This Sunday, we got the opportunity to experience the opera called Gisela In Her Bathtub at the X Auditorium. Having a keen interest in operas, we had already heard the massive positive reception of this well-known piece from its previous renditions. Even so, we went through a number of Gisela In-Her-Bathtub and Bathtub reviews (http://www.thebestflushingtoilet.com/bathtub-reviews/) before stepping into the auditorium.
Background and Origin
Gisela In-Her-Bathtub is a popular one-act comic chamber opera. It was first brought it to life on July 16, 1991, at the Burton Cummings-Theatre of Ottawa. Even after the passing of two decades, this opera has not lost its touch. Many theatres and universities still perform this opera to relive its combination of drama, humorand melody.
The renowned composer, conductor and director Neil Weisensel originally authored this opera. He partnered with his longtime colleague Michael Cavanagh who was on the libretto.
Story
The story of Gisela In-Her-Bathtub explores historical romance from a contemporary point of view.
As the curtains go up, the central character Gisela slowly advances to her elegant white bathtub. She teases the audience just a little while she sheds off the bathrobe and the lights go off. After the veil of darkness lifts from the stage, we see her sitting in the tub preparing for a long read. We get to view the intricate design and features in mount filler of bathtub.
She then picks up her current favorite book based on an elaborate historical romance. We can see all the details of this epic saga with our own eyes. The protagonists of the novel play out their book scenes on the same stage as Gisela.
This novel centers around the romance between Princess Helga & Prince Olaf. They both belong to Iceland in the ninth century. Their situation compels them to go through some rough patches with each other. A family dispute and bloodsheds took their blossoming love to new dramatic heights. Gisela stays engrossed in this intense tale of love and war despite the few interruptions along the way.
Performance
Our Gisela on stage was graceful and enthusiastic. She kept us audience absorbed in the tale just like her. The actress playing Helga displayed remarkable talent in both music and acting. She kept fluctuating her voice effortlessly between a wide range of musical notes.
Be it comic or drama; she succeeded in exhibiting apt expressions in both. Her pairing with the young lad Olaf was impeccable. The chemistry and the skills of the whole cast went hand in hand throughout the opera.
Orchestra
Throughout this play, the rich orchestra led by Mr. X elevated the degrees of drama and tension even more. Their music was not too overwhelming or too dull. It stroke the balance correctly by mixing up the highs and the lows.
Overall, it was a pleasant experience to watch a bunch of talented young individuals gives their best on stage. Their performances created a spark which will stay lit for quite some time. The gripping melodies in the background kept us hooked till the very last second. We hope to see more of such lively and passionate opera productions in the future.
