“The Magic Mirror” at the New York International Fringe Festival at CSV Flamboyan Theater
“The Magic Mirror” at the New York International Fringe Festival at CSV Flamboyan Theater A New Opera Based on Pushkin’s “Snow White” Composed by Polina Nazaykinskaya Music Direction by Lidiya Yankovskaya Stage Direction by Erin Huelskamp Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
“The Magic Mirror,” based on the “Tale of the Dead Princess and the Seven Knights” by Alexander Pushkin, is a new opera presented by Juventas New Music Ensemble. It is presented as part of their ongoing mission statement to produce new works by composers age 35 years or younger and to nurture and develop new and experimental musical compositions. If this current production, which was presented as part of the NY International Fringe Festival, is any indication of the quality and professionalism of this creative entity, it certainly will have a long, bright future. Understandably “The Magic mirror” is a bare bones production given the restraints and limitations of the Fringe, but it provides all that is truly necessary for an exhilarating one act opera: music which is a divine expression; lyrics that are translated clearly; and simply and voices that soar and blend harmoniously from actors who are fully committed to their roles.
Jennifer Weiman vividly appears as the narcissistic Evil Queen with a fiery mezzo (and red hair to match) that produces a raging evil beauty. Erin Anderson produces a coloratura that is fit for her sensitive princess soprano that yearns for love and safety. Andy Papas roams the stage with his regal baritone, equally convincing in grief and exaltation. The princely tenor, Oswaldo Iraheta searches for his true love with a clear, pure tone filled with emotion. Rounding out the principal cast are sopranos Noune Karapletian and Yelena Dudochkin in fine voice and captivating characters. To add to this blissful troupe of players is a brilliant, energetic and enthusiastic ensemble playing multiple roles and producing a sumptuous harmonic sound whether on or off stage.
The music by Polina Nazaykinskaya is simply brilliant, striking chords of emotion which profoundly support the voices. In turn Music Director Lidiya Yankovskaya coaxes every possible expressive note from the incredibly talented instrumentalists. Under the astute direction of Erin Huelskamp, these performers and creative team need to be congratulated for gracing the stage with such a fine collaboration.
THE MAGIC MIRROR
“The Magic Mirror” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and Juventas New Music Ensemble at the CSV Flamboyan Theater, 107 Suffolk Street (Rivington and Delancey).
Performances of “The Magic Mirror” closed on Saturday August 24th, 2013. For more information about the show and the cast and creative team, please visit www.juventasmusic.com For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Wednesday, August 28, 2013
CEOExpress
