Trying to discuss politics in the midst of an opera is an interesting idea, but it's well-nigh impossible to make it work. Opera Theatre of St. Louis takes its best shot with "The Death of Klinghoffer," which opened the other night at the Loretto-Hilton Center. John Adams' music and Alice Goodman's libretto, however, offered a mixed bag.
The music was impressive. Adams built tension through the first act, found more passion for the second and produced a terrific sound, performed brilliantly by half the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra under the right-on baton of Michael Christie. The vocalists were splendid, as all their peers have been throughout the 2011 season.
I had trouble with Goodman's libretto, which I found too kind toward the Palestinian thugs who hijacked the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro in the Mediterranean Sea in 1985. Before they were captured, they had bullied and killed Leon Klinghoffer, a Jewish American passenger who was in a wheelchair. Their triumphant, insulting attitude bothered me. That said, I would not censor Goodman's dialogue, nor would I not produce the opera now, or in the future. But I reserve the right to dislike dialogue that made the killers look like heroes.
I know that one person's terrorist is another person's patriot, but I still reserve the right.
Once again, the set, by Allen Moyer, was stark and dark, like most of OTSL's repertory. Maybe OTSL has decided it's the best place to trim the budget, and in truth, the darkness of the hold for much of the show and the deck, symbolized by brighter lights and a lounge chair or two, worked satisfactorily.
Vocally, it was another superb production, led by Christopher Magiera, whose rich bass-baritone filled the theater, and Aubrey Allicock, powerful and extremely dramatic as one of the assassins. Brian Mulligan and Nancy Maultsby made elegant OTSL debuts as Leon and Marilyn Klinghoffer; her eulogy for her husband was a highlight. Speaking of debuts, Lucy Schaufer was a delight in three small roles, especially one as a British dancer.
James Robinson, the OTSL artistic director, completing a successful season at the helm, was a winner as the stage director.
The Death of Klinghoffer, by John Adams, will be performed tomorrow (Sunday), Tuesday, Thursday and next Saturday.
—Joe