by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Highly visceral, inimitably decadent, distinctively sophisticated and undeniably charming, “The Anonymous Lover” at the Atlanta Opera could best be described as art in motion, and a feast for the eyes and senses.
Featuring a stellar, highly acclaimed cast with performance credits at prestigious venues around the globe, this frothy, and heartwarming production about the pulse pounding exhilaration which accompanies falling in love proved a lighthearted respite from some of the Atlanta Opera’s grittier, and more morose fare (for example: the spellbinding Don Giovanni, the last opera we spotlighted from the company.)
The opera begins when Leontine (portrayed with effortless grace and elegance by soprano Maria Valdes), a striking young widow who is disillusioned by love following the tragic passing of her husband, begins receiving an onslaught of letters and gifts from an anonymous man who professes his undying love and affection for the fair maiden. Both bemused and somewhat indifferent, our female protagonist begins sharing the passionate letters with her close friends, Dorothee, an extravagant and boisterous socialite (played with great vigor and aplomb by Indra Thomas), and Valcour (brought to life by Frederick Ballantine), an astute gentleman who claims to have no interest in romance.
Torn between the dichotomy of rejecting this beguiling anonymous lover’s proposals and allowing the endless displays of mysterious affection to continue, Leontine confides in her friends, who advise her on a course of action.
A most delightful chaos ensues as secrets are unearthed and hidden romances are brought to light.
Valcour allows glimpses into his psyche, causing one to surmise that he might not be as vehemently opposed to love as he once claimed.
Featuring impossibly sophisticated set design, outstanding period piece costumes (complete with a plethora of bold colors and sublime styles by costume designer, Ari Fulton), and an supremely talented orchestra (conducted Emily Senturia, whom approaches operatic repertoire with a sympathetic affinity for both singers and instrumentalists), “The Anonymous Lover” will certainly go down in the record books as one of The Atlanta Opera’s premiere “feel good” performances of the 2023 season, celebrating the triumphs of human connection, togetherness, and true love.
Additional stand out cast members include the deliciously flamboyant Jonathan Bryan (playing the role of the attention-loving Ophemon), whose sharp comic timing and larger than life physical comedy prowess steal each scene in which he appears, as well as Cadie J. Bryan and Christian Patterson , sparkling in the respective roles of star crossed newlyweds, Jeannette and Colin.
Penned in 1780 by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, “The Anonymous Lover” is made discernibly unique in the fact that it holds the esteem of being one of the only popular pieces of its time written by a Black composer.
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Special thanks to the wonderful Greg with marketing and media for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.
WEBSITE: www.atlantaopera.org
PHONE NUMBER: (404) 881-8885
INSTAGRAM @theatlantaopera
