Page 707 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

A particularly poignant moment from the opening scene of Cincinnati Opera’s
production of “Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.” It is 1942 and a baby has
just … Show more
PHILIP GROSHONG/PROVIDED BY CINCINNATI OPERA

There is also a small ensemble of dancers from Cincinnati Ballet intended
to add a dramatic underscoring to many of the scenes. The dancers are
wonderful, especially Simone Muhammad and Marcus Romeo. If only the
group weren’t so limited by Michael Pappalardo’s unimaginative and
simplistic choreography. The dancers and the production deserve better.

Early on in the production’s planning stages, someone – I can’t remember
who – said the music was crying out to be staged as an opera. Having seen
it onstage, I’m not sure that was right.

The transition from oratorio to full-fledged opera hasn’t been a smooth one.
An opera has greater dramatic demands than an oratorio. An oratorio, by
definition, is immobile. And opera? Not so at all. The change in format calls
for tweaking.

The Preacher (Kevin Short) officiates the wedding of Shanty (Andrew Owens) and
Mary Dee (Jacqueline Echols McCarley) in “Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio,”
playing through July … Show more
PHILIP GROSHONG/PROVIDED BY CINCINNATI OPERA

In its life as an oratorio, the pace of McCartney’s storytelling wasn’t so
much of an issue. But as an opera, the story needs more dramatic verve.