Through Thu 8/8
When the houselights go down and the orchestra begins to play lovely, familiar-sounding tunes, you see the sets and costumes and think, “Oh, right, it’s another Viennese operetta. Now, which one is this again?” It doesn’t sound quite like anything you think you’ve heard in the past, but the style of it still seems vastly familiar.
If that happens to you in the next month, and if you’re at Ohio Light Opera in Wooster, you can be forgiven for getting your music mixed up. Chances are you’ve heard the lush sounds of lilting Viennese waltzes, etc. from Emmerich Kálmán in past years — but this one, The Devil’s Rider, is not only the 13th premiere of his work at OLO, it’s also an American premiere. We’re fortunate to have Steven Daigle as artistic director of Ohio Light Opera, who is adept at translating the German libretto into English, so it all makes sense as it proceeds. The original German libretto was by Rudolph Schanzer and Ernst Welisch.
Austria and Hungary have had a running feud that spread over centuries. This one is set in the early 1800s, (slightly before the advent of Napoleon) when Count Sándor of Hungary (the Devil’s Rider of the title) — a cavalry captain who participates in the events sponsored by the famed Vienna Riding School — instantly falls in love with Leontine, a beautiful young Austrian princess. He’d first set eyes on her as she was in a carriage with the Empress. He was, in fact, in mid-air at the time, as his mount was jumping over the carriage containing the two women.
Her father, Prince Metternich, is not at all happy about this situation, and does his best to contrive roadblocks along the pathway to love and marriage. His proposed groom for her is Prince Karl from Monaco, thus setting up a three-way conflict. Unknown to his father, Karl has fallen in love with the ballet dancer Anina. And of course, others of the younger generation have their own ideas as to who will fall in love with who. Eventually, it will all work out, just the way it ought to. Thanks again to the adept direction by Mr. Daigle, and the terrific cast of singers, plus the always-splendid OLO orchestra, again conducted by Steven Byess.
The dashing Count Sándor is the responsibility of Benjamin Dutton, and he excels in every way, suitably matched by Tanya Roberts as Leontine. Prince Metternich is the dignified Boyd Mackus, while the regal Empress of Austria, Carolina Pia, is beautifully portrayed by Yvonne Trobe. Prince Karl is the capable Tim McGowan, and Sadie Spivey gives life to his love Anina.
The work is filled with lovely music, which sets a great background for the creative choreography of Spencer Reese. The gorgeous costumes were designed by Jennifer Ammons, while the sets are by Daniel Hobbs. (Mr. Hobbs is also responsible for the very colorful and appropriate illustrations used by OLO for their posters and program books this season.) Lighting is by Brittany Shemuga with sound by Sarah Calvert.
The Devil’s Rider runs in repertory through August 8 at the Freedlander Theatre on the campus of the College of Wooster. The final opening for this season is Wed 7/24, another OLO premiere, Perchance to Dream by the British Ivor Novello, who does it all, all by himself: music, book and lyrics. It is set at a stately home Huntersmoon between 1818 and the 1930s. For tickets and info call at 330-263-2345 or visit them on the web at: ohiolightopera.org.
[Written by Kelly Ferjutz]
Wooster, OH 44691
Wooster, OH 44691