Cinnabar Theater is Sonoma County's premier producer of professional opera, drama, musical theater and choral presentations. It is also home to the award-winning Cinnabar Young Rep. Cinnabar presents a rich offering of the new, the rare and the best loved, presented in an intimate and inviting environment.
 

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A participating program with Performance Sonoma

Partially underwritten by Community Foundation Sonoma County

By Gian Carlo Menotti
Stage Director: Elly Lichenstein
Music Director: Nina Shuman

 

Menotti's opera The Consul is a nightmare-thriller of an opera, set in the midst of civil unrest where the central character, Magda, is trying to flee the country and in need of a visa from an unseen and unheard consul. The Consul won both the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Circle Critics' Award when it debuted in 1954, enthralling critics and audiences alike with its powerful combination of melodic score and heartbreaking story. The dark and gritty post-verismo score is gripping, using contemporary touches and a fantasy element that sit beside the thriller tension. This is music-theatre of unnerving power.

Featuring Kristen Brown as Magda, with William Neely, Eileen Morris and Bonnie Brooks

The Consul (dramatic opera)
The Consul won both the Pulitzer Prize and the New York Drama Circle Critics' Award when it debuted in 1954, enthralling critics and audiences alike...

Reviews:

'Consul' forever relevant opera
Cinnabar production of tale of abuse of power, invasion of privacy a pleasure to witness
Dan Taylor, Press Democrat, October 28, 2007

There are some American classics everyone ought to see once. Gian Carlo Menotti's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1954 opera, "The Consul," is one of them....Cinnabar Theater offers audiences a rare chance to see this work locally. The stage direction by Elly Lichenstein and music direction by Nina Shuman, show great respect and affection for the material, which makes their production a pleasure to witness.

The entire cast sings with precision and emotion, and the acting is convincing... Brown's performance [as Magda] is outstanding. Anyone who isn't on Magda's side by the final act has no heart.

For those who have always wanted to give opera a try, and those who never miss a chance, this a convenient opportunity to see a quality production close to home. Read more...

Consul,' sadly doesn't show its age'
Marin Independent Journal, Charles Brousse, October 24, 2007

Set in an unnamed country that was then rumored to be communist Poland but today might be Egypt, Syria, North Korea, China or (sadly) numerous other nations, "The Consul" documents how totalitarian regimes get away with terrorizing their citizens despite international disapproval....

Admirably supported by a 14-piece orchestra, Cinnabar's cast meets the company's usual high standards for vocal quality....

Aside from the talent involved, Cinnabar's rustic, homey atmosphere makes it seem like the performance is taking place in your living room - a quality that adds greatly to the evening's pleasure...
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The Consul
Reviewed by David Kashimba

“We have ways to make you talk,” says a member of the secret police to Magda Sorel (Kristen Brown) in Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera The Consul. “By quickening the beat of your heart.” The audience sees the fear in Magda’s eyes, and the orchestra provides the beat of her heart in this fine production at Petaluma’s Cinnabar Theater.

The Consul differs from some operas by keeping the drama in the forefront and having the music support it. It’s a powerful story punctuated by some very poignant music.
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The Consul
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The Consul L>R Kristen Brown as Magda and William Neely as John

Join the cast and directors of The Consul for a free preview at Santa Rosa Junior College’s Petaluma Campus Monday, October 8 at 7pm. Learn what makes this opera so powerful and not to be missed. More here...


Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA  94952
Ofc:  707-763-8920  Fax:  707-763-8929 or Email us

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