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May 09 2008
Gay Theatre Festival
2008 Review: Knotty Together
Gordon Farrell
A gay Opera?That in itself has many moulds to break. Isn’t opera inaccessible, usually in a foreign language and full of angst ridded fat singers who neither move nor act? Isn’t it always a highly predictable plot where boy meets girl, loses her and gets her again – so obvious but it takes 3 hours to sing their way to the inevitable end? I was dragged along to this and am thrilled I was. Dispense with the above, open your minds and ears and you are in for a rare treat about tying the knot.
Njo Kong Kie, a Canadian has composed and blended a piece of theatre that has you rolling in the aisles, aurally thrilled and visually impressed. It’s very funny. Its very good – and the eye candy superb! We meet Xanford (Paul White) who mistakenly delivers a parcel to the wrong address only to rediscover a former one night stand. (Jimmy) Keith Klassen has just taker a vow of no more one nighters – next time its for life. Xanford likes to play the field and still longs for the real thing. Are the two compatible?
This excellent cast is as visually appealing as it is aurally thrilling. These two muscley guys are in top physical condition as nothing is left to the imagination by Xanford (the slapper)! The lyrics are really apt, capture and go beyond the gay stereotype and the direction by Joel Ivany is first class. Its played for real by performers who not only have the required notes but the capacity to fully understand and deliver their challenging roles.
There is a lot of sung dialogue which blends beautifully from solo to duet with wonderful melodies peaking out frequently in the well constructed score. Three short scenes set out the meeting followed, as they are Canadians with the nuptials and wedded bliss and followed again with the reality of married life – a new phenomenon for gay people – that might be facing us all in the near future. Its nearly an hour long but you’d love more.
White’s tenor is pure and well phrased, while Klasssen brings a broader tone to his range truly hitting some powerful notes and of course it’s all acoustic and live. Simply set, well lit, and hugely appreciated by, what we all must admit a somewhat surprised audience. Yes it is definitely opera, but at last someone has succeeded in making it accessible to us all. Seriously for the quality of the work, the calibre of the singers who act their socks off, and the style of the presentation, do something you wouldn’t normally do – have a night at the opera – you will be so glad you did.
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