Having seen the original twice, I was never “aware” of the amplification as I was here. Okulitch, Mix, and Harris were least impacted, while the other men sounded tinny (especially handicapping McKinny). It is hard to judge opera singers’ true accomplishment when a sound mixer is in between. I think this may be the result of the Adams-mandated miking. The always reliable, sweet voiced, stylish tenor of Benjamin Bliss (Robert Wilson) on this night sounded veiled on top. Apprentice tenor Mackenzie Gotcher performed with distinction as Army Captain James Nolan. Meteorologist Frank Hubbard was exceedingly well served by Tim Mix’s steady, powerful baritone. Photo credit: Ken Howard for Santa Fe Opera 2018.Īndrew Harris’ characterful, measured bass was a good fit for physicist Edward Teller. Ryan McKinny (Robert Oppenheimer) and Andrew Harris (Edward Teller). That makes little sense when the lean, handsome actor has made previous SFO shirtless appearances that had patrons scrambling for their binoculars.
The General is meant to be portly, indeed there is a lengthy, humorous “cake “ section about his having to watch his weight and diet. The macho snarl in his cogent delivery made a powerful impression.
Ryan worked hard, earned my admiration, and always displayed the highest professional standards, but ultimately could not anchor the production as Oppenheimer should.Ĭonversely, Daniel Okulitch was in splendid, refulgent voice as General Leslie Groves, indeed I have never heard him sing better. McKinny was always engaged and highly musical, his handsome instrument just doesn’t have the easy, ringing top needed to succeed completely in the role. Robert Oppenheimer sadly does not play to his gifts. When he is ideally cast, I have heard him as a thrilling Dutchman or full-throated Jochanaan. I am a great admirer of baritone Ryan McKinny.
Well for starters, could we please have the original production back? Or another version that manages to convey the menace and import of this disturbingly contemporary peril? The SFO team of collaborators promised much, delivered a good deal, but fell short of this important work’s shattering impact.
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