Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Opera News: “...a magnificent realization of 'Porgy and Bess'” by New Jersey State Opera


[Richard C. Alston as “Jasbo Brown”]

Porgy and Bess
NEWARK
New Jersey State Opera
5/23/10
David Shengold
“After four years of limited activity and rebuilding following the death of longtime leader Alfredo Silipigni, New Jersey State Opera roared back to mainstage activity with a magnificent realization of Porgy and Bess that deserved the thunderous standing ovation it won on May 23, the second of two performances.”

“The cast was of a very high level, with many Porgy veterans featured. Laquita Mitchell looked and moved beautifully, and her fine voice has a lovely tonal sheen and soaring high notes.” “Besides committed pianist Richard C. Alston (onstage as Jasbo Brown), we heard the New Jersey Symphony in a well-coordinated and sweeping reading under artistic director Jason C. Tramm.”

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