LADY GREGORY
IN AMERICA
libretto by
COLM TÓIBÍN
music by
ALBERTO CARUSO
A threatening letter
received by Lady Gregory
in America (1912)
WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA 2024
National Opera House, Ireland
New Commission
“…Today's America needs to see it.” ★★★★
(Stephen Pritchard, The Guardian)
“…This is Tóibín’s third opera — the next one deserves a bigger investment.”★★★★☆
“… Caruso’s score was beautifully constructed to meet the twists and turns of the libretto and expertly captured the changing pace of the drama. It is lively, at times playful, and possesses a pleasing forward momentum. Although it is sensitive to the characters’ situations, Caruso was careful not to allow the sound to develop a pretentious quality in an attempt to provide more depth than is actually present. On the other hand, it was far more than simple background music; rather, it was a sensitive composition that worked in partnership with the text, and which allowed the drama to bloom. It was also not without a sprinkling of engaging, easy-on-the-ear melodies, especially for choral pieces… “Lady Gregory In America” is a strong opera from two artists with a natural feel for the stage and builds upon the success of their first collaboration, “The Master,” which was premiered at the festival two years ago. Hopefully, there is a third in the pipeline.”
“…It's a fascinating story… written for piano and played with fluent virtuosity by Caruso himself.
Aiofe Spillane-Hinks delivered a lively production to Lisa Krugel’s set and costumes, with standout performances…” ★★★★
“…This one-acter is a wee gem. Full marks from me.”
(Donal Hurley, Edinburgh Music Review)
© Photos by Pádraig Grant
“…Henry Strutt’s tenor is a solid romantic lead and the Kerrigan character is believable as he grows through the opera, conquering a legacy of guilt and becoming a man…”
“…With strong individual performances, especially from Jane Burnell as the actress Molly Allgood.”
“…A standout performance from soprano Jane Burnell as the spirited actor Molly Allgood.”
(Stephen Pritchard, The Guardian)
“Jane Burnell plays the beautiful Molly Allgood with a lovely soprano voice in an absolutely seductive way...”
(Thomas Molke, Online Musik Magazin)
“…There is a mighty performance from Henry Strutt as J.M. Kerrigan and the duets with Jane Burnell’s Molly Allgood are quite special.”
“…Bríd Ní Ghruagáin’s expressive mezzo gives us a super performance.”
Deirdre Higgins, Holly Teague,
Helen Maree Cooper
Gabriel Seawright, Michael Ferguson,
Henry Grant Kerswell
“…The trios of actresses, cops, porters and reporters give opportunities for great ensemble numbers including a hilarious sextet, while the scope for romantic duets is fully exploited too.”
Christian Loizou as Yeats/Judge
Vladimir Sima as Chief O'Neill
and the Cops Michael Ferguson & Henry Grant Kerswell
Gabriel Seawright, Cathal McCabe, Davide Zaccherini
