A WAKE OR A WEDDING

Encompass New Opera Theatre
presents

A WAKE OR A WEDDING

Music and Libretto by Richard Pearson Thomas
Directed by Nancy Rhodes
Conducted by Mara Waldman
Set Design by Stephen H. Carmody
Costume Design by Angela Huff
Lighting Design by Colin Chauche

Featuring: Marie Anello, Alison Davy, Joy Hermalyn, Eapen Luebner, Scott Lindroth, Caroline Bassett MIller, Lindsay Rider Adrian Rosas and the Ionisation Orchestra.

Press Representative: Audrey Ross

Baruch Performing Arts Center
55 Lexington Avenue
Through November 16, 2014
encompassopera.org; 866.811.4111

A WAKE OR A WEDDING is a comic opera, and a spoof on several well-known operas, including The Marriage of Figaro, Il Trovatore and Cosi fan tutte.

A Montana copper magnate passes away on the eve of his daughter’s wedding, wreaking havoc on the relationships of his relatives and household staff. He was a wealthy and miserly ogre, who leaves them fighting for his inheritance.

Once the wedding entertainment arrives, the opera comes alive, and surprises unfold. Though the wedding is postponed, they are invited to stay and perform for the family. The duo consists of an Egyptian tenor and a flamboyant, slapstick diva.

As each performer’s secret is revealed, no one is who they appear to be. The widow who at first appears dazed and confused, reaches her long awaited clarity. The spoiled daughter gets her comeuppance. Even the suffering servants and entertainers become embroiled in the fiasco. The story gets twisted beyond belief, and tests the boundaries of what family is.

The music, performed by the Ionisation Orchestra, was solid, though at times drowned out the performers. Joy Hermalyn provided the most comic relief and biggest voice of the group as Marcella Sorella, the wedding entertainer, reminiscent of Bette Midler.

Lots of silly fun.

- Gloria Talamas -