Review: ORPHEE+ Dazzles Edmonton at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

The ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has captivated people around the world for centuries. Edmonton Opera's jaw-dropping production, Orphée+, re-imagines Christoph Willibald Gluck's 1762 classic, Orfeo ed Euridice, in a spectacular staging infused with dazzling performances and futuristic special effects.

After his new wife, Eurydice (Sharleen Joynt), unexpectedly dies, despondent demigod Orphée (Siman Chung) is determined to retrieve her from the fiery depths of the Underworld. Upon receiving encouragement from the goddess, Amour (Etta Fung), Orphée fearfully descends to the realm of the dead. Aided by the light of a candle taken from Eurydice's tomb, Orphée must brave corridors of fire and legions of demons to find her.

Among the production's many highlights is Orphée's chilling opening aria, Chiamo il mio ben/Objet de mon amour. Chung embodies Orphée's grief and despair in a manner so palpable that the audience feels immersed in his grief. Chung is accompanied by an otherworldly vocal chorus, whose black and white images are projected on the trees behind him. His rich countertenor later contrasts beautifully with both Fung and Joynt's expressive sopranos. Fung not only showcases impressive vocals but does so while suspended in midair- often upside down- in a billowing web of aerial silks. Joynt is regal as the lost then found Eurydice, her lithe movements defying the sheer volume of her exquisite black and white bridal gown (designed by Brianna Kolybaba).

Rounding out the cast is an engaging ensemble of dancers who portray mourners and, subsequently, demons. They swarm the petrified Orphée upon his arrival in the Underworld, weaving in and out of the electric green turned red fog. Despite their comical devil-horned red hats, the dancers bring additional eeriness to the production's eye-popping depiction of the Underworld. These, along with technical hiccups in the form of disappearing subtitles and the orchestra occasionally drowning out the singers, are minor faults in this otherwise impeccable production. Orphée+ is a truly one-of-a-kind spectacle that will dazzle both seasoned operagoers and hesitant newcomers alike.

Orphée+ plays at Edmonton's Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on January 31 and February 3. It is sung in French with projected English subtitles.

Photo by Don Lee