For the Times-Herald Online (Original Article here)
Narrowsburg, NY — For the many fans of Broadway musicals, the names of Victor Herbert and Sigmund Romberg may not be familiar.
But the musical lineage from these composers to Rodgers and Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Webber is clear. "The Sound of Music" and "Phantom of the Opera," for example, could not have happened without the roots planted in operettas by these men a century ago.
But while the "story-to-song" model may not have changed, one element in which musicals of the past differ from their followers is "plot gravitas." Despite thin story lines, predecessors do have the appeal of wonderful melodies that sparkle in songs of romance, fantasy and pageantry.
So, in wanting to pay tribute to these early classics, Delaware Valley Opera is staging "Naughty Operetta" in repertory and in revue format. Featured in Friday night's fast-paced and polished presentation at the Tusten Theatre were four musical veterans: soprano Jody Weatherstone, tenor Anthony Daino, baritone Mark Gargiulo and director-accompanist Jim Blanton at the piano.
In the first of 22 songs, Weatherstone longs for just one man in her glowing delivery of Romberg's "One Kiss" before her stage companions join her for an elegant threesome. In a different kind of mood, her versatility and flexibility of voice finds her bringing the fanciful "Romany Life" to an exciting close as she floats to a high-flying and brilliant climax.
Tenderly is the way Daino begins "Softly, as in a Morning Sunrise," but soon enough his tenor turns expressive in voice and expansive in arm movement, both actions of which add a poignant edge to his performance. Engaging, too, is his bold stance while proudly accepting dangers of war as he begins the gutsy "Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!" before his buddies join in for a mock marching routine.
For his first solo song, Gargiulo exhibits a bold and resonant voice as his character, following a misunderstanding, begs "Lover, Come Back to Me" in a somber mood. In a more robust vein, his exuberant voice rallies volunteers to join him in a rousing "Stouthearted Men."
Two special numbers that stand out for glorious sound and excitement of delivery are "Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life" by Herbert and Romberg's "Entrance of Students and Drinking Song," the latter of which was accompanied by cheerful flashing of beer steins.
Nostalgia may have been the goal, but this program also goes beyond tribute of past composers to highlighting three very talented singers and an artistic director who put together a very attractive program.
If you go ...
What: "Naughty Operetta," a revue of songs by Victor Herbert and Sigmund Romberg
Where: Tusten Theatre, 210 Bridge St., Narrowsburg
When: 3 p.m. Aug. 5
Where: Seelig Theatre, Sullivan County Community College, South Fallsburg
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11
Tickets: $15-$25
Call: 252-7272 (Tusten); 434-5750, ext. 4303 (SCCC)