Trouble in Tahiti

Trouble in Tahiti is an interesting short opera, while Bernstein did go on to better things(namely West Side Story) there is evidence of why he is so influential as a composer-conductor. This production will serve as a good introduction to Trouble in Tahiti and is a good production overall. Long-time fans will be unhappy with the cuts, some are the heart of the scene they're featured in and with Trouble in Tahiti as short as it is there wasn't much reason for them. Karl Daymond also has moments where he's under-pitch and rather too noticeably. However, it is a very handsome-looking production and unobtrusively and adeptly photographed and the suburban clips and photos were moving and interesting, not distracting at all. The excellent music is performed with beauty and electricity by the orchestra and the tempos are well-judged, while choreographically it always maintains attention and captures the psychological aspects of the story. The gym scene is brilliant, the highlight of the production. The staging is pretty much the same, done in a way that is easy to follow, never clumsy-looking and that fits the music. Even with the cuts, the structure remains the same and the spirit is definitely there. The performances are fine, the supporting roles are well filled and Stephanie Novacek vocally and dramatically is outstanding. Daymond's acting and interpretative skills are spot-on, and he does have a nice sound and good musicality which compensates for his intonation problems. All in all, very nicely done and impressive. 8/10 Bethany Cox