resonant, but his diction sometimes allows for a few curious vowels; not to the point of distraction but noticeable. He’s well versed in the vocal art, as well as in acting and repose. Overall he gave a splendid performance and received quite an ovation at the final curtain. As the Little Prince, 12-year-old Victory Brinker delivered the enchanting performance she always does. Wisely, the music of the part is not written in the full-throttle operatic style. It’s written in a style that won’t damage a young voice who hopes to have a career as an adult. Because once such damage is done, it cannot be repaired. Ms. Brinker’s voice is truly lovely, and it’s a joy to hear her use it so judiciously and well. She carried the hearts of the audience in the palm of her hand.
Outstanding among the ensemble who shined in a solo turn was the always delightful Timothi Williams, as the Fox. It’s been said before that her mezzo-soprano voice ripens with each performance, and last evening’s was no exception. Her costume was very imaginative and her movements were graceful; indeed, she was one of the standouts of the evening. What is left to be said of Robert Frankenberry? The man can do everything. His turn as the Vain Man was a vocal and comedic delight. He also provided the voice of the Snake. It’s worth noting that in his performance last evening, as well as in every and anything I’ve ever heard him perform, he has the most excellent enunciation. Not for one syllable is resorting to the projected subtitles necessary.
Robert Frankenberry (The Vain Man) and Victory Brinker (The Little Prince)
Adrianna Cleveland, as the Rose, was another who stepped out of the ensemble to deliver solos which were delivered in powerful, brassy soprano tones. Tenor Donovan Elliot Smith lent burnished tones to the role of the Lamplighter. Others who completed the ensemble were Lara Lynn McGill (The Water); Graham Fandrei (The Business Man); Rick Hale (The Drunkard) and Adam Cioffari (The King).
Donovan Elliot Smith (The Lamplighter) and Victory Brinker (The Little Prince)
A quick glance at the Resonance Works website’s seating chart indicates that tomorrow’s matinee is sold out. You can always check between now and then for possible cancellations.
The Production Team for The Little Prince –
Conductor & Producer, Maria Sensi Sellner; Stage Director, Keturah Stickann; Scenic Designer, Sasha Schwartz; Lighting Designer, Annmarie Duggan; Costume Designer, Damian Dominguez; Puppet Designers, Sasha Schwartz & Damian Dominquez; Production Manager & Technical Director, Brennan Sellner; Associate Producer, Robert Frankenberry; Stage Manager, Hannah Holthaus; Assistant Stage Managers, Maya Holmes & Emily Niedbala; Rehearsal Pianists, Nathália Kato Giordano & Tessa Hartle; Head Electrician, Aaron Tarnow; Puppet Consultant, DT Burns; Follow Spot Operator & Electrician, Nicole White; Follow Spot Operator, Glor Mancilla-Balog; Scenic Artist, Stella Frazer
Photography – Alisa Innocenti
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