Massive Talent

Last night was the scene of something very special in the University Heights—the Western New York premiere of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass.  Produced by Opera Sacra and presented at St. Joseph University Church on Main Street, this Mass is a theatrical treatment of the classic Roman Mass.  Brother Augustine D. Towey, of Niagara University and Artpark theater fame, directed this massive production which combined traditional choral arrangements, a full orchestra, modern and interpretive dance, and a great deal of coordination.

St. Joseph’s, for starters, is a beautiful space with piercing blue ceilings and relatively minimal architectural dress.  (Due to sacred and performance limitations, I was unable to photograph the space, though it’s very much worth a look, especially considering you probably drive by and never even realize there’s a church there to begin with.) But I digress… To see a theatrical presentation—with music AND movement AND dramatic lighting—is quite stunning.  It enhances an already elaborate presentation that pushes the limits of space, with Tom Ralabate’s fluid choreography.  Parts of the main group of performers in this show, known as the Street Singers (dressed in modern casual dress reminiscent of a Friday dress-down-day), almost look like members of The Polyphonic Spree in an Apple commercial.  They move so fluidly sometimes that you wonder what streets they’ve been strolling.

When all is said and done, this is a highly collaborative and special seasonal event, one that should not be missed.  It runs about an hour-and-a-half, without intermission, and it’s certainly accessible to those who have never experienced a Mass (like myself, to my closest recollection).  I have a couple friends in the cast, and I’ve seen Brendan Powers (who plays the leading Celebrant in this, and also of Niagara University fame) many times to much delight.  This is an all-around joy on many levels.

There are only two more performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, tonight at 8 and tomorrow at 4 p.m.  See it!

Image of Leonard Bernstein portrait courtesy this guy.

Posted by on 11/17 at 09:00 AM