We all must admit that we have watched a soap opera before, but have any of these soaps been actual operas? This is the premise behind Douglas Moore and librettist Arnold Sungaard’s unique musical Gallantry: a Soap Opera in One Act , which one of the characters describes as a “true life story of hope and folly.” A.M.C. Clapp directs a story set in a hospital where Dr. Gregg (James Rogers) is in love with the strikingly beautiful anesthetist Lola (Emily Casey) who is engaged to Donald (Tad Czyzewski). When Donald comes in for surgery, will Dr. Gregg’s adoration for Lola cause him to forget his Hippocratic Oath? Rogers’ deeply rich voice perfectly complements Casey’s pure and crisp soprano voice. Announcer Rebecca Stugart inserts fake advertisements with sultry songs and back-up dancing from Rachel Burkhardt, Anna Lathrop and Alison Talvacchio (who is also the choreographer of their spunky routines).
It is apparent that Music Director Jeffry Newberger worked diligently with these actors to make sure that their powerful voices flowed with the expert accompaniment by Dr. Yu-Fen Chou and Jason Solounias. The costumes are perfect, from Casey’s sexy anesthetist’s outfit to the green sequined dress worn by the Announcer to catch the audience’s attention. The props are medically accurate, which gives each of the “medical staff” more credibility. It’s a clever show with a great deal of talent–not one to be missed!
Running time: 45 minutes.
Gallantry: a Soap Opera in One Act information and tickets.
