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Privileged Presence

The recent performance of Madame Butterfly at The Kate in Old Saybrook by the Salt Marsh Opera was outstanding. Given the physical limitation of The Kate, the set, the sound, the lighting, and, indeed, the entire production was beyond expectations. Simon Holt’s overall direction, particularly the orchestration, was superb.

Although I would have preferred that he wore a white naval uniform, Brian Cheney displayed his usual powerful pleasing tenor voice as Pinkerton. However, in my opinion, the stars of the show were Ashley Kerr as Cio-cio-san and Eric McKeever as Sharpless. Both of them gave a memorable, moving performance in their respective rolls.

I have probably seen or heard dozens of Madame Butterfly performances. Never have I been so moved by the innocence and utter despair of Cio-cio-san, the integrity and wisdom of Sharpless, and the power of Puccini’s, unforgettable, heart rending music.

We are so privileged to have Salt Marsh Opera’s presence in our area.

John E. Willson

Essex