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.
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. Toklas, 27 will delight you
with Ricky Ian Gordon's "tuneful score" and Royce Vavrek's
"quick-witted libretto."
 |
| Gertrude Stein and Alice Toklas |
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.
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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