Despite Sandy, Hudson Lyric Opera Performs “A Masked Ball” in Stony Point

BY GEORGE J. DACRE

Sunday afternoon at Trinity United Methodist Church, Hudson Lyric performed perhaps its most ambitious production to a limited audience. Sandy after-effects held down the attendance, but the show went on.

And it went on very well, with a 15-piece orchestra, some added new talent and some very good performances from the opera company’s regular performers, led by Artistic Director Rosalinda Perez

Verdi’s classic, the true story of the asassination of King Gustav of Sweden at a masked ball, was also presented Saturday night and will continue for two more weekends at the church’s downstairs theatre. Producer Anthony Perez put together an outstanding cast to do this show with Terence Hyde as King Gustav, John Taylor Thomas as Count Renato, Judith DeMott as Ulrica, Laura Heckman as Oscar, Leslie Swanson as Countess Amelia and Adam Easton as a magistrate.

DeMott and Swanson made impressive debuts with Hudson Lyric . The very talented orchestra led by Perez was excellent and the costumes, sets and stage management was expert with a somewhat lengthy (three hours with two intermissions) production but enjoyable all the way. Delightful performances by Keely Huling, Rory Paterson and Sophia Perez as Ulrica’s assistants.

I rate “A Masked Ball” Three Stars Out Of Four!!!!

“A Masked Ball” will be presented on Saturday, November 10 at 8 p.m., Sunday, November 11 at 3 p.m., Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets at hudsonlyricopera.org.

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