An Opera for Modern Sensibilities

Close your eyes and imagine an opera. You’re probably picturing performers singing in a foreign language, sharing a tragic tale about important people and maybe a character or two wearing a helmet with horns.

But opera can also connect with modern audiences, and Michael Unger says that “The Consul” does exactly that.

“There’s something very unique about directing an opera that has something to say to today’s audience,” says Unger, who is directing “The Consul” at McCarter Theatre as part of Opera New Jersey’s 2011 season. “A lot of the stories don’t relate in the same way. You love the music or you love the story but they don’t necessarily make you think about our time.”

Now in its eighth season, Opera New Jersey has been bringing acclaimed opera productions to Princeton each summer, offering an opportunity to see professional opera without having to travel to New York or Philadelphia. This season features two productions, Gioachino Rossini's “The Barber of Seville” on July 9, 17 and 23 and “The Consul” on July 16 and 24.

Gian Carlo Menotti’s “The Consul,” which is sung in English, had its premiere in 1950 in Philadelphia. (Menotti was an Italian citizen but did much of his work in the U.S.) It is set in an unnamed post-World War II Eastern Bloc nation and follows John Sorel (sung by Nicholas Pallesen), a political dissident who’s being pursued by officials. He arranges to meet his wife Magda (Lina Tetriani), mother (Joyce Castle) and his young child at the border.

As the story continues, Magda delves deep into the country’s bureaucracy while trying to protect her husband.

“This story about running up against this massive monolithic wall of bureaucracy and this endless line of red tape is very poignant,” Unger says. “Because the exact same events that are happening to these people — being tortured for what they believe in, being accused of being rebels when they’re just trying to fight the system for their own freedom — is happening every day right now.”

Unger directs the popular annual production of “A Christmas Carol” at McCarter but this marks his first Opera New Jersey presentation. That’s thanks to Richard Russell, who was named the company’s general director last year. Russell previously worked for Sarasota Opera where Unger directed several productions.

“As long as I’ve been down there, Richard has been there,” Unger says. “We’re friends and he liked my work. And he left there to come run Opera New Jersey and he called me out of the blue and said, ‘Hey Michael do you want to direct this opera?’” Unger’s response was a quick yes. “It was the easiest job I ever got,” he says.

Unger was an established theater director when he took on his first opera “Die Fledermaus” at Sarasota about six years ago. 

“I was attracted to the sheer musicality of it and also, they tell big stories,” he says. “And what’s more fun than to direct a big story? Fortunately, I’ve had the pleasure of directing very good stories. Most operas have great music but I wouldn’t say that all operas have the highest level of storytelling.

He adds that “The Consul” is one opera with a very good story. And he credits Opera New Jersey with bringing a lesser-known production to Princeton instead of a reliable choice by a composer like Puccini.

“I think it’s very exciting what Opera New Jersey is doing because I know there have been a lot of transitions within the company,” he says. “Richard is bringing in some very exciting material and some very exciting singers, and I think the company’s really poised to do great things.”

He adds that “The Consul” is a good choice for opera lovers and people who are less familiar with the form.

“I promise it will be a fantastic, dramatic evening,” he says. “You’ll hear some amazing singers and you will be transported with this story and shocked at how modern it feels.”

While past seasons have featured three operas, this year features the two operas and some one-night special presentations. Those include two concerts featuring performers from Opera New Jersey’s Victoria J. Mastrobuono Emerging Artists Program. “Crossing Over” on July 10 will feature works by composers such as Menotti, Kurt Weill, Stephen Sondheim and others. A concert of “Gilbert and Sullivan Favorites” will be staged on July 15.

“Opera Star In Concert” on July 22 will feature cast members from “The Consul” and “The Barber of Seville” singing some of their favorite songs and arias.

Opera New Jersey will present “The Consul” at McCarter Theatre, 90 University Place, Princeton, on July 16, 8 p.m. and July 24, 2 p.m. “The Barber of Seville” will be performed July 9 and 23 at 8 p.m. and July 17 at 2 p.m. For information, go to http://opera-nj.org.