Orpheus and Eurydice

Capping off its finest season yet is Opera Colorado's inventive production of the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. With a mixture of fine voice work, animated choreography and a muscular orchestral performance, Artistic Director James Robinson and New York choreographer Doug Varone, as co-directors, bring the full force of Christoph Gluck's masterpiece to Boettcher Hall.

The tale is one of the great love stories of all time, in which the gods of Olympus hear Orpheus' laments and allow him to venture to the underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice. Theodora Hanslowe in the mezzo soprano role of Orpheus is superb. With her fully mature, resonant and expressive voice, Hanslowe is totally convincing as a singer that can melt the hearts of the gods.

Franzita Whelan brings idyllic consolation to the passionate role of Eurydice, while Lynnette Tapia is charming as Amor.

The choice of setting, the 1930's in America, works surprisingly well, with Orpheus leaving the Dust Bowl for the escapism of Hollywood to find his soul mate. Varone's eight dancers are resplendent in interpreting the score; the chorus is in marvelous voice and quite engaging in their crowd scenes.

Opera Colorado's Orpheus and Eurydice runs through Sunday, May 13th, at Boettcher Concert Hall. 303-893-4100.