Operetta Review – Jan. 02/02
TORONTO OPERETTA THEATRE – "THE
STUDENT PRINCE"
Toronto Operetta Theatre’s "The
Student Prince" is one of the best productions this company has ever
presented. At the centre of the success are the wonderful voices and stage
presence of the leads, tenor Stuart Howe and soprano Elizabeth DeGrazia, along
with the excellent musical direction of conductor Robert Cooper, the
disciplined chorus preparation of Derek Bate, and the restrained stage
direction of Guillermo Silva-Marin who allowed the melancholy story to unfold,
and the audience to be swept up in Romberg’s glorious music.
Howe is going to have a huge career. His
interpretation of Prince Karl Franz displayed a crystalline voice that he can
colour as the mood dictates, a commitment to character that rivets the eye, and
a naturalness on stage, all coupled with a manly demeanour. The guy is sexy and
he sings like an angel. For her part, DeGrazia, as Kathie, is a beautiful
petite brunette with a sparkling personality and ringing coloratura. Between
them the two hit the money notes where it counted. Stately baritone Bruce Kelly
as Professor Engel set the tone of sadness right from the beginning, and gave a
moving well-sung performance. Among the rest of the worthy cast; one to watch
is mezzo-soprano Margaret Maye, who played both Gretchen and the Grand Duchess,
who can both sing and act with verve.
The Student Prince" continues at the
Jane Mallett Theatre until Jan. 5, and it’s a winner.
I’m Paula Citron, arts reviewer for
CLASSICAL 96.3 FM.
Stuart Howe as
Prince Karl Franz and Elizabeth DeGrazia as Kathie
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