Cast 1: Soprano Cecilia Violetta López as Roselinde and tenor MIchael Dailey as Alfred. Photo by Pat Kirk

I have now attended close to a dozen different shows at Opera San Jose, and I can honestly say that Strauss’s Die Fledermaus was like no other I have ever seen.  If you are looking to attend your first opera, or even if you would like to introduce opera to your teenager (that’s right!) then this is the opera for you… and yet it is still perfect and worthy for the seasoned attendee.

Die Fledermaus is about one man seeking hilarious revenge for an embarrassing practical joke from the past, and in the process there are endless mistaken identities which will leave you in sidesplitting stitches.  There is no love story in this opera, requited or otherwise; nothing particularly deep in the plot; neither is there a tragic death or a particularly happy ending.  More than half the songs are about drinking, and the second act revolves around a party of debauchery which may (or may not) include beautiful dancers skinny-dipping in a pool.

The songs are in German, and as usual are translated on a screen over the stage.  But there was something quite surprising in this show that I had never seen before:  a good deal of the story was spoken in English!  This was less like an opera and more like musical theater – and it was lovely.

Cast 1: Soprano Elisabeth Russ as Adele, soprano Cecilia Violetta López as Roselinde, tenor Alexander Boyer as von Eisenstein. Photo by Pat Kirk.

I had been disappointed that I could not make it to opening night, however last night was an unexpected treat as I got to see Cast 1 who were absolutely delightful and just as talented as any Cast A I’ve seen.  It was refreshing to see some new faces and there were no disappointments.  Soprano Elizabeth Russ was delicious as the petulant chambermaid Adele; soprano Cecilia Violetta Lopez was virtually unrecognizable to me from her role as Leila in The Pearl Fishers, and I still adored her immensely.  The familiar faces of tenor Alexander Boyer (Eisenstein) and tenor Michael Dailey (Alfred) were welcome and played their comedic roles beautifully.  Special mention goes to bass-baritone Isaiah Musik-Ayala as Frank the prison warden – who I just LOVED, and also Kelly Houston who plays a hilarious Frosch.  Some of these performers were newer to me than others, ALL of them I hope to see more often.

Wait, did I forget to mention baritone Jo Vincent Parks, as Dr. Falk (Die Fledermaus!)?  He has a small part for the title character, however he too was perfect.

Marc Jacobs makes his Opera San Jose debut as stage director, and this is a perfect show for his background in musical theater.  I hope we see more from him at OSJ.

Cast 1: Baritone Isaiah Musik-Ayala as Frank. Photo by Pat Kirk.

And as often happens at Opera San Jose, there was another star, and that was the set design.  It does not surprise me to find out that Charlie Smith also designed the Pearl Fisher’s sets, and I’m excited to see what he does for the upcoming double-bill of Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi.  It is too bad there are no available photos to show you the complete beauty of the designs.  Acts one and two were set in a sweeping, gorgeous, art deco residence with subtle hints of the jail term awaiting Eisenstin… indeed, it transformed seamlessly into the jail itself in Act three.  As well there was an amazing newspaper print curtain with “articles” pertaining to the characters in the story.

This was not the usual opera I attend at Opera San Jose.  There were not so many ball gowns and sparkling jewelry in the audience that I usually see, perhaps because it was not opening night, perhaps because this show is just not as “stuffy” as some others (which I recommend no matter the stuffiness!!).  There was raucous laughter heard throughout the show, as if we were all drunk with the comedy we were watching.  “That was the most fun I’ve had at the opera ever!” stated my guest, Danielle Roberts.  And indeed, she is quite right.  This opera plays through November 25, and I can recommend without any reservation whatsoever that you should see it – and take your teenagers too.

Die Fledermaus
Opera San Jose
Through November 25
California Theatre
San Jose, CA

What shows are on your September calendar? That’s right Folks, the 2012-2013 season has just begun, and theater reviewers everywhere have our pencils sharpened and phones set to silent.  There are a lot of exciting shows on the horizon this year!  I will be reviewing three shows this month and am recommending one more which I won’t have a chance to see.

Ragtime

Ragtime: The Musical
Hillbarn Theater
August 30 – September 23

Musicals are what Hillbarn does best and with a great show like Ragtime, how can they go wrong?  This is the one I’m sadly going to miss, but I can without hesitation state that you should try to never miss a Hillbarn musical.

Ragtime is a powerful portrait of life in turn-of-the-century America, but a relevant tale for today. Written by an award-winning team, the musical intertwines the stories of three extraordinary families, as they confront history’s timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair, and what it means to live in America. The Tony-winning score is just as diverse as the melting pot of America itself. Featured are such show stopping songs as Getting Ready Rag, Your Daddy’s Son, Wheels of a Dream, Till We Reach That Day, Back To Before,and Make Them Hear You. This thrilling musical is sure to inspire actors and audiences alike!

The Death of the Novel

The Death of the Novel
San Jose Repertory Theater
August 30 – September 22

You’re not seriously going to miss this one, right?  “Mad Men”’s own Pete Campbell, Vincent Kartheiser, is starring in this season opener. My friends at the Rep have been buzzing with excitement, and all signs point to an amazing show.

Brilliant young novelist Sebastian Justice claims to be the most well-adjusted, depressed agoraphobic in Manhattan. While he rants about anything from global warming to tennis, his publisher-ordered psychologist (a “writer’s block-whisperer”) tries to get to the bottom of his grief. But when a stunning and mysterious Saudi woman intrudes into his self-contained world his emotional descent takes a sudden turn, for the raving beauty may not be the person she says she is. Will this stranger be the one to help him find his way back, and at what cost? Identities blur in this enthralling and evocative story that takes a look at the modern world through the eyes of a brilliant and tragically wounded artist.

Pearl Fishers

Bizet’s Pearl Fishers
Opera San Jose
September 8 – September 23

Watch out, Opera San Jose, because for this show the Opera Novice will have as my guest an actual Coloratura Soprano, and she’s going to help me understand the nuances of the performance.  Instead of my usual “Oh gosh, it sounded PERFECT! It looked PERFECT! Everything is PERFECT!” I might actually know what’s going on…  But I’m pretty sure Opera San Jose is not going to disappoint.

A forbidden love. A friendship tested. Georges Bizet’s exotic romance, The Pearl Fishers comes to life for the first time on the California Theatre stage. Set on the tropical island of ancient Ceylon, two fishermen vow eternal friendship, but the desire for a mysterious woman from their past ignites a jealous rivalry. A mesmerizing tale of love and sacrifice, Bizet’s musical gem overflows with lush melodies, haunting arias, and the beloved duet, Au fond du temple saint.”

The Little Dog Laughed

The Little Dog Laughed
Dragon Productions Theater Company
September 14 – October 7

I believe this will be my first show by Dragon Productions, but I practically begged for a chance to see it.  It was written by New York playwright Douglas Carter Beane, the screenwriter for “Too Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar”.  The Little Dog Laughed was nominated for several Tonys, incuding Best Play, and I am really excited to be able to review this for you.

Follow the adventures of Mitchell Green, a movie star who could hit it big if it weren’t for one teensy-weensy problem. His agent, Diane, can’t seem to keep him in the closet. Will there be a happy ending as the final credits roll?

"One ring to bind them!" Charles Ross in One-Man Lord of the Rings™

If you’ve ever enjoyed the Lord of the Rings trilogy on film, or watched any of them, or read the books – hopefully all of them – get yourself over to the SJ Repertory ASAP before you miss Charles Ross‘s current show.  Yes, in one hour Ross re-enacts the entire trilogy including opening credits, theme music, and hobbits.

You may remember Ross from last summer when he visited San Jose with his One Man Star Wars show.  I believe I compared it to “when your 8 year old nephew is on a sugar high and decides to act out a film (or 3) for you“.  This summer, once again, the theater was packed with excited audience members of all ages bouncing in their seats and clapping gleefully as they experienced the entire LOTR trilogy in one hour.  My guest is a fan of the films and she thoroughly enjoyed herself.  Any show that leaves you with a huge smile on your face is a good one, I say.

Ross takes a quick water break between each of the 3 film re-enactments, and he questioned the audience regarding how many were actually familiar with the films, and cracked some jokes wondering why anyone would attend the show who had not seen the films.  He makes a valid point because honestly there are two kinds of people in San Jose this weekend: those who have seen the LOTR films and MUST GO SEE THIS SHOW, and those who have not seen the films and should probably not see the show.  There is no in between.

I enjoyed his Star Wars show more, but only because I am more familiar with that trilogy.  I also think that the characters in Star Wars are much easier to differentiate when someone is acting them out: Chewbacca, C3PO, R2D2, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Darth Vader are all very distinct characters in voice and movement.  With LOTR it was a little harder to know what was going on… unless you are quite familiar with the films.  Gandalf and the Gollum are easy to pick out in Ross’s frenetic show, but a hobbit is a hobbit, and I really couldn’t figure much else out.  On the other hand, my guest said she loved his depiction of Legolas (a character I never picked out in the show) so I still think it comes down to whether you’re a fan or not.

But like I said, there is no in between.  If you are a fan of the films you simply MUST see the show, and you will have a fantastic time.  If you’ve seen one or two films and/or read any of the books, you should still see the show and you will still love it.  …if you’ve done neither, you’re just going to watch Charles Ross have a schizophrenic attack on stage for an hour.  However if you fall in that category and your kids want you to take them… Do it.  It’s an hour of hysterical fun for which your kids (or spouse) will love you.

One-Man Lord of the Rings ™
July 24 – 29, 2012
San Jose Repertory Theatre
written and performed by Charles Ross

Riders and their horses in CAVALIA; Photo credit: Lynne Glazer

Cavalia is a new show to San Jose, but it has been touring North America and Europe since 2003.  Normand Latourelle, a co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, is the visionary and creator behind Cavalia, and it shows in the beauty and emotion that comes through in the performances of the human acrobats and their horse friends.

Before I saw the show I expected it to be filled with great music and gorgeous backdrops, amazing acrobats and aerialists, and, of course, a lot of horses doing tricks.  I expected Cirque du Soleil with horses doing the performing.

I was totally and completely wrong.

A rider and an aerialist in CAVALIA; Photo Credit: Frédéric Chéhu

Cavalia‘s goal is to give a tribute to horses and celebrate the relationship that humans and horses share.  And so most of the 49 horses are on stage simply being horses.  The stage is over 200 feet wide and the width of a football field, and covered with 2500 tons of dirt and sand, allowing the horses to gallop full speed across and around the stage.  Some were ridden by human partners, some had human partners doing jumps from their backs, but many simply walked around, played, or just galloped around the stage.  There were a very few horses which did jumps, and several who did some intricate step work, but overall there were absolutely no horse tricks (and certainly no horse acrobats!).  The horses were simply being horses, and while the humans did tricks around them, all eyes were on the beautiful animals.

What Cavalia gives us instead of the amazing acrobatic feats of Cirque du Soleil shows is something which you have to see to understand: it gives us the beauty of the horse.  Eleven different breeds from France, Spain, Portugal, Canada, the US and the Netherlands, the 49 stallions and geldings are some of the most beautiful horses you’ve ever seen, and they are on stage for less than 6 minutes each.  The opening prologue focused on the two youngest horses, Idalgo and Geronimo, simply walking around the stage unaccompanied, playing with little toys, with the vocals of Marie-Eve Bedard in the background.  Often there would be groups of acrobats on stage with the horses, and though the men sometimes failed to stick the landings of their jumps, it didn’t matter because… HORSE!  Of course there are still the colorful and beautifully lit backdrops you associate with a Cirque show, and the tremendous live music you expect.  All in all it is a thing of absolute beauty that you just don’t see anywhere else.

Tickets range from $44.50 to $139.50 (+fees), however if money is an issue be assured that every seat appears to have a great view.  If money is no object, there are package deals which include things such as a cocktail/dinner reception and a tour of the stables.  The show is suitable for children and adults of all ages, and something that any horse or animal lover should not miss.

A rider and her horses in CAVALIA; Photo credit: Lynne Glazer

WHAT:  Cavalia
WHEN:  Premieres July 18, 2012
WHERE:  Under the White Big Top, at the intersection of Hwy 101 and 87 East on the 101 Tech campus site, across Hwy 101 from the San Jose Airport.
TICKETS:  Available at www.cavalia.net or by calling 1-866-999-8111. $44.50 to $139.50+
applicable fees. Special pricing and packages also available for groups, children (2-12),
juniors (13-17) and seniors (65+).
INFO: www.cavalia.net

Here in San Jose, California summer means we will have nothing but bright sun shiny days.
A ride on the Farmers Airship Zeppelin would be an amazing way to enjoy our beautiful West Coast weather.

On October 28th, 2008 I was invited to go up in the Zeppelin. It was the most exciting experience!

Instrument Panel
Katharine Board – The only female Zeppelin pilot in the world.

Farmers Airship Zeppelin
Track the Ship – Current Location

Airship Ventures Gift Store

Zep Cam

The last time I was on a motorcycle was back in my high school days, and that was on my then boyfriends little Honda!

To me motorcycles are a naughty – wicked living on the edge thrill. I love the way they look and sound. I enjoy talking to the riders and snapping a photo… Ms. Valley Vixen on hers and Vince on his big red bike.

The FX hit drama “Sons of Anarchy” is teaming up with Harley-Davidson to make a custom SOA bike.

The award winning (2011 Silver Bar and Shield Award) House of Thunder Harley-Davidson store in Morgan Hill is hosting a BBQ this Saturday.
- talk to them about the SOA bike…

American Daredevil Bubba Blackwell will preform amazing stunts on Harleys! He will do two shows: 12:30 and 3:30 PM.

Also, enjoy the live bands and much more. The show is free but do bring a bit of cash for the BBQ

Where: House of Thunder Harley-Davidson
16175 Condit Road – Hwy101 and Tennant Ave. Morgan Hill.
(408)776-1900

When: Saturday, June 16

House of Thunder

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Thought you’d have the summer off from theater, music and performance this year? HAH! This summer is shaping up to be the most busy and FUN summer in recent history.  Here are just a few items which you can plan for.  Metblogs should be at all these events, so if you can’t make it we’ll tell you about the fun you missed!  Don’t let it come to that… Put these events on your calendars now!

Roxanne (Jessica Wortham) and Jake (Craig Marker) inspect Harry's (Gabriel Marin) equity card in The Understudy. Photo: Kevin Berne

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The Understudy
Now through June 3
San Jose Repertory

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SOMETIMES A VENEER OF PROFESSIONALISM IS THE ONLY THING MASKING ALL-OUT PANIC
Time is running out to see this show that Kathleen Normington, Professor of Theatre at SJSU, called “brilliant and achingly touching”.  Metblogs sadly had to miss this show, but all the reviews have been raving.

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Opera SJ

Summer Concert Series
Opera San Jose
Ongoing

One need never live without opera in San Jose.  OSJ has posted their Summer Concert Series schedule on their Facebook page, and if you haven’t clicked LIKE yet, you’re missing a lot of great deals.

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Bill W. and Dr. Bob

Bill W. and Dr. Bob
San Jose Repertory
June 21 through July 15

Facebook

A GREAT AMERICAN STORY ABOUT HEALING AND CONNECTION
This quick-witted and honest docu-drama follows two dynamic and dedicated men who, in the midst of their battle with acute and debilitating alcoholism, formed a formidable and historic alliance to help others combat the same addiction. Bill Wilson, a stockbroker who crashed with the stock market, finds himself in a bar. He could have pursued any number of distractions–a game of solitaire, reading a book–instead he chose to make a phone call. Through an astonishing series of events and bitter humor comes the inspiring, true story of the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous and their wives.

The Odyssey

The Odyssey on Angel Island State Park
We Players
Now through July 1

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A couple years ago the We Players put on an amazing live Hamlet at Alcatraz. This summer it’s a live action The Odyssey on Angel Island.  Metblogs will be there June 16 and this is one of the shows we’re most excited about.  Missing the Alcatraz Hamlet show is something I’ll regret forever, I’ll not make the same mistake twice!  We’re so excited we’re going to read The Odyssey one more time before we go!

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Cavalia

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Cavalia
July 11 – July 22

Facebook

It’s like Cirque du Soleil with horses!  Go to the website and check out the videos.  I can’t imagine a more beautiful show.  We’ve checked out the word on animal treatment and they appear to get the highest marks possible, so you can have a guilt free enjoyment of some of the most beautiful horses in the world.  Some packages even allow for a tour of the stables after the show!  Tickets go on sale June 3.

"One ring to bind them!" Charles Ross in One-Man Lord of the Rings™

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One-Man Lord of the Rings™
July 24 through July 29
San Jose Repertory

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Last summer at San Jose Rep, Ross kept audiences laughing with his solo take on the Star Wars trilogy. This time in One-Man Lord of the Rings™, Ross shoehorns 11 hours and 23 minutes of Peter Jackson’s epic films into a 70-minute show packed with 42 characters, theme music, and sound effects. 

Metblogs was there last summer and it was the most frenetic 90 minutes we’d ever lived through.  We wouldn’t miss this show for the world and you shouldn’t either.

Mephistopheles (Silas Elash) conducts a mesmerized chorus in Opera San Jose’s production of Gounod’s Faust. Image by Pat Kirk Photography

Better late than never, the Opera (not so-) Novice is here to tell you to make fancy shmancy plans to see FAUST this weekend! This is the final weekend, and you’re not going to want to miss this thoroughly entertaining show. My guest and I absolutely adored it, and I think it was my favorite of the entire season.

It really was one of our best opera dates ever. We always have a great time at Opera San Jose, but sometimes the perfection of what they do can dull the excitement and cause me to wonder how to write a review: “The music was perfect,” “The Baritone was perfect,” “ the scenery was perfect,” “the costumes were perfect.” You know what? Last night wasn’t perfect, for me. And you know what else? Still one of the best operas EVER.

But what’s not to like? Méphistophélès, dressed as a sort of pirate, steals the show. You also have a scary, supernatural child angel who scared me more than Méphistophélès did. There’s one song which is all about drinking “beer and wine” and “anything but water” — Gotta love it! There are religious symbolism and bargains with the devil, doomed love and terrifying horror, and always the perfection of the opera orchestra and singers (which I would never really complain about!).

These were all awesome things, but some were also a little out of the ordinary (even for my short experience with the opera, where I’ve learned opera is NEVER what you expect). I’ve rarely felt as uncomfortable about a character as I did the tiny little angel on stage, and kudos to her for pulling off that Stephen King-like creepiness along with the religious grandeur and horror, all at the same time. Unfortunately, I cannot figure out the name of this young actress, but she did a splendid job.

I was also taken off guard by watching Jouvanca Jean-Baptiste on stage for the first act and a half without singing a note (that I noticed). She finally gets her turns in the second and third acts, but having watched her in production after production over the years, this was strange for me. (You don’t watch George Clooney just walk through scenes in half a film before speaking a word).

But Opera Novice, are these really things to complain about? Of course not! There were just interesting changes from the norm which piqued my interest and kept me on my toes. But I did have one problem with the show which surprised me. By the end of the first act I was clutching my friend’s arm, exclaiming how much I absolutely loved the set design. The lighting, the artwork backdrops, the bank of colored spotlights on the left and right… somehow it all came together for a most exciting, tremendous setting for the show. But the curtain went up for the second Act and I was taken by surprise. An abnormally small painted back drop was all there was, along with the bank of lights on the side… and it confused me in a less exciting way. I kept thinking they must have spent their entire budget on the amazing backdrops for Idomeneo… but I see from my materials that Idomeneo had the same set designer. What gives, Opera SJ? I’m going to assume that I’m not understanding the message of the set designer this time, and don’t get me wrong: the end of Act II was beautiful… but was it up to the gloriousness of previous Opera SJ productions? I say No.
But then! I guess I was not the only one to wonder about the set designs, because Opera San Jose gave set designer Steven Kemp a chance to tell us poor novices about his reasons for each setting. I now understand what it was he was trying to bring to the production… I’m not entirely sure it succeeded. However, aside from Act II, I absolutely adored the settings of Act I and III.  Simply gorgeous.  Click the link to see some great shots of the amazing designs.

So, is this a good opera for a beginner? YES. Resounding Yes. It has an intensely moving and interesting storyline, amazing, charismatic characters and some really fun songs, along with a great deal of terror. And for those who already love Opera, Faust is one of the most often performed operas of all time, and Opera San Jose, as always, does it perfectly.

FAUST
Opera San Jose
408-437-4450
Follow them on Facebook for news, pictures, and often discounts!

Can’t make it to see Faust?
Season 2012/2013 is coming up! Plan your dates now, or get your season tickets!
On the menu for next season is:
THE PEARL FISHERS
DIE FLEDERMAUS
IL TROVATORE
SUOR ANGELICA & GIANNA SCHICCHI

idolwatchnews.blogspot.com

DeAndre Brackensick will make an appearance at Eastridge Mall on Sunday, April 29th. He will be there from noon to 3pm.

DeAndre will talk with his fans. (Around 1:10 pm) Also, there will be a free raffle for the opportunity to have a photo taken with him.

American Idol Live – the tour will be at the HP Pavilion San Jose on July 22.

AJ Meijer as "Lennie" and Jos Viramontes as "George" in OF MICE AND MEN at TheatreWorks. Photo credit: Mark Kitaoka

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TheatreWorks productions are new to Metblogs, but this won’t be the last time we review one of their outstanding productions.  I was lucky enough to be invited to review their current show, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, and was thoroughly impressed.

AJ Meijer as "Lennie," Jos Viramontes as "George," and Lena Hart as "Curley's wife" in OF MICE AND MEN at TheatreWorks. Photo credit: Tracy Martin

I was especially excited to see Of Mice and Men, as it’s one of my favorite stories by Steinbeck.  It is the emotional tale of George, a migrant farmworker, and his hardworking but mentally challenged buddy Lenny, who just likes to rub his fingers against soft things:  a swatch of luxurious velvet, a woman’s silky hair, a dead mouse he found on the side of the road…

George and Lenny are on a journey to their next job in Soledad, and when they meet the resident group of farm workers and their dogs, everyone’s lives are about to change.  This is not a happy story, but it is a most emotional, sympathetic and thought provoking tale about love and companionship, with both animals and humans, and what it means to actually be in charge of your partner’s care.  As far as I can remember the play is pretty faithful to Steinbeck’s story, which is very short, and if you have not read the book before I highly recommend it.

Gary Martinez as "Candy" and AJ Meijer as "Lennie" in OF MICE AND MEN at TheatreWorks. Photo credit: Tracy Martin

I had never seen the show performed live before but I was sure it was going to be an amazing production and I was right.  TheatreWorks raises it to an even higher level with their talented cast.   Charles Branklyn brings a truthful cantankerousness to the marginalized Crooks, who, as a black man, must live in the barn away from the other workers.  Gary S. Martinez is an amazingly sympathetic Candy, who is aware that his end of days is coming, but not soon enough.  And the two stars of the show are more than capable of carrying the entire production.  Jos Viramontes is the ever faithful George, who takes seriously the responsibility of caring for his friend Lenny, played by AJ Meijer.  Lenny is an extremely important character to cast, as it must be made clear to the audience both his weaknesses and his utmost strength, and those who play the part often (and should) get a lot of attention.  But George is also not a simple character to play, and Viramontes makes it clear his love for his friend so that George’s decision at the end of the play is understandable and accepted by the audience.  Viramontes and Meijer are both spectacular.

The show plays through April 29 and is well worth the price of the tickets (ranging from $19 – $69).  It is not a show fit for younger children, but is a great one for teens.  I have a feeling this show is going to garner a lot of nominations at the end of the year, and likely many wins as well.  I wholeheartedly recommend you see this production.  I absolutely look forward to many more shows from TheatreWorks in the future.

Of Mice and Men
TheatreWorks
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts
650 463-1960