Dynamic Cast and Orchestra Wraps 12th Season With Another Win This Weekend
By George B. Parous
I had the pleasure last evening of being on hand at the Charity Randall Theater for the final, full dress rehearsal of Resonance Works’ revival of Gaetano Donizetti’s Anna Bolena, an opera nearly two centuries old that holds up well when performed by a stage full of vocal and instrumental talent, as is indeed the case with this production. And since the rehearsal went seamlessly from start to finish, it was as if the performance was done just for me – oh, and the small groups of production staff scattered here and there – allowing me to concentrate on the singers and the Resonance Chamber Orchestra with no distractions whatever. Quite an array of talent, onstage and off, has come together for a show that music-lovers shouldn’t miss this weekend.
The voices are all quite remarkable, in general terms, and it was noted that the many sustained ensemble passages and concerted numbers are well balanced and smoothly worked out. From the principals to the chorus, the Italian diction runs from very good to excellent; English supertitles are projected above the stage for those who prefer them, and a quick glance now and again indicated a good translation. The enthusiasm devoted to the dress rehearsal by both singers and orchestra augur well for fine performances this Friday and Sunday.
Katy Lindhart as Anna Bolena (Anne Boleyn)
In the title role, soprano Katy Lindhart takes a firm grip on Anna’s music and delivers it with a ringing voice and whole-souled sincerity. Her acting and singing are artistic and effective, and the music gives her several opportunities to arouse high pitches of excitement. Toward the end of the second act, Donizetti gives Anna a “mad scene,” à la the one he gives to his Lucia of Lammermoor, and this she sings with mounting passion and authority which are quite the tour de force. Both in the florid passages and in the sustained dramatic, her silvery tones pack a punch and ring out resoundingly.
As Giovanna Seymour, “mezzo-soprano” Tahanee Aluwihare is a revelation. Her voice type is in quotes for the very good reason that, while her lower register is dark and velvety smooth, it also reverberates into soprano flights just as brilliantly. She has the remarkable ability to pluck a note out of thin air with pinpoint precision, with the most delicate of pianissimo touches – almost whispered but projected well across the theater – and then swell the tone to a mighty fortissimo of beautiful sound all – in the truest of legato styles. She’s mesmerizing in the scenes she has the stage to herself. Her duos with Ms. Lindhart were commanding, as was their stage presence.
Tahanee Aluwihare (Giovanna Seymour/Jane Seymour) and Jason Zacher (Enrico VIII/Henry VIII)
In his Pittsburgh and Resonance Works debut, bass-baritone Jason Zacher, as Enrico VIII, sings and acts in a style which will win him an immediate welcome – “a bass who can sing,” as the old pundits often wrote. His tones and bearing are appropriately formidable, and, quite contrary to the corpulent, unpalatable countenance usually associated with a mention of Henry VIII, he cuts quite the dashing figure in the stage presence department. His is a voice that resonates, deeply and securely, even in the massive ensembles.
Dane Suarez, another newcomer to the area, did some of the most impressive singing of the evening as Lord Riccardo Percy. His is most definitely a tenor “robusto,” a mighty voice capable of heroic effects. The role is demanding, but he gives it his all, vocally and physically. As Lord Rochefort, bass Benjamin Sieverding, also new to Pittsburgh, commanded attention vocally and histrionically. His, too, is a big and bold voice of great carrying power, and while he has a naturally happy face, manages to mask it with the gloom the part demands. Mezzo-soprano Sarah Austin, as Smeton, has a richly colored voice that dips easily into the cavernous contralto range, and is an engaging and convincing actor. Tenor Donovan Elliot Smith, as Sir Hervey, rounded out the cast of principals, and made the most of his role’s opportunities.
Benjamin Sieverding (Lord Rochefort) and Dane Suarez (Lord Percy)
The reduced orchestration, more than adequate for the Resonance Chamber Orchestra of about twenty-five gifted musicians, was given a fine performance under the baton of Maria Sensi Sellner, Conductor, Producer and Artistic Director. The score is engaging and Ms. Sellner gave the customary display of her ability to keep the orchestra at an appropriate volume throughout. The singers rode on a wave of beautiful instrumentation, never covered by the orchestra. Indeed, there were spots when it was the other way round. A fine chorus numbering about as many as could be crowded onto the stage added greatly to the ensemble, the men in the first act and the women joining in the second.
As Stage Director and Associate Producer, the versatile Robert Frankenberry has added his touches to make Anna Bolena a rare treat that shouldn’t be missed. He’s even down as cover for Mr. Suarez’s role, if need be. Indeed, the entire Production Team is to be congratulated for their efforts in putting this winning operatic experience together.
Sarah Austin as Smeton
Performances will be given Friday, May 16, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. & Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Charity Randall Theatre, Oakland.
For tickets and more, visit Resonance Works
The Production Team for Anna Bolena –
Conductor & Producer, Maria Sensi Sellner; Stage Director & Producer, Robert Frankenberry; Scenic Designer, David McQuillen Robertson; Lighting Designer, Annmarie Duggan; Costume Designer, Damian Dominguez; Production Manager, Brennan Sellner; Technical Director, Aaron Tarnow; Production Stage Manager, Kate Johnson; Assistant Stage Managers, Emily Niedbala, Julia He; Rehearsal Pianists, Tessa Hartle, Nathália Kato Giordano, Lucas Barkley; Dresser, Lauren Dursky; Spotlight Operators, Glor Mancilla, Shea Sweeney; Supertitle Operator, Jordan Speranzo; Head Electrician, JC Bardzil; Assistant Head Electrician, Shea Sweeney; Electricians, Glor Mancilla, Nicole White; Head Carpenter, Brennan Sellner; Carpenters, Kyle Buchheister, Lauren Dursky, El Giaudrone, Jeffrey Klefstad
Leann Marie Photography
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