Prospect Theater Company presents

DEATH FOR FIVE VOICES

Sheen Center for Thought and Culture
18 Bleecker Street

Music and Lyrics by: Peter Mills
Book by: Peter Mills and Cara Reichel
Directed by: Cara Reichel
Music Direction by: Max Mamon

Featuring: Ryan Bauer-Walsh, L.R. Davidson, Nathan Gardner, Meaghan McGeary, Manna Nichols, Nicholas Rodriguez, Jeff Williams

The life, music and brutality of Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo has been well-documented. A huge scandal in its time, it was later forgotten until interest was revived in the early 20th Century. Numerous books, a film by Werner Herzog (of the same name) and two operas have told the story, and many musicians have claimed Gesualdo’s influence in their own music. Prospect Theater’s DEATH FOR FIVE VOICES has the potential to be a very good addition to the list.

A gorgeous and deceptively simple set by Ann Bartek, and beautiful costumes by Sidney Shannon immediately set the tone for the turn of the 16th century noble house of the Gesualdo aristocracy. Carlo is in mourning for his brother whose death has thrust him into the unwanted position of heir of the family. He is now a Prince, and must live up to that title, even though all he wants to do is make music. Nathan Gardner creates a petulant, whiny character who is unlikable, but hardly seems the brute of legend. It also seems unlikely that the twice-widowed, lovely Maria (Manna Nichols as a warm, fetching, silver-voiced maid) would feel such a connection to him. Where is the cruelty that would lead a man to kill so horrifically?

The arrangements for the small ensemble of musicians are perfectly done. The cast is overflowing with exquisite voices, and the music is filled with lush harmonies that make good use of those voices. Especially outstanding are L.R. Davidson and Ryan Bauer-Walsh as the faithful servants. I longed to hear them in a duet.

As pretty as the music is, it only moves the story along in a few of the songs. There are too many songs that halt the progression and make the show feel long. The priest is a fairly minor character who gets too many songs that are unnecessary to the flow of the piece.

With some judicious pruning and stronger writing for the character of Carlo, DEATH FOR FIVE VOICES could be a knockout of a show.

- Jean Tait -