Discovering the rich sights and sounds of our beloved borough
Regina Opera presents an outstanding “The Merry Widow”
The Widow Anna Glawari (Christina Rohm, left) and Count Danilo (Peter Hakjoon Kim, right) halfheartedly perform the Petrovanian national dance. Photo by Elena Sandella
On the afternoon of Saturday, November 21st, the theater at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy of Brooklyn in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, was transformed into the Petrovenian Embassy for the Regina Opera’s first production of their 46th season. “The Merry Widow” composed by Austrian-Hungarian Franz Lehár (1870-1948) was an instant worldwide hit since its debut in 1905.
Brooklyn’s Regina Opera presented a brilliant and entertaining production on November 21, 22, 28 and 29, featuring two casts. Perfect holiday entertainment!
The plot: a rich widow returns to her native Petrovania, with an inheritance of millions which could save the nearly bankrupt country, if she marries another Petrovanian. Music, mirth and mayhem galore result. At the beginning of Act 1, when all were singing a birthday tribute to their King, the portrait we see was actually of Conductor Gregory Ortega!
Anna Glawari, the wealthy widow, was brilliantly sung and acted by soprano Christina Rohm. Rohm’s singing of “Vilia” was sheer magic and “I love you so” (The Merry Widow Waltz) was equally perfect. Ms. Rohm could be heard above the orchestra and as a perfect blend in ensemble numbers; her finales were exciting her top notes like golden stars. Ms. Rohm’s voice has great beauty and is full, round and sumptuous in sound. She simply WAS Anna Glawari. Ms. Rohm was stunning in a peasant dress in Act 2.
Count Danilo Danilovitsch was in the excellent hands of baritone Peter Hakjoon Kim. His caressing and strong singing of “I’m Going to Maxim’s” and “Women” (Girls, girls, girls) and with Anna in “I love you” was captivating. His acting and dancing were part of a very romantic portrayal. His dramatic soliloquy “There once was a Prince” was powerful. Kim’s high baritone was beautifully tapered for this stellar role. Kudos for his heel kicks á la The Rockettes in the “Girls, girls, girls” reprise!
Camille (David Bailey, left) seeks a tryst with Valencienne (Sarah Moulton Faux, right). Photo by George Schowerer
Valencienne was sung by Sarah Moulton Faux. Her beautiful lyric soprano sparkled magically in her duet with her suitor Camille de Rosillon, and she was a fine actress. Their rhapsodic duets together made for a profound sigh for love-illicit or not! Her voice echoed with longing and had a golden sheen.
Camille, Count de Rosillon was sung by tenor David Bailey. Bailey is the possessor of a lovely ardent lyric tenor who entered the very high tessitura of this part with ease. His singing of “See, there’s a place close at hand” describing the nearby pavilion in which Camille and Valencienne could meet for a tryst, thrilled the listener with its pulsating ascending scales and enchanting irresistible melody. Bailey and Ms. Faux were a handsome couple. Nice to see and wonderful to hear!
John Schenkel was a superb Baron Mirko Zeta. His feigned heart attacks, swooning and general frustration were great fun and his robust baritone was never better. Schenkel’s “double takes” at his peeks in the pavilion thinking his young wife was inside with a lover, were priceless!
The Widow (Christina Rohm, center) surrounded by a group of suitors. Photo by George Schowerer
Njegus was in the comical hands of Daniel Kerr who danced a good Can-Can in a skirt. Kerr’s clearly enunciated spoken dialogue was loud and clear and his was a memorable comic portrayal.
The smaller parts, including the Viscount Cascada of Jon Thomas Olson, Raoul de St. Brioch of Andrew Tse, The Bogdanovitch of Thomas Geib, The Kromov of Kevin Miller, The Sylviane of Jennie Mescon, and the Olga of Noelle Currie were all done with flair.
The marvelous dancers were Wendy Chu, whose grace and charm filled the stage; Christian-Philippe Consigny whose balletic background enables him to heel kick and turn with astonishing precision; and the graceful Stephanie Garcia, all of whom made for formidable dancing.
Petrovanian dancers entertain the guests. Photo by George Schowerer
The Grisettes were brilliantly danced by Wendy Chu as Lolo, Stephanie Garcia as Dodo, Kelly Vaghenas as Joujou and the Froufrou of Sara Laszlo, Cloclo of Lisa Ferraro and the Margo of Christian-Philippe Consigny rounded out the dazzling dancers.
The colorful ensemble included Jennifer Allenby, Lisa Ferraro, Julianne Frohlich, Elena Jannicelli-Sandella, and the versatile Wayne Olsen among others.
The costumes by Julia Cornely were fabulous; Anna Glawari’s Act 3 black gown sparkled brilliantly; the various medals that bedecked the Counts and Barons looked regal, and the Petrovanian’s were all colorfully dressed. The Grisettes singing and dancing “We’re the ladies of the chorus” were right out of the film “Moulin Rouge”.
The innovative sets as well as the stage direction were by Linda Lehr. Her genius made all the actions flow like champagne. The “fast freeze” was used effectively and the dialogue by Linda Lehr was whitty; The supertitle were clear and readable. Tyler Learned’s set and lighting designs were truly mood inducing.
The chorus sang with inspiration, the peasant song and “Vilia” were haunting and unforgettable. Both the men and the women in ensemble and separate gave their all!
The Widow Anna Glawari (Christina Rohm, center) entertains her fellow Petrovanians Elena Jannicelli-Sandella (left), Wayne olsen (center) Julianne Frohlich (right) with a ballad. Photo by George Schowerer
The orchestra, under the inspired baton of Maestro and new Music Director Gregory Ortega was first class. It was like having Franz Lehár himself conducting this great 36 piece ensemble. Maestro Ortega captured the romance and “schmaltz” of the operetta style. The violin solo, during the love duet of Camille and Valencienne played by violin concertmaster Yelena Savranskaya, was sublime. During the bows by the conductor and cast onstage Ms. Savranskaya was in charge of the orchestra for the encore finale of “Girls, girls, girls!” The audience, who hummed along with the melodies clapped in cadence for the bows. Kudos also for violinist Diana Barkan.
In a very troubled world, The Regina Opera continues to give us joy through music, the antidote for all evils. “The Merry Widow” with its beautiful and timeless melodies and dances was the perfect entertainment at the right time.
Thank you Fran Garber President and Producer, and Linda Cantoni Executive Vice President, Treasurer Joseph Delfausse, Vice President Alex Guzman, and volunteer Marlena Ventimiglia for all of your efforts on behalf of the unique Regina Opera, Brooklyn’s own pride and joy. Bravo to all!
One thought on “Regina Opera presents an outstanding “The Merry Widow””
Thanks for sharing. As they say “A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams”.
Thanks for sharing. As they say “A man is not old until his regrets take the place of his dreams”.
Fine postings. Kudos.
http://canadianpharmacymim.com/
legitimate canadian mail order pharmacies
northwestpharmacy
cheap drugs online
canadian online pharmacies
Wow lots of useful info.
http://canadianpharmacyntx.com/
most reliable canadian pharmacies canadian online pharmacy canadian prescription drugstore trust pharmacy canada
pharmacy tech
pharmacy cost comparison
cialis online
prescription cost comparison
<a href="canada drugs online pharmacy northwest pharmacy drug costs canadian viagra“>canadian pharmacy uk delivery
reputable canadian mail order pharmacies
You actually suggested that really well!
http://talahicc.com/
internet pharmacy canada pharmaceutical online ordering discount drugs online pharmacy canadian online pharmacy
safeway pharmacy
pharmacies near me
approved canadian pharmacies online
discount pharmacy
pharmacy online mexico
northwest pharmacy
Reliable advice. Thanks!
http://talahicc.com/
buy drugs online top rated canadian pharmacies online prescription cost trust pharmacy canada
drug price
canadian cialis
global pharmacy canada
cheap prescription drugs
mexican online pharmacies
online pharmacy canada
You expressed it very well.
http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com/
best canadian online pharmacy canada drugs mail order pharmacy canada pharmacy online
canada drug pharmacy
best online pharmacies no prescription
mexican pharmacy online medications
canadian drugstore reviews
pharmacy price comparison
canadian pharmacy online canada
Fantastic material. Kudos!
http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com/
discount prescription drug canada pharmacy 24 hour pharmacy canadian viagra
compare rx prices
costco pharmacy pricing
canadian discount pharmacy
canadapharmacy com
pharmacy canada
prescription cost comparison
Very good forum posts. Thanks!
http://canadianpharmacysilo.com/
canadian pharmacies top best canadian pharmacies northwestpharmacy canadianpharmacy
drugs without prescription
canada pharmacy online no script
canadian pharmacies online
canadian pharmacy viagra brand
canadian drugstore
canadian online pharmacies
Thanks! Terrific stuff!
http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com/
canadian pharmacy meds canada drug buy prescription drugs from canada canadian pharmaceuticals online
online pharmacy canada
top rated online canadian pharmacies
medication costs
costco pharmacy pricing
canada drug prices
prescription online
Thanks, Helpful information!
http://canadianonlinepharmacynnm.com/
canadian prescriptions canada pharmacy canadian drugs online pharmacies canada
canadian meds
rx price comparison
highest rated canadian pharmacies
canadian drugstore
walmart pharmacy price check
canadian pharmacies that ship to us
Many thanks, I value this!
http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com/
king pharmacy north west pharmacy canada candrugstore com canadian pharmacies-24h
walmart pharmacy price check
canada pharmacies prescription drugs
canadian pharmacy viagra brand
online pharmacy canada
canada pharmacies online prescriptions
pharmacy tech
Helpful forum posts. Many thanks.
http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com/
pharmacy near me canada drugs online canada online pharmacies canada drug
canadian prescription drugs
canadian pharmacies that ship to us
cheap prescription drugs online
canadian pharcharmy online
canadadrugs
prescription price comparison
Appreciate it, Loads of postings!
http://canadianpharmacymim.com/
cheap drugs online online pharmacies of canada canadian pharcharmy online canada pharmacy online
prescription pricing
best canadian pharmacies
pharmacies in canada
online pharmacy no prescription needed
international pharmacies that ship to the usa
online canadian discount pharmacy
You said it perfectly..
http://canadianonlinepharmacynnm.com/
canadian prescription drugstore north west pharmacy canada prescription drug assistance aarp approved canadian online pharmacies
canadian prescription
canada pharmacy online reviews
cialis canadian pharmacy
prescription drug price comparison
canadian rx
best non prescription online pharmacies
Good data. Appreciate it!
http://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/
canada pharmacies prescription drugs canada pharmaceuticals online buying drugs canada canadian pharmacy online
northwest pharmacy canada
drug stores near me
best online pharmacy stores
prescription cost
pharmacy online store
prescription drug cost
You have made your position pretty nicely.!
http://canadianpharmacysilo.com/
best online pharmacy canadian pharmacies without an rx drug costs canada pharmacy online
my canadian pharmacy
canadianpharmacy
buy online prescription drugs
canadian drugstore online
mexican pharmacy online medications
canadian viagra
This is nicely said! .
http://canadianpharmacyntx.com/
reputable canadian mail order pharmacies london drugs canada medical information online [url=http://canadianpharmacysilo.com/]canada pharmacy online[/url]
buy prescription drugs from canada
buy prescription drugs canada
canadian cialis
online rx pharmacy
most reliable canadian pharmacies
canada drugs pharmacy
Nicely put. With thanks!
http://talahicc.com/
online discount pharmacy canadian pharmacies drugstore online northwest pharmacy
buy online prescription drugs
drugs online
canadapharmacyonline.com
canadian pharmacy king
approved canadian pharmacies online
no 1 canadian pharcharmy online
Thanks a lot! An abundance of advice.
https://nicktambone.com/
canada online pharmacy canadian drugs mexican pharmacies shipping to usa canada drugs
canadian drugstore reviews
canadian drug
canadadrugs.com pharmacy
cheap prescription drugs
canadian viagra
best canadian mail order pharmacies
Position well regarded.!
http://talahicc.com/
canada pharmacy online no script online pharmacies of canada cialis online top rated canadian pharmacies online
best online pharmacies canada
canadian pharmacy no prescription
canadian pharma companies
pharmacy online store
canadian drug stores online
cialis canadian pharmacy
Thanks, I value it!
http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com/
internet pharmacy canada pharmacy online canadian pharmacies without prescriptions canadian online pharmacies
top rated online canadian pharmacies
no 1 canadian pharcharmy online
drugs online
canada pharmacy online reviews
<a href="http://www.bryandornan.com/index.php/2010/02/search-engine-optimization-overview/#comments?form2mailerror&inquiry=Business+Development&fname=Peterembof&lname=Peterembof&email=jimmievag%40gmail.com&company=google&phone1=85856125669&phone2=81224637782&phone3=83427616731&comments=+Thanks+a+lot%21+Good+stuff%21+http://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com+prescription+drugs+online+without+%3Ca+href=%22http://canadianonlinepharmacynnm.com%22%3Ecanada+drugs%3C/a%3E+discount+drugs+online+pharmacy+%3Ca+href=http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com%3Ecanadianpharmacy%3C/a%3E?form2mailerror&inquiry=Business Development&fname=Quentingroow&lname=Quentingroow&email=zittel020eejf@songwriter.net&company=google&phone1=82765588361&phone2=82821131694&phone3=89185843398&comments= Nicely put, Regards. http://canadianpharmacysilo.com/ pharmacy cost comparison global pharmacy canada canadian pharmacy reviews canadian pharmaceuticals online costco pharmacy pricing price prescription drugs buying drugs canada pain meds online without doctor prescription <a href="http://www.nationwidemarketing.com/blog/?form2mailerror&inquiry=Business+Development&fname=Brendantuppy&lname=Brendantuppy&email=stolzenberg334ziz%40dutchmail.com&company=google&phone1=87743882793&phone2=83318774179&phone3=88447625361&comments=+Fantastic+data.+Thanks%21+http://viagrapego.com/+ratings+or+rankings+tadalafil+generic+viagra+%3Ca+href=%22http://viagrawithoutadoctormsn.com/%22%3Ebuy+viagra%3C/a%3E+viagra+products+%3Ca+href=http://viagrapego.com/%3Eviagra+for+sale+uk%3C/a%3E?form2mailerror&inquiry=Business Development&fname=QuentinWer&lname=QuentinWer&email=zittel020eejf@songwriter.net&company=google&phone1=88176843498&phone2=88235477359&phone3=89294119741&comments= Superb info. Kudos! http://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/ canadian pharmacy without prescription canadian drugs approved canadian pharmacies online canadian pharmacy online pharmacy without a prescription overseas pharmacy forum canadian online pharmacies prescription drugs drugs for sale canadian drug online rx pharmacy“>mexican pharmacy online medications prescription drugs without doctor approval“>prescription price comparison
canadian prescription drugstore
Reliable stuff. Thanks a lot!
http://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/
canada drugs online canadian pharmacy online canadian prescription mexican pharmacies shipping to usa
canada pharmacies prescription drugs
walmart pharmacy price check
prescription drug assistance
discount prescription drugs online
canadian drugs
buy cialis
Thank you. Ample data.
http://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/
prescription prices comparison canadian online pharmacies international pharmacies that ship to the usa canada drugs online
prescription drug
buy cialis
prescription drug price comparison
drug stores near me
canada pharmacies without script
discount prescription drug
You actually revealed it effectively!
http://talahicc.com/
buy cialis canadian viagra no prescription pharmacy canadian pharmaceuticals online
no prior prescription required pharmacy
walmart pharmacy price check
canadian pharmacy viagra brand
mail order pharmacies
prescription drugs without prior prescription
canadian family pharmacy
Thank you! Loads of posts.
http://canadianpharmacysilo.com/
canada pharmacies online north west pharmacy canada overseas pharmacies canada pharmacy online
canada pharmacy
buy drugs online
buy online prescription drugs
web medical information
canadian prescription drugstore
best price prescription drugs
Appreciate it. A good amount of facts!
http://canadianonlinepharmacynnm.com/
best non prescription online pharmacies global pharmacy canada discount prescription drug canadianpharmacy
no prescription online pharmacy
compare rx prices
buying prescription drugs canada
internet pharmacy
canada pharmacy online
online canadian discount pharmacy
Thank you, I appreciate this.
http://canadianpharmaciesnnm.com/
walmart pharmacy price check canadian viagra visit poster’s website canadian pharmacies that ship to us
canadian cialis
the canadian pharmacy
buy prescription drugs without doctor
canada pharmacy online no script
best price prescription drugs
no prescription pharmacy
Whoa a lot of terrific knowledge.
http://canadianpharmacyntx.com/
canadapharmacyonline.com canada drugs buy prescription drugs canada top rated canadian pharmacies online
overseas pharmacies
buy prescription drugs without doctor
king pharmacy
no prescription online pharmacy
canada pharmacies online
canadian drugs without prescription
Regards! Fantastic information!
http://www.canadianpharmacymsn.com/
top rated online canadian pharmacies online pharmacies canada online pharmacies no prescription canadian pharmacies without an rx
canadian pharmacy viagra brand
international pharmacies that ship to the usa
internet pharmacy
prescription drugs online without
overseas pharmacy forum
rx pharmacy
Thank you, Good stuff!
http://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/
reputable canadian mail order pharmacies canadian pharmacies without an rx global pharmacy canada canadian pharmacy online
northwest pharmacy canada
prescription pricing
us pharmacy no prior prescription
mail order pharmacies
no prior prescription required pharmacy
prescription drug assistance
Perfectly spoken truly. !
http://canadianonlinepharmacynnm.com/
top rated online canadian pharmacies canada drug visit poster’s website canada drug
online pharmacy
pharmacy prices compare
international pharmacy
cheap prescription drugs online
canada online pharmacies
canadian drug store
This is nicely said. .
http://canadianpharmacymim.com/
best online pharmacies no prescription canadian pharcharmy canada pharmacy online canadian pharmacy
pharmacy prices
prescription drugs online without doctor
canadian pharmacy online
canada meds
drugs online
onlinecanadianpharmacy.com
Fantastic facts. Appreciate it!
http://talahicc.com/
prescription drugs without doctor approval canada pharmacy online canada pharmacy online reviews canadianpharmacy
overseas pharmacies
pharmacy prices
costco pharmacy pricing
canadian rx
no prescription pharmacies
online pharmacy without prescription
You revealed it well!
http://canadianpharmacyntx.com/
prescription drug cost canada pharmaceuticals online canada pharmacies without script global pharmacy canada
approved canadian pharmacies online
reputable canadian mail order pharmacies
canada pharmacy online orders
best canadian online pharmacy
best online pharmacy
canada drug pharmacy
Awesome content, Kudos!
https://nicktambone.com/
online pharmacy reviews global pharmacy canada canadian drugs without prescription canada pharmaceuticals online
canada pharmacies without script
online canadian pharmacy
prescription without a doctor’s prescription
canadian discount pharmacy
<a href="http://www.losballos.com/forum_1748_1.html?urlx=&realm=48&ID=1748&l=1&subID=&fcsubject=reputable+canadian+mail+order+pharmacies+lext&fccontent=You+actually+stated+that+very+well%21+http%3A%2F%2Fcanadianpharmaciescubarx.com%2F+canadian+pharmacy+uk+delivery+north+west+pharmacy+canada+canadian+prescription+drugstore+canadian+pharmacies+without+an+rx+%0D%0Abest+non+prescription+online+pharmacies+%0D%0Acanada+pharmacies+online+pharmacy+%0D%0Acanadian+pharmacy+online+%0D%0Aprescription+cost+%0D%0Ameds+online+%0D%0Acanadian+pharmacy+online+canada&fcname=Quentinsot&fcemail=zittel020eejf%40songwriter.net&FMSChash=46377.png&FMSCinput=&FMSCl=nl&fcsubmit=publiceer”>pharmacies near me
internet pharmacy
Regards. Useful information.
http://talahicc.com/
pharmacy price compare northwestpharmacy buying drugs canada london drugs canada
online pharmacy
canada pharmacies online pharmacy
cheap prescription drugs
canadian drug store
mexican pharmacies
rx online
Many thanks. Terrific information!
http://talahicc.com/
discount pharmacy online mexican pharmacies shipping to usa canada pharmacies online canada pharmaceuticals online
buy cialis
cialis canadian pharmacy
discount prescription drug
canadian pharmacy meds
mail order pharmacies
pharmacy without dr prescriptions
Lovely material. Cheers!
http://canadianonlinepharmacynnm.com/
canada drugs pharmacy canadian pharmaceuticals online canadian prescription canadian online pharmacy
online canadian pharmacies
safe canadian online pharmacies
online canadian pharmacies
canadian pharmacy viagra
highest rated canadian pharmacies
canadian prescription
This is nicely said. .
http://canadianpharmacysilo.com/
mexican pharmacies canada drugs online best online international pharmacies canada online pharmacies
canadadrugs.com pharmacy
canada drug pharmacy
ed meds online
online discount pharmacy
best canadian mail order pharmacies
mexican pharmacies online
Regards. I appreciate this!
http://www.canadianpharmacymsn.com/
online pharmacy canada online pharmacies canada no prescription online pharmacy canadian pharmacies that ship to us
mexican pharmacy online
best canadian online pharmacy
canadian drugs
online pharmacy no prescription needed
international pharmacies that ship to the usa
meds online
Thanks. I like it.
http://canadianonlinepharmacynnm.com/
online pharmacy canada canadianpharmacy medication costs canadianpharmacy
canada pharmacy online orders
pharmacy canada
legitimate online pharmacies
canada pharmacies online
mexican pharmacies
best canadian online pharmacy
Fine posts. Kudos!
http://canadianpharmacymim.com/
canadian pharmacy viagra canada pharmacy prescription drugs without prior prescription canadian pharmacy
mexican pharmacy online medications
canadian prescription drugs
northwest pharmacy
walmart pharmacy price check
buy cialis
canada online pharmacies
Thanks a lot, Very good information.
http://www.canadianpharmacymsn.com/
canadianpharmacy trust pharmacy canada medical information online canadian pharmacies
cheap prescription drugs online
canada pharmacy online no script
online pharmacy reviews
canada pharmacies online prescriptions
canadian online pharmacies prescription drugs
prescription drug cost
Cheers! Helpful stuff.
http://canadianpharmacyntx.com/
rx price comparison canada pharmaceutical online ordering cialis canadian pharmacy online pharmacies canada
pharmacy price comparison
canadian pharmacies shipping to usa
canadian online pharmacies
canada drug prices
pharmacy prescription
canadian prescription drugstore
Whoa many of helpful information.
http://canadianpharmacysilo.com/
canadian pharmacies that are legit northwest pharmacy canada drug canadian pharmacy online
canadian pharmacies online prescriptions
ed meds online
prescription drug
canadianpharmacy
buy prescription drugs from canada
northwestpharmacy
You said that exceptionally well.
http://canadianpharmacymim.com/
mexican pharmacy online medications northwestpharmacy canada online pharmacies canada drug
best online canadian pharcharmy
price prescription drugs
canadianpharmacy
canadian cialis
best canadian prescription prices
online pharmacies
Kudos! Plenty of write ups!
http://canadianpharmaciescubarx.com/
prescription drugs without prior prescription online pharmacies of canada canada drugs canadian pharmacies that ship to us
drugs without prescription
pharmacies near me
medical information online
candrugstore com
canada pharmacies online
pharmacy price compare