A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears, directed by Neil Armfield (Canadian Opera Company). At the Four Seasons Centre (145 Queen West). To May 23. $30-$290. 416-363-8231. See listing. Rating: NN
A shimmering set, atmospheric music and a talented group of singing actors help bring Benjamin Britten’s 1960 opera A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life. Too bad the production occasionally drifts off.
[rssbreak]
Britten’s best-known works (Peter Grimes, Billy Budd) aren’t exactly knee-slappers, so it’s no surprise that the humour in the Dream’s libretto (co-written with his partner, Peter Pears) often feels forced and old-fashioned. We’re laughing because we know we should.
Where Shakespeare’s characters overlap amusingly during one magical night, Britten’s people stop and start, giving the piece an awkward, episodic feel. True, much of this is because he’s had to create three styles of music corresponding to three sets of characters.
There’s some magic in the work’s opening bars – sliding notes that seem to mimic the rhythms of sleep – and some haunting melodies for Oberon and Tytania, but the music for the young Athenian lovers lacks wit and playfulness.
In the mostly impressive cast, standouts include Robert Pomakov’s bombastic Bottom, Elizabeth
DeShong’s full-throated Hermia and Laura Claycomb’s passionate and vocally precise Tytania.
Countertenor Lawrence Zazzo’s voice is memorable, but unfortunately Oberon’s costume – imagine Gene Simmons dressed up like a peacock – distracts, as does the fact that his creaky-machinery-assisted appearances are less than magical.
Conductor Anne Manson does a solid job conducting the orchestra, but this is the first COC opera I’ve seen at the new house that’s made me long for a smaller, more intimate venue.
