Two Snohomish County residents are making their world opera debut on the stage at McCaw Hall tomorrow night as Seattle Opera presents Massenet’s “Don Quixote.”
Desperado, a 15-year-old horse, plays Don Quixote’s steed, Rocianante; and Millie, a 9-year-old donkey, serves as Sancho Panza’s mount, Grison.
“It’s very exciting, very fun. It should be good,” said Corliss Branch, an owner of Branch’s Quarter Horses in Bothell. “We’re hoping they behave.”
World-famous opera singers including bass-baritone John Relyea, who sings the role of Don Quixote in the Saturday and Wednesday “gold cast,” and French bass Nicolas Cavallier who takes the role in the Friday and Sunday “silver cast,” made their way to the Bothell stables to rehearse with the animals.
The singers had to learn to ride and get used to working with animals. Desperado and Millie also had to acclimate to performing with opera singers.
The opera stars belted out arias and duets to the animals. They wore their costumes and for the past few weeks, Branch said she’s been playing recordings of crowds and applause. Each night, the animals have been lulled to sleep to a recording of Massenet’s score.
Based on Cervantes’ classic novel, the French opera written in the early 20th century focuses on the familiar tale of the eccentric and idealistic Don Quixote in his search for love. Seattle Opera built a new set for its premier production, which runs through March 12.
(A note on alternative spellings: In Spanish, it’s Quijote with a “j.” In English, Quixote with an “x.” And, in French, as written in this version of the tale, it’s Quichotte. Thanks to Tom Miller of Tuscon, Ariz., an expert on the Cervantes story, who sent me an e-mail explaining the various linguistic permutations.)
Seattle Opera’s “Don Quixote” set is a fantastical re-imagination of the famous author’s desk with 14-foot-high books and giant ink wells as sets.
The staging allows the characters to emerge from the pages of the novel, Seattle Opera spokesman Jonathan Dean said.
During the opera, there is search for a stolen necklace, the iconic wrestling with windmills and a beautifully sad ending. The opera also features Spanish dancing, vibrant costumes and a flowing, melodic music.
“It’s a luscious score,” Dean said.
Desperado and Millie make their entrances about 15 minutes into the 21/2-hour production. While Branch said she has provided animals for the opera in the past, there’s never before been a call for a donkey.
“This will be a first,” she said.
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3447; jholtz@heraldnet.com.
“Don Quixote”
Feb. 26 to March 12 at McCaw Hall, 321 Mercer St., Seattle. Tickets start at $25. For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.seattleopera.org or call 800-426-1619.
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