Review: Civic Light Opera's 'Kismet'

 "No man may avoid his fate. That is Kismet."

 Well, as fate would have it, Kismet is the Civic Light Opera Company's final production of the season. This musical Arabian Night, first seen on Broadway in 1953, is beautifully sung and played, but also very, very funny.

 By streamlining the script artistic director Joe Cascone has created a tight, fast-moving production that is easily the most satisfying presentation of this show that I have ever seen.

 The story tells of a penniless poet who in one single miraculous day through a series of fantastic events (and more than a little of his own guile), obtains wealth, position, and romance for both himself and his beloved daughter.

 Elizabeth Morriss as Marsinah, the devoted daughter, displays her glorious voice in three of the operetta's best-known numbers" "Baubles, Bangles and Beads", "And This is My Beloved" and the show's biggest hit "Stranger in Paradise."

 J.P. Gedeon, playing the noble Caliph, joins her in the latter number. His voice blends smoothly with hers and his expressive acting makes for a nicely nuanced performance. Watching his eyes cloud with sorrow at the moment when he believes he has lost her forever for a lesson in method acting. It communicates the emotion effectively and subtly.

 In a complete contrast there is David Haines' deliciously dastardly performance as the wicked Wazir. It's exactly the kind of broad performance that the role calls for. He is matched by Stephanie Douglas as the lusty Lalume, his wife of wives with roving eyes. These two comic performances provide a perfect counterpoint to the romance of Marsinah and The Caliph.

 Then there's Catherine Uy's knife-wielding turn as the Princess of Ababu, and Gordon Elkin's double performance as Jawan in the first half and Omar Kayyam in the second. In fact all of the supporting roles are well played, accompanied by the small but sinuous orchestra directed by Keith Bohlender.

 The colourful costumes by Sheila Lacasse and Kristine Johnson's detailed lighting add immeasurably to the performance. The set by David Haines offers a backdrop with both an exterior and interior feel that can transform from a public square to the Wazir's chambers in a heartbeat.

 At the centre of all of this wonderful pageantry is Joe Cascone's mesmerizing star performance as the poet/beggar who acts as a puppet master, guiding each of the principals to their proper endings. The same way Cascone, working with Lesley Ansell, has guided the performers to give such a thoroughly entertaining reproduction of this exotic tale.  Don't allow fate to intervene. See this Kismet!    

Kismet continues at Fairview Library Theatre until June 8.  Performances are at Wednesdays at 7pm, Thursday through Saturday at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm with an extra 2pm matinee on Saturday June 7.  Tickets may be ordered online at their website: www.civiclightoperacompany.com or by calling the box office at (416) 755-1717.

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