The Avengers & Das Rheingold-A Tale of Two Lokis

(*MILD SPOILER WARNING* for both venues)

Saturday May 5th was a power day packed full of superheros and villains. I saw Joss Whedon's The Avengers in the morning and caught the last performance of Robert Lepage's production of Das Rheingold that evening at the Metropolitan Opera. The result? Superhero flick and opera are two genres that compliment one another in very surprising ways - at least as far as these two venues are concerned.

First up is my assessment of The Avengers. Joss Whedon did what he does best - ensemble direction at its finest and a brilliant script that gave Marvel's superheros poignance as well as punch. For those of you who are not familiar with Mr. Whedon's work, he was put on the map by Buffy The Vampire Slayer the movie and then TV series which spawned the spinoff Angel and then went on to create one of the finest science fiction series in the history of television - the cult favorite Firefly which led to his movie directing debut in Serenity - the Firefly movie that came about by the fans and for the fans. Previously he was known in the business as a "script doctor" - the guy or gal who is called in to basically save a mediocre script's hide in order to make it acceptable (in his case brilliant) for the screen. Many Whedon fans in the 'Verse were rooting for him. He's an incredibly talented and intelligent director/writer whose time was due after the heartbreak he endured when his beloved Firefly was cancelled by Fox Television. (I could go on a rant about that situation, but it has no place in this particular blog…) From all appearances, The Avengers has ushered in his era of film making.

The special effects did not eclipse the acting one iota and there was not a weak link in the entire cast. My only complaint was that Gwyneth Paltrow's Pepper Potts character was marginalized in the movie, but there was a lot to pack in for a 2 hour and 23 minute run time so I actually was pleased her character made it into the movie at all. Other pivotal female characters did not make the cut including Jane Foster (Thor's main squeeze) who only got a brief mention as to her safe whereabouts. Whedon's footprint is left all over The Avenger's universe with his clever, quicksilver dialogue that never stoops to the lowest common denominator, his moody camera angles that display a perspective of a common scene transforming it into an artistic moment in time, his incredible comedic timing enhanced by the actors and his quirky scenes that show the human side of the characters that could have easily been lost in the big budget and grandiosity of The Avengers storyline. Examples of some of Whedon's trademarks include a scene where we see Captain America's reaction in a smashed motorcycle mirror on the ground (the common scene transforming it into an artistic moment in time thing I was writing about) and a very human moment for our team - not to add a spoiler, but Middle Eastern cuisine is in your future if you have the patience. Examples of Whedon signature ensemble dialogue moments include:

Natasha Romanoff: Loki has them under some kind of spell. Along with one of ours.
Steve Rogers: I wanna know why Loki let us take him. He's not leading an army from here.
Bruce Banner: I don't think we should be focusing on Loki. That guy's brain is a bag full of cats. You can smell crazy on him.
Thor: (With a Shakespearian delivery) Have care how you speak. Loki is beyond reason, but he is of Asgard. And he is my brother.
Natasha Romanoff: He killed 80 people in 2 days.
Thor: (Waits a beat) He's adopted…

And this little gem of an exchange…

Security Guard: Are you an alien?
Bruce Banner: What?
Security Guard: From outer space, an alien.
Bruce Banner: No.
Security Guard: Well then son, you've got a condition.

And finally:

Loki: It's an impressive cage. Not built, I think, for me.
Nick Fury: Built for something a lot stronger than you.
Loki: Oh, I've heard, the mindless beast. Let's pray he's still a man. How desperate are you? That you call on such lost creatures to defend you?
Nick Fury: How desperate am I? You threaten our world with war, you steal a force you can't hope to control, you talk of peace but you kill because it's fun. You have made me VERY desperate. You might not be glad that you did.
Loki: Ooh, it burns you to have come so close, to have the Tesseract, to have power, unlimited power. And for what? A warm light for all of mankind to share? And then to be reminded of what real power is.
Nick Fury: Well let me know if "real power" wants a magazine or something.

Then there are the Tony Stark one liners. The definitive script isn't out yet, but I have a feeling Mr. Downey, Jr. also enhanced their "hilaritude"…

Tony Stark: (to Bruce Banner) You really have got a lid on it, haven't you? What's your secret? Mellow jazz? Bongo drums? Huge bag of weed?

Tony Stark: (to Hawkeye) Clench up, Legolas.

And of course my favorite because of the NYC reference and pidgin Shakespeare...:

Tony Stark: (In response to Thor's inquiry) Shakespeare in the Park? (Pregnantish pause) Doth thy mother know thou weareth her drapes?

OK I guess it's kind of obvious that I loved this movie. Now onto the Rheingold tie in. I attended The Avengers with my husband, Adam, and a few good friends. Adam was going to perform the role of Loki, or Loge auf Deutsch, in Das Rheingold at the MET that evening and we wanted to have some fun the morning of his final performance. For those of you who read my blog below, this was a big deal for him to debut in that role at the MET on April 26th. What we didn't expect was that Adam was going to be so positively affected by Tom Hiddleston's portrayal of Loki in the movie. Truly, he tapped some of his duplicity and other characterization elements for his portrayal of Wagner's version of that role that evening. The references were subtle but made all the difference.

Lepage's Rheingold truly has an otherworldly and superhero look and feel to it, especially with the costuming. Heck, they're right out of the Marvelverse. That is to be expected as the director is responsible for all of the Cirque du Soleil productions. I find this a plus as updating of opera productions, when done well, are most effective. Additionally, if there is a way to reach out to younger audiences without betraying the composer's intent, I am all for that, too. In this economy opera, as well as the rest of the performing arts, needs all the help it can get. To add a theatrical performance and honest character development to a role in Wagner's version of Norse mythology can also only enhance the piece. Truthfully, though, I think my husband more resembles Tony Stark/Iron Man rather than Loki. You be the judge.

Photo by Tami Swartz

Adam's performance on Saturday was critiqued favorably. The Associated Press said:

"Substituting on short notice for the wonderful character tenor Stefan Margita in the role of Loge, Adam Klein made a strong impression…"


This one from The Wall Street Journal gave me a chuckle:

"...Adam Klein, who stepped in as Loge and not only sang brightly but scampered fearlessly up and down the set."

And this love note came from an opera aficionado in Toronto who stated:

"Adam Klein sang a wonderful Loge, enlarging the physical aspect we’d already seen from Richard Croft in the earlier version of the opera last season. Not only did Klein walk backwards up the wall using wires, but turned it into a part of his characterization. At times he posed defiantly (sideways), at other times he struck a more ironic attitude. For me Loge is a bellwether of the production, which might explain why I loved this show so much. Klein made magic from his first appearance to his last: a revelation."

I certainly concur. If I were a top critic for one of these publications my review of his portrayal would go something like this:

"Adam Klein's Loge held his own and finally took his place amongst the Gods."

Perhaps a bit more trite, but nonetheless accurate.

I write this because so many productions of Rheingold cast a Loge that cannot act the role and/or whose voice is too light and character sounding. Common Wagner practice originating from Wagner's very own specifications calls for the Loge to have a heroic sound and for the same tenor cast in that role to go on to perform Siegfried. Many artistic directors and critics miss this point. These actions have resulted in some disastrous casting decisions and embarrassingly bad reviews - embarrassing for the critic since he or she is stripping themselves naked in front of those who know better. Unfortunately my intellect and good taste have been subjected to both travesties over the years. (Again, this is a rant for me to post on another blog.) And because of these frequent misconceptions the role of Loge is diminished resulting in the audience not feeling sympathy for Loge or understanding the reason why he ends up betraying the Gods at the end. So, in my not so humble opinion, the whole reason for going to see The Ring is seriously lost.

Photo by Ken Howard

The MET Das Rheingold on Saturday May 5th, 2012 acquitted itself from any and all accusations. It was simply a great time with great singing and acting, not just from my guy who portrayed Loge, but from the rest of those famous and not famous folks onstage. They're bringing this production back to the MET next year, too. (Oh goody!) As of this posting, we don't know what this will mean for Adam, but I can take comfort in the fact that I saw a very fine production at the MET and that my husband had something to do with it. For now all we can do, as the tune from Soundgarden featured in The Avengers goes, is Live to Rise. I certainly live to see Adam's star rise…

Adam Klein - Loge Superhero

Photo by Tami Swartz

(This blog was written a few hours after my husband's Wagner MET debut on Thursday April 26th as Loge in Robert LePage's new production of Das Rheingold.)

Captain's Log, Stardate: Not Applicable. It is 2 AM and we have just returned from an adventure at a little place in New York City known for world class opera productions. My husband, tenor Adam Klein, made his Wagner debut at the Metropolitan Opera as Loge in Robert LePage's production of Das Rheingold. I, the wife, could not obtain tickets that evening as the house was sold out. I, however, had a much better experience viewing my husband from the bowels of the Met and was able to observe The Machine working at peak precision. As one who produces and directs as well as performs, observing the backstage technical workings of this show was a total, rapturous geek-feast for me. Folks out front were there to watch Das Rheingold…I had the privilege of becoming Das Rheingold. And for folks who watch Firefly…I wasn't on the ship…I was in the ship…I was the ship.

This new Met production was mounted in 2010 and returned this season along with the now complete Ring cycle. It definitely had Cirque du Soleil elements throughout the fabric of its being - not surprising since its master was co-founder for that venue. Fantastical tableaus, warping of perspective and illusion thrive in this production and in spite of the potential dangers of high tech, cater very nicely to a story about Gods, a Demi-God and other mythological creatures. My husband performed the role of the Demi-God, Loge, or Loki if you are familiar with the Norse name. He is made of pure fire. The lighting effects very much enhanced that aspect of Adam's character, but it truly was the artist that breathed life into him. Adam sang like a German Heldentenor God, his theatrical acting was superior and his physical acting rocked that Loge suit like Iron Man with his Tony Stark action hero stance and athleticism. Eat your heart out Robert Downey, Jr.! (Spoliers: Loge does a lot of stuff on wires.) No, I am not biased…truly. Adam and I are very honest with one another and our performances. He really was that good and had the respect and support of his esteemed castmates, which included Stephanie Blythe, Bryn Terfel, Eric Owens and Gerhard Siegel. He also had the support of all his cover colleagues, artistic staff, administrative staff and Peter Gelb, General Director of the Met. The whole opera house was rooting for him! When it came time for curtain calls and bows, he got as large an applause as Bryn Terfel who played Wotan the leader of all the Gods. Adam had delivered the goods.

Loge Gets His Rheinmaiden

How did we celebrate, some of you may be asking? Rather quietly which was nice. After we parted company with Adam's parents, his fellow voice teacher Mike Warren and other friends, I suggested we go to a little 24 hour French bistro called French Roast - their uptown establishment on Broadway, as they also have a downtown annex - and enjoyed midnight happy hour. Yes, one of the many things I love about this city is that concept. The food was divine, the atmosphere cozy and it was just the gentle ending that we needed. Who knows what this will do for Adam's career in the long run, but life is full of wonderful moments and by living in the moment we take comfort and energize from such experiences.

Update: 3:30 PM Friday April 27th: I just found out that Adam will be going on again as Loge in the final Rheingold performance of the season on May 5th. Sometimes punching the glass ceiling yields a glorious breakthrough. My husband once again gets to be a superhero. He will always be one to me.

Micro Blog

A thought for the day: degradation depletes energy while affirmation augments it, therefore it is far easier to be kind than coarse.

Be well, everyone and make everyday a positive day.

SMK Day at Chez Tami

This merited a post on my blog because I just couldn't figure out how to put it all on one picture and send it...and it covers food, artistic expression and good vibes - which as my close friends know is the intent of my blogosphere, if you will. I was inspired to do a party for my two girlfriends who used to watch Scarecrow and Mrs. King in the 80's when it was originally on the air. I had become re-acquainted with the show last summer as I needed a little escape from a VERY bad work situation. (Don't worry - that's all been resolved.) It brought me back to a peaceful and uplifting time in my life and helped me re-center myself (well that and a lot of running and meditation). Through the show I also discovered a wonderful SMK community on Facebook and am pleased to say I have even made a few friends from the page.

I found out that a group of these ladies were going to see Bruce Boxleitner (Lee "Scarecrow" Stetson) at Megacon in Orlando, FL this past weekend and since I couldn't go, well, I threw a party to celebrate SMK instead. This completely got out of hand as I then became inspired to make it an Italian food themed event. The first reason for this was if you are going to culinarily celebrate the elegance of Lee Stetson and Amanda King it's going to have to be either with Italian or French cuisine. The show always depicted an upscale evening by attending either a French or Italian restaurant. Remember Emilio's or Chez Nouvelle? (My inner fan girl is screaming. I shall silence her now!) The second reason was my SMK Italian girlfriends on Facebook. They really inspired me with talk of Italian cooking and I wanted to give them a gift of my own Italian cooking from 4000 miles away. (Hope it holds up to your standards, bellissime!) Below are the results of my culinary exploits and our adventures with Lee and Amanda. We supplemented our beverage and fruit quotient with Cava mimosas. Apologies for the possibly pidgin Italian captions. I will endeavor to correct once I revisit them with someone close who speaks Italian better than me! All in all it was a fabulous day and I hear it was a fabulous weekend for my SMK family members, as well! Buon appetito.

Primi Piatti:
Rosemary Almonds and Arugula with Meyer Lemon/Mirin Vinaigrette
Mandorle con rosmarino e rucola con limone Meyer/Mirin Vinaigrette



Primi Piatti:
Focaccia with Red Grapes
Focaccia con uve rosse




Secondi Piatti:
Stuffed Smoked Mozarella
Ripieni mozzarelle affumicate



Piatto Principale:
Spinach Flans with Prosciutto
Flan di spinaci con prosciutto



Dolce:
Strawberries with Chocolate
Fragole con cioccolato
(No picture - sorry we ate them too quickly!)

Those that celebrated and thus were sated...

Twitter Spew Haiku, by Yours Truly

One hundred forty...
Brevity is required -
Can't express myself!

This, Too, Shall Pass by TS

(I have a few close friends who are going through a hard time right now. This poem is for you guys. XO)

I once was light, sweet and of simple thought
The virile call of living raptured me.
Nourishment from love's dove-soft breast was sought -
I gave my core to one most joyfully.

Then in the center of my journey's lot,
Love's cascade had become a dying sea.
My soul by my companion was not sought,
All pleasure from her being lost, callously.

Heartache devoured life force hoarding rest,
Solitude a protection - and my right,
I chose to crest its wave and heal alone.

Now in my dreams a voice at my behest,
Sings softly with an oath to soothe my plight,
Affirming through its tones that I've found home.

Flu Haiku (for all of you...)

(This was inspired by all of us who have the flu. Get better!)

Itchy lung's caress
Means coughing incessantly.
Give me some NyQuil!