Two Girls Making Out: “The Star”

On my birthday, my companion and I arrived at the Long Center not knowing exactly what to expect.  Not being an opera expert I was intrigued by “The Star,” billed as an operatic comedy with remaining performances tonight and Sunday.  

This really is a Gilbert and Sullivan type of production.  Unlike many of the more familiar operas where everything is sung, this one features lots of dialogue.  At times there are some moments of dead air that can seem to slow things down.  However, the pace goes plenty quick through most of the production.

We actually arrived a bit late.  I was impressed with how the Long Center staff caters to late arrivers.  They are about as courteous as anyone can reasonably expect.  We saw the first act in the balcony which was a very good experience.  There really isn’t a bad seat in the house.  From the balcony you can see the orchestra pit better and the sound is excellent.  It was also obvious that the performance was not a sell out.  The balcony was mostly empty.

For me the first act didn’t really grab me.  There were some humorous moments, but the audience laughed more than I did.  Maybe I’m just weird.  I did notice the excellent signing of Deborah Domanski in the lead role of Lazuli.  I will admit I was confused by a voice that was clearly female signing a role that is male.

For the second act we went down to our excellent seats in front of stage.  For me the opera really got interesting at this point.  During a very funny kissing scene, Lazuli makes out with his (or her) lover Princess Laoula.  Knowing that a male role was actually being performed by a female who was kissing another girl on stage can’t help but bring some perverse intrigue.  

Like a Gilbert and Sullivan production, it appeared a lot of the humor may not have been scripted in the original production.  I credit the performers, stage director, and choreographer with some clever improvisation.  

In Act 3, the humor hits its height.  There is a drinking scene where not only the performers but also the entire stage appears to be drunk.  There is also a hidden secret potion involved which may be detected by clever audience members.  I particularly like the police officer role played in the style of John Cleese that I find very funny.

This may be the most impressive staging I have seen.  Act 2 is especially striking in this regard.  Clearly a lot of thought was put into the set design.

The crowd was clearly pleased and entertained by this performance.  I suggest you give it a look before the opportunity disappears.  If two girls making out on stage doesn’t bring you in, what will?