Libretto by Bridgette A. Wimberly. 90 minute without intermission. Still feels too long. There's no real plot. The libretto is empty and repetitive. The orchestra score is pleasant, with some jazz elements, but the arias feel disconnected to the orchestra, usually sit too high without much melody, or jazz. A small piece of dance in the asylum, which is not bad, but doesn't fit in the narrative. Stage design is 8 pieces of cardboard (each letter of BIRDLAND) + about 4 bar tables and chairs. Lighting is effective. Overall, I'm very disappointed.
After the opera, a small ensemble of Jazz ED student musician lead by a teacher played in the lobby for quite awhile. They were quite good. 2 on saxophone, 1 on keyboard, 1 on bass.I sat inside for the after-talk and Q&A today with the conductor, the flute player and the choreographer. They all enjoyed playing this new opera. Especially the flute guy who said he has more freedom in playing his part. They also mentioned that McCaw Hall is the largest venue this opera has been staged. So instead of the original string quartet, this string session has 6 on first violin, 4 on 2nd, and 4 on viola, one on base. I certainly appreciate this change. Jonathan Dean was the moderator in this Q&A section. I thought he left Seattle Opera. When we finished, the kids were still playing jazz in the lobby.
