Anchorage Opera delivered an unforgettable performance of Gioachino Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri (The Italian Girl in Algiers) at the Sydney Laurence Theatre in Anchorage, Alaska. Directed by the visionary Ben Robinson and conducted by the masterful Eiki Isomura, this production transformed the opera’s 19th-century setting into a contemporary Mediterranean cruise ship adventure, infusing the classic with modern flair and comedic brilliance.
Rossini’s opera, first performed in 1813, is a madcap tale of mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and clever reversals of fortune. Anchorage Opera’s adaptation transported the action to a luxury cruise ship, complete with spa treatments, an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a foppish best friend. This setting not only modernized the story but also amplified its absurdities, turning the high seas into a playground for farcical antics.
The narrative centers on Isabella, a determined Italian woman accompanied by her colorful best friend Taddeo, who embarks on a journey to rescue her lover, Lindoro, from the clutches of the Bey of Algiers, Mustafà. Along the way, she encounters a series of comedic characters, including the Bey’s glamorous yet neglected wife Elvira, the scheming Haly, and no-nonsense steward Zulma. The opera’s intricate plot unfolds with rapid-fire exchanges and delightful misunderstandings, keeping the audience engaged and entertained throughout.
Anchorage Opera assembled a remarkable cast that brought Rossini’s characters to life with energy and precision. Dazzling mezzo-soprano Kelly Guerra’s portrayal of Isabella was both commanding and charming. Her powerful voice soared through the Sydney Laurence Theatre, capturing Isabella’s wit and determination. Guerra’s stage presence was magnetic, making Isabella a heroine for the ages.
Soprano Laura Corina Sanders was pure comedy and infinitely entertaining. Her splendidly clear voice, dramatic facial expressions, and wildly entertaining stage antics captivated the entire audience. Sanders’ portrayal of Elvira set the comedic standard for everyone else on stage.
Dynamic tenor Andrew Morstein flooded the house with vocal range that wowed the audience while tugging at the heart strings. Morstein’s Lindoro was the epitome of romantic devotion. His voice blended beautifully with Guerra’s, and his portrayal of Lindoro’s loyalty and charm added depth to the character.
Crowd favorite baritone Andy Papas delighted the audience as Mustafà. Papas brought a hilariously joyful absurdity to the role of the Bey. His voice resonated with authority, yet his comedic timing and expressions revealed a ruler out of his depth. The crowd was thrilled to have Papas back on the Anchorage stage.
Booming baritone Sejin Park shook the balcony seats with his vocal power and projection. Park’s Taddeo was a delectable mix of cowardice and cunning. His performance was marked by expressive gestures and a voice that conveyed both vulnerability and scheming, providing comic relief throughout the production.
The always-spectacular crowd favorite Isaiah Musik-Ayala completed a hat trick and returned for his third AO production this season. His portrayal of Haly was both menacing and humorous. His bass voice added gravitas to the role, while his interactions with other characters brought out the comedy inherent in Haly’s position.
A strong performance by local mezzo-soprano Lisa Willis solidified the cast. Her portrayal of Zulma was perfect, as both supportive and sly. Willis’ voice blended seamlessly with the ensemble, and her character’s pragmatic nature added an intriguing dynamic to the plot.
The chorus, featuring local talents and familiar faces including Daniel Salas-Peterson, Alexis Cisneros, Lillian Maasen, Laurie Soderstrom, and longtime Anchorage Opera staple Trudy Updegrove, provided robust vocal support and zany stage antics to enhance the production’s energy and ensure the audience was taken for a wild ride.
Under the baton of Conductor Eiki Isomura, the orchestra delivered a performance that was both lively and nuanced. Isomura’s interpretation of Rossini’s score highlighted the opera’s rhythmic vitality and melodic beauty. The orchestra’s precision and expressiveness complemented the singers, ensuring that the music resonated with the audience.
Chorus Master and Repetiteur Alaina de Bellevue worked tirelessly to prepare the ensemble, ensuring that each member was well-rehearsed and confident. Her leadership was evident in the cohesive sound produced by the chorus and the seamless integration of their voices with the orchestra, while her piano skills dazzled.
The production team, led by Director Ben Robinson, transformed the Sydney Laurence Theatre into a vibrant cruise ship setting. The set design was imaginative, with elements that evoked the luxury and chaos of a high-seas adventure. Lighting Designer Cedar Cussins utilized dynamic lighting to enhance the mood and highlight key moments, adding depth to the visual experience.
Production Stage Manager Helen Irene Muller and Assistant Stage Manager Andrea Anderson ensured that every aspect of the performance ran smoothly. Their meticulous attention to detail kept the production on track, allowing the cast and crew to focus on delivering a memorable performance.
Anchorage Opera’s production of The Italian Girl in Algiers was a resounding success, showcasing the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation. By reimagining a classic opera with contemporary elements and a stellar cast, Anchorage Opera brought new life to Rossini’s work, making it accessible and enjoyable for modern audiences.
This production not only entertained but also demonstrated the vibrant cultural scene in Anchorage, Alaska. With visionary leadership, talented performers, and a dedicated production team, Anchorage Opera continues to be a beacon of artistic excellence.
In a city known for its rugged landscapes and unique charm, Anchorage Opera’s The Italian Girl in Algiers brought a touch of elegance and whimsy to the stage. Through clever direction, outstanding performances, and a lively interpretation of Rossini’s score, the production offered an evening of laughter, romance, and musical brilliance. Bravo to all involved for delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the magic of live opera in the heart of Alaska! More information is available on the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts website: AlaskaPAC.org. Tickets are on sale now and can be obtained through CenterTix.com or by calling 907-263-ARTS (907-263-2787). Performances are scheduled for April 24, 26 and 27, and all shows are very near being sold out.
Ahsan Awan has been covering opera, performing arts and live events for two decades, and has been covering Anchorage Opera, since the 2022-2023 season. Images taken by Ahsan Awan for Anchorage Opera and ©2025 American Presswire. Editorial use by Anchorage Opera with permission and subject to unrestricted use under license unless otherwise noted. Ahsan Awan can be found on X as @quackarazzi and on Instagram as @quackarazzi. American Presswire can be found on X as @ampresswire and on Instagram as @ampresswire.