St. Louis Stage Capsules

Otello Union Avenue Opera's second production this summer is a rousing version of Giuseppe Verdi's tragic masterpiece, Otello. Director Mark James Meir juxtaposes boldly intense choral parts against vividly dramatic arias. Brian Landry as the heartbroken Moor, Chirstina Starnes as innocent Desdemona, Peter Hakjoon Kim as evil Jago and Brian Pfaltzgraff as loyal Cassio each seize their solo moment, wringing every tear and tune out of Verdi's lushly melodic score. Conductor Kostis Protopapas' strings and woodwinds sensitively underscore these emotional performances. Performed August 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union Boulevard. Tickets are $32 to $52 ($30 to $38 for students and seniors; $15 rush seats available for students 10 minutes before showtime). Call 314-361-2881 or visit www.unionavenueopera.org.
— Lew Prince