Three Decembers - Skylark Opera Theatre at the Jungle

A chamber opera written by a contemporary composer, based on a unpublished play by Terrence McNally, and produced by Skylark Opera Theatre - is there a better combination?

Three Decembers is the opera composed by Jake Hegge, libretto by Gene Scheer, based on an original play by Terrence McNally, and currently playing at the Jungle Theater. The work is a chamber opera, which in this case means it is intimate, three characters, and 90 min (or so) with no intermission. The story revolves around Madeline Mitchell, and her children Beatrice and Charlie. Each segment takes place in December, and the action in each segment is somewhat prompted by Madeline's annual Christmas letter. These letters frame the work as it is a memory play written by one of the great gay playwrights - Terrence McNally. I would rank this work right up there with the other famous memory play by a gay playwright - Williams's "The Glass Menagerie." There are family secrets that get forced into the open, there are relationships that get broken, yet reforged in new ways, and it is a gorgeous piece to experience. The musical writing of Jake Hegge is exquisite, with some truly heartbreaking lovely melodies, that are perfectly matched with the lyrics of Gene Scheer. While this work was performed with two pianos, I can only imagine what it sounds like with a full orchestra - and the piano scoring is stunning!

Speaking of stunning - this cast! Madeline Mitchell is played by the incomprable Norah Long. The character is an actress and Long plays and sings her wonderfully. Every word is clear, every emotion is there to be witnessed - it is a really fantastic performance. Siena Forest plays Beatrice, and Anthony Potts plays Charlie. The cast is perfectly matched to each other vocally, and emotionally. Siena and Anthony have amazing voices that blend so well together, and are so strong on their own. There was such a clear connection between the three in how their characters relate to each other. Though Bea and Charlie are adults with their own families, you can see how being around their mother can bring back resentments. Yet, don't think that this is a dark work. It isn't. It has some dark moments but the ending...oh the ending. McNally truly loved the theatre and the final moments of this work really show that. He also loved his divas, and the final moments of this work show that as well. It really is a wonderful work, and a truly fantastic production that should be seen.

Photos: Matthew Bellin