Walking into the beautiful Miramar Design Center, the excitement for this intriguing production was palpable. The center created a wonderful, opulent venue for the evening’s entertainment.
I first want to say that Anthony was quite brilliant. His acting was very believable, he was in exceptional voice, and he received many cheers and bravos from the opera crowd.
From the moment he took the stage as Romeo, in costume and masked, the audience was drawn to him and his performance. He was quite dashing and very easily became Romeo and then West Side Story's Tony. With this one modern and innovative presentation, Anthony proved that he has the acting chops to play the romantic lead in both genres.
His Juliet/Maria, Heather Buck, who has sung at the Metropolitan Opera, was the perfect counter point to his Romeo/Tony. She was a radiant leading lady with a powerful, yet sweet and beautiful voice. Their performances together created magic. The chemistry coming from their love scenes was electric; their voices were the perfect blend.
The famous Romeo & Juliet balcony scene was enchanting, the farewell before he was exiled ~ steamy, the death scene ~ tragically haunting.
The entire first half of the evening was dazzling!
After the intermission, the costumes changed from the “period piece” look to the 1950’s jeans and Anthony in a leather jacket, collar turned up ... he made an alluring Tony.
Only the high points of West Side Story were sung, with the absolute high point being Anthony’s incredible “Maria.” The lover’s duet of “Somewhere” (There’s a place for us) was stunning. The performance ended with an amazing “Tonight.”
“Tonight” brought the audience to their feet, so we were treated with an encore of that song.
This was a sparkling evening created from an innovative idea brought to life. Steffanie Pearce and Naples Opera are to be commended for their vision!
At the champagne reception following the production, the general consensus of the co-stars, conductor, and Opera Naples staff was extremely positive about Anthony, his performance, his talent, and how delightful he is to work with. I would not be surprised to see him invited back in the near future!
Anthony mingled with the crowd as did Heather and many other singers. They graciously greeted people, posing for photos, and signing autographs, obviously delighted with the evening and eager to do it again the next afternoon.
Banner graphics and photo by Pat Shapiro
Flying Colors of Naples, for Opera Naples
© Anthony Kearns, March 17, 2002-2010, All Rights Reserved, All Copyright Laws Apply...lynnco.lc
