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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 23, 1996)
Opera season opens with two successes By Jeff Randall Opera Critic They had the talent, they had the instruction and they had the dedica tion. They just didn’t have the words or music. But now, opera is back at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s School of Music, and the double-cast twin productions of “The Medium” and “Down in the Valley” are the reason. Last year’s performances of “The Tender Land” and “A Room With a View” may have failed to fulfill the high expectations of many of Lincoln’s opera enthusiasts. But this year’s season has started off with a leap ahead. “The Medium” and “Down in the Valley” premiered Tuesday night at Kimball Recital Hall. But the usual auditorium seating arrangement was forsaken for a more intimate setup of bleachers on die main stage, literally inches from the performers. While this setup seriously cuts into crowd size, it also makes a huge difference in the effectiveness of both pieces. With “Down in the Valley,” Kurt Weill’s attempt at integrating tradi tional opera themes with equally traditional American folk music, the close setting becomes an opportunity for the audience to blend with the joyous dancing and bright choral voices. This tale of love and romance in a picturesque American small town is subsequently able to sweep audiences into its world. But the real advantage of the close audience setting is best exploited in “The Medium,” Gian Carlo Menotti’s story of a scam artist and her encounters with spirits from the beyond. Madame Flora (played in both casts by Rebecca Kouma Shane), the scam artist in question, makes a living by convincing mothers and fa thers that idle can contact their deceased children’s spirits. But Madame Flora soon discovers, much to her horror, that she might not be faking her contact with ghosts. As the scenes progress, her inner struggle with her own beliefs causes her to lose her sanity. The audience setting comes into play when the voices from beyond the grave echo behind the crowd and the desperation of Madame flora is revealed face-to-face with the audience—at close range. Shane does a magnificent job portraying her character’s loss of con trol and the emotions involved with it. The other actors carry their roles equally well, the accompaniment by Michael Cotton glows and the set designs are simple but effective, proving that—given the right material to work with — opera director William Shomos and UNL’s School of Music can produce a top-notch opera any time it wants. Photos by Scott Bruhn THE TWO OPERAS “The Medium” and “Down in the Valley,” performed this week at the Lied Center, feature two sets of performers who serve as dual casts for the production. Above, Rebecca Kouma Shane, left, stars as Madame Flora and Chanty Stovall plays Toby the Mute in “The Medium.” At left, Shane also shares the stage with Dawn Doverspike, who plays Madame Flora’s daughter, Monica. $3.25 par day for 15 words on individual student and student organization ads. $4.50 par day for 15 words on non-student ads. $.15 each additional word. $.75 billing charge. Personal ads must be prepaid. Found ads may be submitted free of charge. The Daily Nebraskan reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement at any time which does not comply with the policies and judgments of the newspaper. S Student INVOLVEMENT A University of Nebraska-Lincoln Be a part of a dynamic student staff on campus. Student Involvement has two immediate openings. Publications Aas’t: write and edit newsletter, desktop pub. experience helpful, 20 hrs/wk. Data Aaa't: manage database and information collection using MS Access. 20 hrs.AMc Apply at 200 NE Union, 472-2454. HIRING FOR NEW LOCATION 5100 N. 27th ALL POSITIONS We are taking applications for klchen, bakery and dining room personnel tor our second store opening In Novem ber. We offer ax cel lent wages, great schedules and a friendly atmosphere. Full and Part-time positions, 1/2 price meals and insurance program. Please apply at our 70th and A location. The Garden Cafe. Ask for Anne. Drug-free and looking for work? Tico's restalurant Is looking for you! APPLY TODAY! 475-1048,317 S. 17th Street, Lincoln. Evening and/or weekend work. Resume experience. $10.85 to start Filing 35 positions by 10/29. cal M-W3 7 PM 477-8663. k k k Exercise and be paid for it! Deliver Daily Nebraskans downtown every weekday. Must be available from 7-9 a.m., have own vehicle and be a UNL student with at least a 2.0 G.P A Contact Dan. 34 Nebraska Union. 472-1769. EXPERIENCED BASKETBALL OFFICIALS Earn $36-$42 per night officiating City Recreation Basket bail. If interested caul 441-7892. 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