January 19, 1989
F ig a ro ! F ig a ro !
by Stephen E. McPherson,
Special Correspondent
Opera no longer is sequestered
within the domain of the culturally
elite or the serious student of classi­
cal music. The Portland Opera Play­
ers demonstrates this fact quite con­
vincingly in their current revival of
“ FIGARO! FIG ARO !" The re-writing
of Rossini’s popular “ Barber of Sev­
ille" is now enjoying a tremendous
success at the Eastside Performance
Center located at 531 S.E. 14th here
in Portland. The curtain goes up on
Friday and Saturday night perform ­
ances at 8 p.m. until January 21.
Matinee offerings are on Sundays
beginning at 2 p.m. until January 22.
Even though this production was
staged to expose the uninitiated to
the world of opera, the well-honed
opera buff is going to come away with
an added chuckle. As if the original
opera were not funny enough, Mi­
chael Berkson and Philip Kelsey have
injected some extra dim ensions into
the libretto and score which prove to
be a delightful spoof of an already
~ r;~ m r. - • •• ■.♦ • ->« •
Portland Observer * Page 5
Bounces Back With Zest
com edic opera. At the same time, the
musical purity of Rossini's original
masterpiece is carefully preserved.
The story line roughly approximates
situations created in the original All
of the “Barber of Seville” characters
are in place with their usual personal­
ity traits. The libretto is in English and
is supplemented by a spoken dia­
logue. This particular nuance might
dismay the purest since this is the
very criterion which separates an a
opera from an operetta. One must
remember, however, that the Port-
AT OUR NEW SENTRY,
land Opera Players never pretended
to be an opera company and this
particular work was not written to
enthrall the seasoned opera goer
This review is complicated by the
fact that a different individual assumes
a particular role on any given night. At
the time this reviewer witnessed
“ FIGARO! FIGARO!“ , the title role
was played and sung by Steven Aiken.
He was at all times in full control of his
vocal instrument and at the same
time displayed an acting ability which
could sell anyone the Brooklyn Bridge.
Elizabeth Lawson as Rosina rendered
a virtuosity that one would like to see
on the main stage. Her character
portrayal belied the sweet innocence
her guardianship suggested
The role of Dr. Bartolo was inter­
preted by local music teacher, Ro­
land Harris, who was previously pro­
filed in the PORTLAND OBSERVER.
It is a pity that librettist Berkson gave
him so many speaking lines before he
unleashed the robust beauty of his
bass-baritone voice. Mr. Harris is
Roland Harris
convincing as an avaricious and
bungling miscreant. One wishes that
more of his latent musical talent cou Id
have been showcased.
Christopher Cheek in his interpre­
tation of a love sick suitor was more
than adequate as Don Basilio. At
times, however, one wondered if the
Kelsey and Berkson team had co­
mingled his lyrics withy Rosina’s col­
oratura arias. Laurance Fee was in
excellent voice as Count Almaviva.
His Boris Karloff makeup and charac­
terization of a fiendish count aug­
mented a trem endous touch of hu­
mor. Bit parts played by Kathleen
Hanson and Michael Berkson added
extra chuckles to the evening.
The piano duo of David McDade
and Philip Kelsey was superb through­
out the evening.
The final arbiter in any such dem ­
onstration is the consum ing public.
Judging from the giggles, laughs
applause and curtain calls, one can­
not help but conclude that "FIGARO!
FIGARO!" is a resounding success
PORTLAND OBSERVER
“ The Eyes and Ears of the C o m m u n ity”
288-0033
Broadway Bound
bv G a rla nd Lee
Thom pson
THE FIVE BLIND BOYS OF
ALABAMA TO APPEAR IN TOWN
The stars of the Broadway musical
production, “ Gospel At C olonis,” The
Five Blind boys of Alabama, will per­
form an evening of gospel music at
the Portland Foursquare Church, 1302
S.E. Ankeny. The schedule date of
this 1989 new year gospel musical
treat is Friday, January 20th, 1989, 8
p m. This widely known spiritual sing­
ing group has sung throughout the
South and East Coast for many years
before I saw them in “ Gospel At
Colonis,” featured with veteran actor
Morgan Freeman, with whom they
toured the show to several cities before
coming to Broadway. Just try to think
if Ray Charles has four brothers." If
you like gospel, you will love this
"vintage class act.” Write on and “ let
the church say am en.”
COMING JANUARY 30th. T.J.’s # 2 SENTRY
909 N. Killingsworth (formerly Albertson’s) 7 am - 11 pm
IT WAS ‘ CHECKMATE” FOR
NEW BLACK BROADWAY
PRODUCER
OREGON
9%
VARIABLE
Annual
Percentage
Rate
Sealed
Bid
Properties
Department of Veteran's Affairs
Vet & Non-Vet Eligible
No Occupancy Requirements
Purchase More Than One
This was a sad affair in which no
one wins. The latest Black Broadway
play, "Checkm ates," by Ron Milner,
starring Ruby Dee, Paul Winfield,
Denzel Washington and Marsha
Jackson, just recently closed. I saw
the show last month and reviewed it
for you here in BROADWAY BOUND
REPORT. Now here’s the lately “ T "
on this Woodie King Jr. directed-show
that I liked very much.
It seems that one of the producers,
Michael Harris, who is originally from
Louisiana, and moved to Los Angeles
at the age of 18 years to begin a
business career. His interest in the
theatre was sparked at the Inner City
Cultural Center of LA, which has
spawned a number of hit shows (I did
eleven productions there myself, 1966-
70). Harris then became involved in
“ Checkm ates," which was a joint
venture between the Inner City C ul­
tural Center and Marla Gibbs’ Cross­
roads Theatre of Los Angeles. It was
at this time that Michael Harris (now
26 years old) formed ”Y Not Produc­
tions" with Hayward Collins. Young
Harris is reported to have bankrolled
half of the $700,000 budget for the
show. This was his Broadway debut.
It is a dream story for a young
Black man that "crashed” when it is
reported in the press of his arrest and
drug conviction recently in California.
It sent shock waves through the
Broadway District Theatre com m u­
nity. “ Drug money stories" and pick­
ets appeared at the 46th Street The­
atre. His name was quickly removed
from the marquee and the Broadway
Playbill programs with his name were
trashed. They are collector's items
now. I have one, since I caught this
very funny and unique show in De­
cem ber and hung out backstage with
Ruby, Paul and Woodie. The show is
now closed
The Michael Harris scandal story;
the rise and fall of a new Black entre­
preneur, perhaps may be more inter­
esting and heartbreaking than "a sack
full of Wall Street, Hollywood movies"
of the play he "bankrolled" to become
one of Broadway youngest and new­
est producers.
The playwright, Ron Milner, might
consider changing one of his charac­
ters in the play to mirror and chronicle
this ever-so-young and Black tragic
figure, whc went for "the American
• Low Down Payments
• Long-Term Financing Available
• Work Equity Available
Contact the DVA Office below to view the properties and
to obtain bidding packet. Minimum bid amounts are shown.
PORTLAND
$40,550.00
6212 N. Commercial. Elegant older home in quiet
neighborhood with tree lined streets. A new roof has just
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$54,150.00
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You must see this one.
TROUTDALE
PORTLAND
$45,500.00
13115 N.E. Broadway. Sturdy attractive brick and wood
siding adds casual charm to this 3 bdrm, family room, well
planned ranch style home with fireplace and large wood
deck patio. Mature evergreen landscaping enhances
appearance. Over $9,000 under assessed value.
PORTLAND
$29,850.00
5104 N.E. Cleveland. TURN OF THE CENTURY HOME
built in 1907, this beautiful old home is offered at below
assessed value. 2-1/2 stories. Has potential galore. 3
bdrms., 2 baths, new roof, brick fireplace, alley access,
built-in bookshelves, sun porch. 95% interest to veteran or
non-vetern.
PORTLAND
$23,000.00
6035 N.E. 14th. ATTENTION FIRST HOME BUYERS - A
home is a savings acount. 2 bdrm., 1 story bungalow,
detached garage, new roof, covered patio and fenced rear
yard. Live in it or rent it out. 9% financing to veterans or
non-veterans.
GRESHAM
$56,000.00
18002 S.E. Clay St. 4 bdrm., 2 bath home in excellent
condition. New roof, carpeting and paint inside and out.
Close to shopping and schools. Recently annexed to
$55,550.00
21545 S.E. Oak St. You'll be proud to play hostess in this well
planned casual ranch home with attractive vaulted ceilings in
the living room, dining room, and kitchen. 3 bdrms., 2 baths,
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new of the added amenities.
HILLSBORO
$54,600.00
1751 S.E. Tanager Circle. 3 bdrm., 2 bath home located in
modern residential area. 2 frpls., vaulted ceiling in family room,
private wood and fenced backyard. New paint inside and nice
and clean!!
BEAVERTON
$64,500.00
4762 S.W. 208th Ct. You will love this 3 bdrm., 2-1/2 bath
home, with a sunken family room, vaulted ceilings in living
room, a stoneface fireplace, large wood deck, all in a modern
neighborhood on a great cul-de-sac.
BORING
$24,500.00
33320 S.E. Ranmar. 2.34 acre site in excellent Boring
location. Beautiful gently rolling farm land plus an older
filbert orchard.
GRESHAM
$42,000.00
3080 N.E. 3rd. Charcoal shutters and window box add a
colonial touch to this 3 bdrm., family room, ranch home on a
corner lot, completely frenced for the little ones. Excellent
young executive type neighborhood.
Gresham.
TIGARD
$5000000
9830 S.W. Durham Rd. Older established 2 story home
with 4 bdrms., and 2 baths. High ceilings, new roof and nice
large rooms ready to be occupiedl
THE DEPARTMENT RESERVES THE
RIGHT TO ACCEPT OR REJECT ALL
OFFERS
We sell all properties "AS IS" without
warranty (May contain code violations)
Bids Must Be Received By 5 p.m. 2/5/89
Bids Will Be Opened At 9 a.m. 2/6/89
PORTLAND OFFICE
10011 S.E. DIVISION SUITE 201
PORTLAND, OREGON 97266
CALL 257-4320
i
V
* .
/ '
‘5*’
is also a nine Universal year, “ a pay­
off tim e” of self introspection of the
wise and intense, to re-evaluate, like
“the Michael Harrises of our world,”
in our struggle to survive and achieve
happiness in today world. Write on
and good luck, Michael.
recently closed on Broadway
Super Bowl
Special
1-22-89
Super Bowl
Special
1-22-89
Chuck Hinton's
Rib Express
O ur S p e c ia lty
Real Hickory Smoked
B a r-B -Q u e
Pounds Includes Sauce
Half Pound
Pound
Beef Brisket
$4.00
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Ham
$3.50
$6.25
Rack of Pork Ribs
$12.00
Beef Ribs
Each $1.35
Beef Ribs
Side of 7 $8.00
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D air Etegance ‘D esigners
603 N.E. Killingsworth • Portland
A fter - H olidays S pecials !
ONLYI
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SPECIAL
Reg. 45.00
$37.00
2 for 1 Special on Wave
Nouveau $80 incl. conditioning & trim
Relaxers $30 incl. conditioning
Specials start Jan. 10 through the End of Feb.
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Experienced Operators and Hairstylists Wanted.
Must have at least 1 year of shop experience with
clientelle following. For apointment please call Sabrina
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Tuesday through Saturday
>
t A».« ft
JR?
Dream,” only to find “ Paradise Lost."
The least we writers can do is to tell
the story for the public to understand.
Write on and “Gung Hay Fat Choy,”
which is Happy New Year in Chinese.
It is the Chinese year of the Snake. It
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