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From the press release

Large splashes of primary colors, undulating waves of energy, exotic landscapes, and bare breasts sensual and provocative: All come to mind at the thought of French painter Paul Gauguin’s oeuvre. All these varied aspects of his supreme artistry, including the controversial writings published in his Intimate Journals, have been brought to life in West Edge Opera’s marvelous production of Fabrizio Carlone’s chamber opera, Bonjour M. Gauguin. Running for only two more performances next weekend, the production is such a success that it demands to be experienced in all its multifaceted wonder.
Jason Victor Serinus, San Francisco Classical Voice, April 6, 2013

One minute you’re sitting in a well-appointed El Cerrito theater, watching opera, that highest of high arts — watching a production about a postimpressionist painter, no less — and then, all of a sudden, in the middle of the second act, there it is, bare bodies and a bare mattress onstage. It’s surprising, but then again, so are lots of things about Bonjour M. Gauguin, West Edge Opera’s excellent new show.”
Ellen Cushing, East Bay Express, April 10, 2013

Altogether an engaging performance, this production boasts an excellent chamber orchestra and superb vocalists and dancers. The sparsely furnished stage set allows the vibrant colors of the paintings and the costumes to shine. The multimedia presentation helps move the story along and is an updated way to present supertitles. Froehlich is truly a triple threat (singer, vocalist, and dancer) not to be missed and the beauty of Sulker’s voice left me wanting to hear more.”
Gabriela McElligot, Repeat Performance, April 6, 2013

BONJOUR M.GAUGUIN

Chamber opera based on original texts by Gauguin and his contemporaries.

Music, Libretto and Concept
FABRIZIO CARLONE

WEST EDGE OPERA
El Cerrito Performing Arts Theater
6, 12, 14 April 2013 – American premiere
A collaboration with KUNST-STOFF Dance Company and SfSoundGroup
in French and English with English supertitles

Conductor/Music Director
MARY CHUN

Director/Choreographer
YANNIS ADONIOU

Associate Director/Dramaturg
MARK STRESHINSKY

CAST

Paul Gauguin
ANDERS FROELICH

Gauguin’s Inner Voice
SHAWNETTE SULKER

07-1

First Narrator,
Vincent Van Gogh, Eugène Tardieau, Le Curé, Stephane Mallarmé, Claude Monet

KEITH PERRY

Second Narrator,
Camille Pissarro, Brunetière, Julien Leclercq
PAUL MURRAY

Third Narrator,
Lucien Pissaro, Teura, Jean Dolent, Mette Gauguin
NICOLE TAKESONO

Berkley: ©︎ Alessandra Mello and West Edge Opera

Parisians/Tahitians
YANNIS ADONIU, JEREMY BANNON-NECHE, LINDSEY RENEE DERRY, KATIE GAYDOS, KATE JORDAN

berkeley1

Performed by
SF SOUND GROUP ORCHESTRA

Assistant conductor
JASON SHERBUNDY

Video Designer
JEREMY KNIGHT

Lighting Designer
LUCAS KRECH

Costume Designer
SHANNON MAXHAM

Make-up
JASON HENRICKS

Scenic Construction
STEVE ESTRELLA

PHOTO CREDITS:

West Edge Opera production:
Alessandra Mello
www.mellophoto.com

Contemporary Soundworks Ltd production:
Massimiliano Morlotti
www.morlotti.com

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