Rusalka in Chamber (A semi - staged chamber production)
Rusalka in Chamber is an intimate semi-staged, costumed version with piano, of the much loved fairy tale opera by Antonín Dvořák.
It is performed in the original Czech language with English narration.
Dvořák’s music is intoxicating and being filled with folk-tunes and heavenly melodies makes for easy listening. Rusalka in Chamber includes the famous ‘Song to the Moon’ aria and catchy dance music of the wedding scene. There are gorgeous trios for the Water Nymphs and thrilling music for the main characters.
The Opera and Song Collective invites you to enjoy this exciting operatic music and production without the costs usually associated with opera!
And, we will give you a complimentary interval drink!
This production is suitable for all ages 7 and above.
The Water Nymph has fallen in love with a handsome, human Prince who visits her lake in the forest during his hunting trips. Desperate for his love, she begs the witch, Ježibaba, to cast a spell to make her human and trades her power of speech for a soul and flesh. The Water Sprite, Vodník, distrusts all humans and implores her not to join the human race. The Witch also warns Rusalka that the spell means that in addition to becoming mute to humans, if she loses the affection of the Prince not only she will be damned, but also the man she loves will die. Rusalka willingly agrees but her happiness with the Prince is short-lived. Having fallen in love with Rusalka for her beauty, when she is mute, the Prince is quickly bored. He is charmed by the artful Foreign Princess whose intent is not benign. The rejected and dejected Rusalka returns to her home in the lake where she is now caught as a ‘Will-o the Wisp’ in between two existences. To break the spell and return to her sisters as a nymph in the lake she must kill the Prince. This she refuses to do and the repentant Prince holds her in an embrace and with her kiss, dies in a last moment of loving reunion.
Exciting new-comer, Jillian Halleron performs the title role of Rusalka.
The Prince : Hongxin Jiang / Matthew Reardon, Ježibaba: Jill Sullivan / Lisa Munckton.
Vodník : Lucas Tamayo / Michael Lampard.
Leah Thomas : Foreign Princess
Water Sprites: Emily Turner, Alya Meyer, Dana Kingsford, Emma Hall, Yolanda Lorenzato
Gamekeeper: Matthew Gaskin
Kitchenhand : Maria Hemphill
The ensemble is headed by Sharolyn Kimmorley and Martin Lijauco
Stage direction: Rob Horton / Susan Cary