The Center for Contemporary Opera's production of Dinner & Delusion, with libretto by Nancy Manocherian and music by Michael Sahl, gives us a company of accomplished singers in an opera about a Jewish family reality, and a boy's fantasy of romance as he grows from early teens to old age. It's an engaging, entertaining work with humor, good voices and a quirky story including a handsome fairy godfather (Christopher Herbert), a taste of the Hippie era, a female trio with a hookah, and a dream of mother's chicken.
Leading man Demetrios Bonaros, in Hilary Krishnan's appropriate costumes, nicely transits through the stages of life, from yearning boy to demented grandfather, and Blythe Gaissert as the object of his yearn is particularly strong. Director Kira Simring gives lively life and truth to the whole proceedings, and it's a joy to find this little opera company in a work with charm, fine performances, a story I can identify with, and Jewish-flavored melodies and rhythms that are fun for this old Jew -- in a comfortable salon setting at The Cell on West 23rd Street.
Opened:
April 9, 2009
Ended:
April 12, 2009
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Center for Contemporary Opera
Theater Type:
off-Broadway
Theater:
The Cell
Website:
thecelltheatre.org
Genre:
opera
Director:
Kira Simring
Review:
Cast:
Demetrios Bonaros, Blythe Gaissert, Christopher Herbert
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
April 2009
