BSR_p016

BSR11242016

16 NOVEMBER 25 - DECEMBER 1, 2016 BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF The musical genius of Mozart is interwoven with the legendary exploits of the scoundrel “Don Juan” to make melodious magic at the Regina Opera. Its current version of “Don Giovanni” is attracting enthusiastic audiences at OLPH at Sixth Avenue and 59th Street in Sunset Park. Unexpected supernatural e ects and powerful staging create another fi rst rate presentation. The story line has become a familiar theme for TV and movies — a charismatic but thoughtless cad has amassed a catalogue of endless romantic conquests. Meanwhile, his insensitive behavior with friends and foes alike will ultimately trigger his unstoppable demise. Baritone Nathan Matticks in the title role provides the right mixture of charisma and cruelty. His outstanding vocal prowess is also unmistakable. Matticks and other cast members are obliged to alternate weekend roles to accommodate the huge talent pool jockeying for parts. On Saturday, his long suffering servant Leporello is played by Luis Alvarado. His role is the closest to a comedic foil. Donna Anna, a noblewoman and object of Don Giovanni’s lascivious clutches is played by Christina Rohm. Her performance has been rightfully lauded by critics around the world. More interpretations by a versatile and energetic cast receive well-earned applause. Christopher Nelson is gallant Don Ottavio, beautiful Zhanna Alkhazova is Donna Elvira, Hannah Stone is mischievous peasant girl Zerlina, Jonathan Hare is her fi ancée Masetto and Antoine Hodge is the terrifying stone monster. Overall, it’s another well-chosen cast. The supporting players, too numerous to acknowledge by name, are fi rst rate as well. The orchestra is comprised of almost three dozen musicians whose talent and musical passion are always obvious. Kudos as usual to conductor Gregory Ortega. In fact, the entire creative team is consistent and clever in this and every performance. Kudos to producer/president Francine Garber-Cohen, stage director/set designer/fi ght coordinator Linda Lehr, “Don Giovanni” at Regina Opera technical director Tyler Learned, costumer Marcia Kresge, make-up artist Andrea Calabrese, supertitles by Linda Cantoni and the entire production sta . Clearly, a growing and loyal following is rewarded with solid performances as the troupe continues its 47th season. For information on this and future productions, call 718-259-2772, click on www.Regina- Opera.org, follow it on Twitter @ ReginaOperaCo or “like” the company on Facebook. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Photo by Phyllis Olsen A scene from “Don Giovanni.” BY CLIFF KASDEN BrooklynONE celebrates 10th anniversary with fundraiser BY MELODY CHAN EDITORIAL BROOKLYNREPORTER.COM On a night fi lled with performances and awards, BrooklynONE productions celebrated its 10 year anniversary with a fundraiser on November 12. The event, “And Away We Go: A 10 Year Anniversary Fundraiser,” started off with a cocktail hour at St. Patrick Catholic Academy’s auditorium hall (401 97th Street) and turned out quite the crowd. “We were so excited to bring old friends and new friends together for this fundraiser,” BrooklynONE Cofounder and Artistic Director Anthony Marino said. “We had some incredible performances planned and our cocktail hour was amazing.” Marino welcomed his guests with the company’s own rendition of The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling.” “We’ve had a lot of fun producing some great events over the years,” Production Manager Nicole Ferguson Attendees mugged for a photo during the BrooklynOne anniversary celebration. Rodriguez said, “but putting together our 10 year Anniversary is really something special.” She added that the company’s BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/Photo by Melody Chan large-scale fundraiser is something she’s dreamed of. Marino and Tom Kane founded the company in 2006 in Bay Ridge. Since then, it has produced works from playwrights throughout the world and even a feature length independent fi lm. In 2011, Kane lost his battle with cancer. Thus, BrooklynONE introduced the Tom Kane Legacy Award this year and presented it to Camille Loccisano, Lauren McElroy and Andrew Gerardi. “It’s a good thing to have that now,” said Dawn Barry Hansen, a member of the Narrows Community Theater, a group that her mother co-founded. “Tommy brought together a lot of these people and it’s an honor for anyone to receive it.” In addition, the company honored ten years of Vince Mazza Award winners, including Hansen, Michael Coluccio, Je Samaha, Arlene Keating, Marino, John Heffernan, Fred Grieco, Anton Koval, Nicole Ferguson Rodriguez, Adriane Cole and Joe Appel. “We give the award out to people who are involved in the Bay Ridge community and go above and beyond,” Marino said. In addition, it is the fi rst year actual awards were given out. Danny Mazza, the son of a longtime Brooklyn performer and playwright, Vince Mazza, thanked BrooklynOne for keeping his father’s memory alive. “I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Vince Mazza so being given the award speaks volumes,” Keating said. “I’m very proud of this award, as I was seven years ago, because it’s the Vince Mazza award.” “This last decade has been one of incredible creativity and artistry,” Marino added. “We are grateful for the support over the years and look forward to what’s next,” Marino said.


BSR11242016
To see the actual publication please follow the link above