| Totally agree with you and Sergius. This took me by surprise and really was very successful in capturing a specific time and place. Wonderfully designed and potently staged. I was frankly expecting a stilted and documentary-like evening of preaching, but far from it. The libretto, full of dry wit and dirty humor both, artfully doles out just enough information about each character and conflict that before we know it we, too, are at home with these people in the Stonewall and feel for them. The ease and naturalness of the characterizations and singing is across the board spot on (as is the cheap trade gogo dancing). The music is accessible and slowly and incessantly builds in complexity until we get to the big riot in the bar. The last choral number as the morning sun rises is moving and beautiful. If I had any regret it was that this opera was so compelling I wanted to see a second act to enjoy how the writers would handle the ensuing civic and political challenges that began after this night. But even at 75 minutes long, it was so special a night that nine of us from all ages and walks of life and sexualities were still discussing it three hours later. |
