MELISSA, the sorceress who plies her trade in Handel's opera Amadigi, is the type of character usually associated with out and out malevolence. But, in his English language staging for Opera Theatre Company, director James Conway plays her for laughs, abetted by the comedy skills of Majella Cullagh. And the Cork soprano is more than just a funny actress; tackling Handel's vocal obstacles head on, she is as effective in oboe accompanied self pity as in her exchange of invective with the solo trumpet. The eponymous hero, who wears a No. 8 football shirt under his greatcoat, also gets to share in the fun and indulges in some perilous gymnastics. But it is with his singing that counter tenor Jonathan Peter Kenny steals the show.
The role, written for the legendary alto castrato Nicolini, may be two dimensional in musical characterisation; but the vocal requirements demand virtuoso execution, and that is what they get from Mr Kenny, nowhere more so than in Amadigi's stunning final rondo.
The remaining characters are more conventional. As the hero's lover, Oriana, Anne O'Byrne deploys her clean soprano adroitly. In the travesti role of Dardano, and notwithstanding an announced indisposition, Buddug Verona Jones uses her vibrant mezzo to good effect, particularly in his/her second act lament. The small orchestra mixes period strings with modern wind and plays at just below today's top pitch. All of which might offer potential for debate were it not that the bottom line is that conductor Seamus Crimmins evokes a convincing 18th century sound, which is surely what matters.
This OTC tour, which is sponsored by Habitat and the British Council, is at the Everyman Palace in Cork tomorrow, at the Belltable in Limerick on Thursday and at Enniskillen's Ardowen Theatre on Saturday. Next week, it moves to Ballyshannon (14th); St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin (16th & 18th) and Galway (21st & 22nd). When it comes your way, don't miss it.