Irreverence. Hearty laughter and a standing ovation. Is it a famous comedian? How about a popular rock band? Believe it or not, it’s opera – yes, opera!
The DCT players have offered an outstanding one-woman show, “Mad Women of the Opera World,” by soprano Teresa Marie Zugger. Narrated by Barbara Mavro, with technical direction by Tom Williams, the two-act performance is warmhearted and well performed.
Rather than risk yawns and polite applause, Zugger has chosen several scenes in which the female leads are quite mad. You would hardly know you were listening to Puccini, Donizetti and Wagner. Zugger’s voice is . . . well, operatic in the best sense of the word. She sings in a clear, clever and melodious manner. The long, high notes are conquered with confidence and class. Brava.
As narrator, Mavro is elegantly dressed and coiffed. She translates the arias for the audience and offers some comical asides. Who would ever think that murder, mayhem and madness could be offered on such a savory, creative platter?
Although Zugger never takes herself too seriously, she has every right to do so. Her recent professional credits include the Metropolitan Opera. Just to show she is one of the guys, she dons some second-hand clothes for a tribute to the Ziegfeld Follies.
Clearly, we could use some more lighthearted opera on our local stages. Call 718-482-3332 and cast a vote for more of Zugger. The DCT players are in the neighborhood. They are housed at the Zion Episcopal Church Parish Hall on 44th Avenue just off Douglaston Parkway.
As always, save me a seat on the aisle.
