The Oberlin Conservatory Opera Theater delivers impressive productions. Wednesday's opening night performance of Charles Gounod's opera, Roméo et Juliette, received enthusiastic response.
Though the first act displayed many of the earmarks of an opening night performance with moments of hesitancy and unsavored climaxes, the company redeemed itself in the remaining two acts.
Deserving of special mention is senior Limmie Pulliam, who sings the role of Roméo (Wednesday and Friday cast). His control of vocal detail is well suited to the emotional complexities required of the singer. His entrances were sublime, most notably the first sung note of the second act, where he eased the audience into a state of relaxed intimacy just before the balcony scene.
In his ensuing aria, Ah! leve-toi, soleil, he sings with a palette of subtle colors. Perhaps the best moment in the opera, though, is when he slays Tybalt at the end of the second act. This scene contains some of the most angst-filled vocal writing in the opera, and the entire company is at its height. If there's one reason to see the opera this weekend, it's the end of this act.
Junior Dea Lunsford sings the role of Juliette (Wednesday and Friday). Though the first act contains much solo writing for her role, her best singing was in the last act. Her extended aria ending the first scene of the last act, which she sings upon drinking the poison, was sung with a sense of urgency and drama. In the final scene, after waking, she masterfully carried the opera to its morbid conclusion. Sadly, one gets to hear little of Juliette in the second act.
The opera would not have been the success that it was without the excellent contribution of the secondary characters. While each character was well-represented, there is only space to mention a handful.
Senior Rosalie Sullivan plays Gertrude (the nurse) in the Wednesday and Friday cast. While her part is not particularly extensive, her scenes in the second act were memorable. Senior Daniel Okulich, who plays Juliette's father in both casts, portrayed a perfectly comical Capulet in the opening banquet scene. Junior Michael Preacely, playing Frère Laurent, is perfect for the part. He expertly matches his singing style to the gentle personality of the friar.
Senior Marie Lenormand, singing the role of Stephano (Wednesday and Friday), stole the show. Stephano is a young male character (sung by a female) added to simplify some plot concerns (he incites the duel between Tybalt and Mercutio). While some purists may disapprove of this operatic decision, one can only be grateful to hear the mastery with which Lenormand sings. She combines a technical finesse with an engaging stage prescence that is unforgettable. Her single aria (Act II, scene 3) received the longest and loudest applause to be given that night.
Equally impressive was the behind-the-scenes work that contributed to this production. The lavish costumes were attractive, particularly the scarlet dresses of the Capulets and the extravagant suit for Juliette's fiancee, Paris. The masterful lighting design adds constant visual clarification to the opera's constantly changing moods.
Lastly, the set design is simply genius. There seem to be no more than five or six individual pieces built for this staging. Almost every scene uses the same pieces simply rearranged from the previous scene. The opening banquet, the outdoor balcony, the friar's cell, Juliette's bedroom and her tomb all make use of the same single set; all are individually unmistakeable.
The end result is a production that should be appreciated for the immense time that went into it. It is a privilege to be able to see a fully-produced, well-staged opera in Oberlin.
If you are going to the opera tonight or this weekend, consider getting there early to pick up one the librettos. The translation can illuminate your understanding of the opera; just be sure to bring a pocket penlight if you plan to read along.
[ The first cast sings on Wednesday and Saturday, the second on Friday and Sunday. Principal cast members are Roméo (Limmie Pulliam '99 and Daniel Paget '99), Juliette (Dea Lunsford '00 and Rhiannon Giddens '99), Mercutio (Michael Chipman Artist Diploma '01 and Hugh Russell Artist Diploma '01), Stephano (Marie Lenormand '99 and Sheila Murphy '99), Gertrude (Rosalie Sullivan '99 and Julie Cross '99), and Tybalt (John Rodger '00 and Mark McQuade '00).
Roméo et Juliette will be performed tonight and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in Hall Auditorium. Tickets are available through CTS.
True Love: Senior Limmie Pulliam and Junior Dea Lunsford portray the famed young lovers of fair Verona. (photo courtesy Theater and Dance)
Copyright © 1998, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 127, Number 10, November 20, 1998
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