- THE TURN OF THE SCREW
- Dorothy Chandler Pavillion
- Reviewed by Carol Kaufman Segal
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Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
wrote sixteen operas in 20th Century style. He also invented a new of form
of chamber opera, with an orchestra of thirteen, no chorus and a small
number of soloists. This is what you will find in his opera, The Turn of
the Screw, presented by the LA Opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
This opera, in two acts, opens with a prologue and is based on the novel
by Henry James., libretto by Myfanwy Piper. It is a Jonathan Kent
production imported from England and directed by Francesca Gilpin.
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- A Governess (Patricia Racette) is hired by
the guardian of two children Flora (Ashley Emerson) and Miles (Michael
Kepler Meo). Because he is constantly occupied and traveling with his
business, she is told that she is to handle everything with the
children and never to contact him regarding them. The children and
housekeeper Mrs. Grose (Ann Murray) welcome her and show her around
the house and grounds known as Bly. She is very happy with her new
position and fond of the children with whom she seems to have a warm
relationship. But then everything changes when suddenly the ghosts
appear, first the ghost of the former manservant Peter Quint (William
Burden) who "took advantage" of the former governess, Miss Jessel
(Tamara Wilson), and also of Miles. Miss Jessel later drowned and
Quint died. Quint continues to return, always looking for Miles. When
Miss Jessel appears seeking Flora, the Governess realizes that both of
the children are in danger. She promises to do everything she can to
save them, but whose influence is the greater?
Ms Racette 's performance is
filled with emotion. She and Ann Murray both have resounding voices.
Ashley Emerson, though an adult, is a sweet, but not so innocent young
Flora Michael Kepler Meo, a twelve-year-old boy soprano, has performed the
role of Miles before and has an amazing operatic background. His
performance is outstanding. Tamara Wilson and William Burden are both
haunting enough to make one feel the presence of ghosts! James Conlon
conducts the small orchestra with panache. If you enjoy the more modern
opera, you will delight in this production.
For information regarding the LA Opera, visit
their website at www.laopera.com
Comments? Write to us at:
Letters@ReviewPlays.Com
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