The National Chorale of Jamaica (NCOJ) and friends took its Wednesday evening audience at the Courtleigh Auditorium to an evening at the opera — sans formal wear — with the musical dramatisation of Porgy and Bess . On stage was a grand cast led by celebrated operatic bass-baritone Sir Willard White and his soprano wife Sylvia Kevorkian White, who play love interests and veritable marquee stars of the production. Under the baton of Winston Ewart, they were supported ably by the voices of the NCOJ, along with musicians Yanique Leiba-Ebanks and Dr Richard Beckford.
Scored by George Gershwin in 1925, it is a story set in South Carolina, with Afro-American underpinnings. The presentation was received with much applause and appreciation by its local audience in the auditorium. The richness of White’s bass-baritone enveloped the space from his opening notes, adding to the marked intensity and drama which the score allows.
He would show his vocal dexterity and control as he matched his cast in a duet with Bess, the full chorus, and later in an exceptional trio with Racquel McLean and Christine MacDonald. Lady White gave stirring presence to a love-confused Bess with her vocal texture and flourish. Her every appearance on stage would be watched for where she would take the character.
The chorus would offer up cameos played by Velia Espuet, Joan McDonald, Michael Sutherland, Livingston Burnett, and Michael Alexander. Also making a solid performance front of stage was tenor Brenton McLean in the role of Sporting Life. As for the acting, it gave little challenge to the cast.
Sir Willard was exceptional in staying true to the character, aided by two walking sticks — which he throws down in theatrical fashion near the production’s end. The chorus, too, traditionally called upon only to sing, took on role-playing smoothly in costumes enhanced by choreography from Paula Shaw. Judith Ewart receives high marks for narrating the drama, with margin notes no less.
Challenged only by a few audio glitches and unsure entries, the show was a memorable display of acting ability and vocal quality. NCOJ Chairman Christopher L Samuda made presentations to members of the cast and saluted all performers for their portrayal of the text and score. The event’s patrons, former Governor General Sir Kenneth and Lady Hall, praised the NCOJ for consistently showcasing “the rich musical heritage and talent of our nation” — words made resounding by the applause at the end of the evening’s performances.
The audience, no doubt, awaits an encore!.
