Resonance Works Ends Season With Pittsburgh Premiere Of Dvorak’s ‘Rusalka’
By Francisco SalazarResonance Works will close its fifth season with a fully staged production of Dvořák’s “Rusalka” on Friday, May 11, 2018.
The performance will continue an exciting partnership with the University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Theatre Arts and will be presented with generous support from the Heinz Endowments.
Director Andrew Nienaber, who previously directed Resonance Works’ acclaimed “Elixir of Love,” will return to direct the new production.
“I love ‘Rusalka,’ because it is a fairy tale, and like the best fairy tales, it uses fantasy to reflect real human emotion and real human problems. The story of lost innocence, manipulation, and ultimate tragedy is achingly familiar to us all, even without witches and water nymphs. Plus, it has some of the most gorgeous music ever written.”
The production will also mark the premiere of “Rusalka” in Pittsburgh, adding another major premiere in the company’s five-year history. The opera will be performed by husband and wife duo Rachele Schmiege and Stefan Barner, who will portray Rusalka and the Prince.
Michael Scarcelle will sing the role of Vodník while countertenor Andrey Nemzer will perform the role of Ježibaba, in a rare casting choice. Meanwhile, soprano Natalie Polito sings the Foreign Princess, tenor Benjamin Robinson will be the Gamekeeper, and Rebecca Shorstein, Erin Schmura, and Zanna Fredland will all portray the Wood Nymphs.
The opera will be performed on May 11 and 13.
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