The Ring Cycle
adapted from the complete libretti of Richard Wagner’s Operas
conceived/directed with Blake Montgomery
at The Building Stage, February-March 2010
Music Adapted and led by Kevin O'Donnell, based on Richard Wagner
Production Design by Lee Keenan and Meghan Raham
Associate Lighting Design by Justin Wardell
Special Objects and Puppet Design by Chantal Calato
Associate Costume Design by Marianna Csaszar
Featuring: Daiva Bhandari, Wm. Bullion, Lucy Carapetyan, Lindsey Dorcus, Pat King, Darci Nalepa, Bill O'Connor, Chris Pomeroy, Sarah Scanlon, Nick Vidal, Mandy Walsh
“...Wildly ambitious, brilliantly cohesive and sensationally inventive despite modest means, this six-hour marathon project (performed in two sections, with a picnic-on-the-stage dinner break part of the whole high-spirited experience) is just the latest example of how a young, half-crazed, crazily inspired troupe of Chicago artists working on a modest budget can pull off a long afternoon’s journey into night with the greatest of flair.””
Press Reviews:
"...Sophisticated and modern (with occasional dollops of humor), the production's length lends it a cumulative power, but it actually moves at a decent clip. Composer Kevin O'Donnell's underscoring (smooth but intense rock noodlings performed live) wisely incorporates the melody from "Ride of the Valkyries" at the appointed moment, paired with leaping, industrial Valkyrie horse puppets. In fact, all of the design work is blazingly good, including the costumes, which are essentially street clothes with a twist. You won't find a breastplate or horned-helmet in sight." -Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune
"...Nevertheless, the latest production from the Building Stage is an opera without the singing. And not just any ol' opera, either, but Richard Wagner's four-part, 15-hour behemoth The Ring of the Nibelung. Sounds like an ambitious project and a terrible idea—but, surprisingly, it works." -Zac Thompson, Chicago Reader
"...A fine 11-member ensemble is adept at both the comic and tragic elements encompassed in the foibles of the gods, and the directors keep things moving at a solid pace. It’s an epic journey, yes, but one well worth taking." -Kris Vire, TimeOut Chicago
Press Interviews: