REVIEW

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FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Rehearsing for the Hawaii Opera Theatre's production of "Turandot" at the Blaisdell Concert Hall are, from left, Jeremy Blossey, Warren Mok and James Price.

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Popular ‘Turandot’
lives up to its billing

A favorite opera sung by local favorites: Puccini's "Turandot," the third and final opera of the Hawaii Opera Theatre winter season, was guaranteed to be a success before the house lights dimmed. That it lived up to its promise is a tribute to director Henry Akina and a fine cast.

FINAL WINTER OPERA What: Hawaii Opera Theatre's production of Giacomo Puccini's "Turandot." Where: Blaisdell Center Concert Hall When: 4 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Admission: $29 to $100 Call: 596-7858

"Turandot" combines a Chinese imperial setting with the universal theme of a woman who has spurned love. The cold princess subjects her suitors to three riddles. If any man solves them, he will win her hand; if not, he will be put to death. Many men have failed, but the prince Calaf, whose father, Timur, is in exile from his Tartar kingdom, risks everything to achieve his desire.

Puccini set this story with his usual lyric beauty, but he also incorporated Chinese folk elements extensively while introducing some modern dissonance in what turned out to be his last opera.

Karen Huffstodt sang the title role with palpable intensity. Her gripping characterization dominated the stage from her first entrance to her final notes.

This was her first performance of the notoriously demanding role, and she will surely grow into the role with repeated performances. Her upper register was stunning in its power and focus, though the lower notes were not as effective.

Warren Mok played a brooding Calaf with chin sunken to his chest. He too had problems being heard in the lower register, but his upper notes filled the auditorium.

His dramatic delivery was an excellent counterpart to Huffstodt.

The trio of garishly clad court officials, Ping, Pang and Pong, provided lively diversion throughout the opera. Played by UH alumni Quinn Kelsey, James Price and Jeremy Blossey, the three worked in tandem to create a manic energy whenever they were the focus of attention.

It was a pleasure to hear how well their voices have developed since leaving the islands and beginning careers on the mainland.

Kelsey in particular is to be commended for his excellent performance of the substantial role of Ping.

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FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Lea Woods Friedman plays Liu in Giacomo Puccini's "Turandot."

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The young baritone is resisting the temptation that befalls so many talented singers in their 20s of pushing his voice too hard. By singing comfortably in roles that suit his talents, he has allowed his voice to blossom naturally, which bodes well for the future.

Local favorite Lea Woods Friedman received an enthusiastic ovation for her sympathetic portrayal of the slave girl Liu. Sun Yu turned in a solid performance as Timur. Laurence Paxton played the Emperor Altoum with comedic flair and a strong tenor voice that belied the frailty of his character.

The staging was vintage Akina: large choruses moving with military precision on a set dominated by strongly contrasting diagonals, and symbolic use of black and red. The Chinese façade that adorned the stage during breaks in the action was an attractive feature of Peter Dean Beck's stage set.

The HOT chorus and the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus were expertly prepared by Beebe Freitas and Nola A. Nahulu. Combined with a chorus of supernumeraries, they made for impressive visual tableaux and forceful sounds.

As always, the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra provided superb support to the singers. It is easy to take this organization for granted as it plays year in and year out, but there are far more famous opera companies that are not blessed with an orchestra of this caliber.

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