News
Portland State University’s School of Fine and Performing Arts’ Department of Music presents four showings of Tartuffe, an opera based on Moliere’s funniest and most enduring comedy.
Tartuffe, a three-act opera by Kirke Mecham, will be directed by Brenda Nuckton and conducted by Steven Crawford, the 2006 Jeanine B. Cowles Distinguished Professor in Residence. The opera is based on the character Tartuffe, a conman posing as a humble man of God, who has ingratiated himself into the household of the wealthy Orgon with hopes of seducing Orgon’s wife, marrying his daughter and getting his hands on as much money and property as possible. Orgon’s family, wise to his scheme, must work together to expose Tartuffe’s villainy and thwart his nefarious plans.
Kirke Mechem’s music is hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as: “...a brilliant jewel, a delicious hit, right on the mark.... The score is inspired, handsomely suited to the purpose and wildly effective at every turn...a masterful accomplishment.” There are patter songs and ensembles, waltz songs, laughing songs and spoofs of “high” style. The music pushes the action along and at the same time is full of its own interest and jokes.
The 2006 Jeanine B. Cowles Distinguished Professorship in Residence brings conductor Steven Crawford of the Metropolitan Opera to Portland State to conduct these performances. Maestro Crawford will be here for five weeks to work with the orchestra and coach singers in the music department. Director of last year’s Gianni Schicchi and Suor Angelica productions, Brenda Nuckton returns to direct Tartuffe. Nuckton also directed PSU’s award-winning performances of Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro. The production features members of the esteemed Portland State University Opera program.
The four showings of Tartuffe include evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 28, Wednesday, May 3, and Saturday, May 6, and one matinee at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2006, in the Lincoln Performance Hall (1620 SW Park Avenue). Cost for the opera is $20.50 for the general public, $18.50 for seniors and Portland State faculty and staff, and $11.50 for students and children. Tickets are available through the PSU box office (1825 SW Broadway), by calling 503-725-3307 or through any TicketMaster outlet (service charge may apply). For more information please contact Christine Meadows at 503-725-5463 or cmeadowlark@comcast.net or David Jimerson at 503-725-3030.
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For Immediate Release (#06-054)
Source: Christine Meadows (503-725-5463)
Artistic Director, Department of Music
