The Michigan State University Opera Theater made a grand statement over the weekend, by mounting a production of the new opera by acclaimed composer Ricky Ian Gordon, "Grapes of Wrath".
Steinbeck's classic novel is the searing story of a poor Oklahoma family during the dust-bowl Depression period of the 30s, as they trek to California to find work, stay alive and remain a family unit.
This emotional and monumental story is perfect for an opera. Gordon's work (written for the Minnesota Opera) is almost four hours long and paints with the large musical brush used by Verdi, Puccini, Wagner and others.
Director Melanie Helton should be given kudos for attemping this challenging, contemporary music with her students. The music is filled with rich chords layered with close and tight harmonies. It takes a while to adjust your ear to understand the music language, but as the opera continues and the story unfolds, the music becomes ever more listenable, moving and powerful.
In general, however, the tempos rarely get beyond the ballad-style that is the majority of the opera. There were a few up-beat scenes, like the barker-like car salesmen and the cute restaurant sequence, but they were few and far between. The first act especially was slow with little stage action and there were many sleepers in the audience.
Zachary Campbell designed a stunning three-story set, with a wonderfully conceived truck that took the entire Joad clan out West. But the huge set was placed very close to the front of the stage, giving the actors little room to play their scenes. Also, that impressive truck was stuck inside the set, limiting its visual effectiveness.
But the singers (chorus and soloists - about 45 in number) were all excellent and sang this evocative piece with great conviction. Katie Ross was superb as Ma Joad, and Joshua Baum made a real impression as Jim Casey, the defrocked preacher (There were double casts during the weekend).
Everyone in America knows the story of Grapes of Wrath and they know that it is a dark story with little sunshine for the audience to enjoy. Gordon (with librettist Michael Korie) wrote a great opera that challenges the singers as well as the audience, but pacing and lighting could have improved the flow of the piece. Despite those problems, this was a production that MSU and Melanie Helton can be proud of. It packed an emotional punch and told a rich story. For sure, it was an unforgettable educational experience for the students.
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2 comments:
I saw the opening night performance which had some technical problems (no sur-titles in Act I), but the problem was corrected for Acts II and III. And I think the singers showed better enunciation in the later acts. That said, it was a powerful performance--great, moving music, well sung and acted. I agree that Ma Joad and "the rev" Casy were exceptional, but the other singers were very good too. The lack of room front stage didn't bother me; the set was magnificent. And Raphael Jimenez had a good command of the orchestra. Isn't it about time the College of Music AND the Theatre Dept. had performance spaces worthy of their productions--worthy of the 21st century. The depression-era buildings on Circle Drive and Auditorium Rd. are historically interesting but not really adequate. Jerry Mattson
Well said, Jerry. MSU is badly in need of a high tech, attractive 1000 (or 850) seat hall for opera, chamber music and recitals. Wharton was initially designed with a third auditorium, but that was nixed for budgetary reasons - but the space is still there, maybe there's hope
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