Friday, March 25, 2016

Roving Pittsburgher Report, A MODERN OPERA … GERTRUDE STEIN AND ALICE TOBIAS THE “TALK” OF PARIS



“27”
A modern Opera …
Gertrude Stein and Alice Tobias
The “Talk” of Paris
Music by Ricky Ian Gordon, Libertto by Royce Varvrek
2425 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
 “Presented by the Pittsburgh Opera”
Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters
 Reviewer:  JoAnn R. Forrester, Empress of Biz,  

Pittsburgh has many jewels in its cultural crown. One of the brightest jewels is the Pittsburgh Opera.
Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas
The 77th season began with the Pittsburgh premiere of 
Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27.  Spotlighting larger than life novelist, poet, playwright, and Pittsburgh native Gertrude Stein and her partner Alice B. Toklas27 will delight you with Ricky Ian Gordon's "tuneful score" and Royce Vavrek's "quick-witted libretto." 
 The production of 27 was held at the Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, located at 2425 Liberty Avenue in the Strip District.  This is an amazing well designed renovated space that is the ‘”training ground” for the next generation of Opera Stars.  The building and the resident artist program alone deserves its own review.  What a sparkling jewel in our cultural scene crown. 
I was mesmerized by the production of “27”, the life and times of Gertrude Stein and Alice Tobias and their influence on the development of 20th century arts.  I thoroughly enjoyed score of Mr.  Gordon, evoking jazz, foxtrot and musical theater. 
 The opera “27” is in five acts and portrays the life of Gertrude Stein and Tobias from 1910 to 1946.  It demonstrates their influence and impact on the world of art through their stimulating art challenging Parisian saloon.   It was fascinating to watch Gertrude and Alice living in pre War World I  Paris creating a saloon that hosted the emerging 20th century painters, Picasso and Henri Matisse . 

Gertrude and Alice created their own world excluding those who did not accept them including   Gertrude Stein brother, Leo Stein.  Who left 27 rue de Fluerus, when Alice Tobias became a permanent part of the household.  Gertrude and Leo never spoke again. 

World War I comes and goes with all its hardships and sacrifices.  After World War I Gertrude and Alice host emerging writers of the “Lost Generation” such as Hemingway, Fitzgerald and the photographer Man Ray.  This period sandwiched in between two World Wars is lived at a frenetic pace with all are trying to make up for the upheaval and destruction of the past war.  Meantime the Great Depression is on horizon and the drums of war start to beat softly and then louder and louder until they thunder and burst on the world stage and War II erupts. 




 World War II brought a drastic change to Gertrude Stein.  Her goal for her and Alice to be safe causes her to do what is “necessary” to be “safe” and survive occupied France.  After the war the end come quickly for guilt consumed Gertrude Stein.  The last act features Alice Tobias and Picasso as they say goodbye, pack and send Picasso’s picture of Gertrude Stein to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. 


I thoroughly enjoyed the resident artists as they delivered this Pittsburgh premiere of “27” I was impressed with Laurel Seerdjian (mezzo-soprano) portrayal of Gertrude Stein and Adelaide Boedecker (soprano) as Alice.  Their duets together conveyed great warmth, affection and devotion to one another.  The men, Adam Bonanni, (tenor) Matthew Sciollin (bass baritone) and Brian Tobias (baritone) were versatile and in good voice in their many faceted roles.  The Pittsburgh Opera’s Residence artist program is a boon to Pittsburgh and to Opera.   All those in this production of “27” are on the path to artistic success.   

It's a good bet for your money to support and enjoy the Pittsburgh opera.  If you have never attended the opera, you might start with The Barber of Seville, opening on April 2.  

Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester
Host of Empress of Biz
Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
JoAnn R. Forrester is co-host of the Empress of Biz Talkcast and co-founder, president and partner in S. I. Business Associates, Small Business Solutions, LLC and Celebrate and Share. She is an entrepreneur, writer, business growth specialist, teacher, columnist and award winning writer. JoAnn specializes in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She is the co-developer of the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management system for small business, and has secured over 40 million dollars in loans and investment for her clients.

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