6

the Other Press

Febuary 3, 1993

Other Arts & Review LL TT TIE Te ET ET TE

Magic Flute as Fun as a Swing in a Playground

A Breathtaking Opera as Viewed Through th

Mozart's The Magic Flute was breathtaking. I liked the adventure and the power of excitement. I’d go again, and this time try to get a better seat. Maybe not in front of someone so tall.

The Magic Flute

Queen Elizabeth Theater Feb. 2,4,6,8.

reviewed by Courtney So

With a wave of the conductors arm the play began, and WHOOSH there was a Prince with a dragon close behirid. No sword in hand to defend himself, just cries and screams for help. With a few spoken words from the Queen’s three ladies, the dragon was dead and gone.

At that moment the three ladies fell in love with the Prince and the story Each of the fair ladies wanted to stay with the Prince. Not one of them wanted to go and tell the Queen. Of what they were going to tell her I do not know.

I'll tell no more of this wonderful tale. I’m afraid I might spoil it for you. But my favorite scene was when Papageno and Papagena were singing pa pa pa’s while declaring their love for each other.

All of the great singers, such as David Hamilton as Prince Tamino,

Susan Patterson as Princess Pamina, Evelyn de la Rosa as the Queen of the Night, Brett Polegato as the bird man Papageno, Robert Milne as the King of the Day, Sarastro, and Gianna Corbisiero as the bird lady

Papagena, were great projectors. Not machines, but real flesh and bone.

Go check it out for yourself.

The conductor David Angler was terrific. His arms swung around like a swing out of control.

Costume designer Mara Gottler was superb at her job. I particularly liked the Queen of the Night and Pamina’s costumes, because they sparkled with silver and gold. But

amino’s costume was ugly. It should have been green, not gold. That little skirt thing should have been green shorts because I think shorts look better. Also, the feathers on Papageno’s pants did not look real, so I’m not sure if they should be called feathers or just fabric.

The set artist was a very good painter because all his paintings were perfect 3D pictures. But the coloured lines on the stage were very distracting.

And the benches on the right and left of the stage were there for the whole show. I also found that distracting.

I have never been to the opera before. It had a lot of great singers in it, and a wonderful orchestra. Go check it out.

From left to right, Heidie Klassen as the !st Lady, Lori Klassen as the 3rd Lady, Norine Burgess as the 2nd Lady and

e Eyes of a Child

40d005) plaeg :030Ud

David Hamilton as Tamino in the foreground.

Independent Focus: Beyond Conscience

by Byrun Stedmann

Beyond Conscience hails from Burnaby. I don’t think I’ve met a more humble (sometimes self- degrading) and democratic band in my life. They all share in the song writing duties and none of the members put themselves in a position of power.over the others.

Thé-members include: Ilene Roth (vocals, piano, flute, bass, and guitar); Jen Roth (violin, vocals, and french horn - although not with the band); Paul Enns (guitar and vocals); Suseh Nevares (drums, vocals, and bass); and Larry Furguson (bass, acoustic/ electric guitars, and vocals).

It is hard to categorize their music; sometimes it is commercial, sometimes it is quite progressive and original. The band has described their music as depressing and morose, but that is not always the case as songs like ‘All She’s Got to Give’ and ‘Dancing the Doorway’ indicate. The band cites a vast array of influences, including Sarah MacLachlan, T-Bone Burnett, R.E.M., Rush, and The Beatles.

When I asked how their material was shaping itself, Larry told me that their current material has matured somewhat with the growth of the band, and that Beyond Conscience has outgrown much of it. The band is seeking to expand its musical boundaries and create

mature, well-crafted compositions.

Live the band has shown a great amount of energy. They get into and feel what they play. While all the members are somewhat self- conscious, they get beyond that state to let the audience in on a very personal experience. If you get the chance to see them live, watch for Larry and his moose slippers.

Beyond Conscience is a band with potential for great things. Their material won’t be to every one’s liking, but if you are open-minded, then take the time to check them out.

Oh, by the way, they are considering auditioning for a bassoon player; contact me at the Other Press if you are interested.

NVINGV&ALS NNUYAG ‘OLOHd

ATTENTION LOCAL ORIGINAL BANDS-- SEND US YOUR DEMO TAPES

(OR ELSE)

Are you in a band (or performing solo) playing original material? If so, then drop off a demo tape to us at the O.P; we will give it a listen and then, maybe, we'll do a write up on your band. See your name in print, gain world wide notoriety, watch the masses become completely devoted to you!!!! Okay, okay, SO you won’t become Faith No More, Tracy Chapman, R.E.M. or Public Enemy, but you will get some attention thrown your way.

(Don’t Forget to Read the Fine Print!)

All tapes become property of the Other Press, so they will not be returned. Don’t forget to include your name(s) and phone number, and please try to send us some photographic promotional material of yourselves. Drop all submissions off to the submissions box at the Other Press in room 1020.