LIFE

Nashville Opera takes unusual journey in ‘Romulus Hunt’

Amy Stumpfl

Theater review

“Romulus Hunt” may not be your typical opera. But then, composer Carly Simon is not your typical singer-songwriter.

Best known for blockbuster hits such as “You’re So Vain” and “Nobody Does It Better,” the multitalented recording artist penned the unusual piece in 1993, having been commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera Guild and the Kennedy Center to create a family friendly opera.

Seen through the eyes of its 12-year-old title character, “Romulus Hunt” follows the emotional journey of a young boy struggling to come to terms with his parents’ divorce. Together with his imaginary friend — a kindhearted Jamaican named Zoogy — Rom hatches a fanciful plan to heal his broken family.

It may seem an unlikely subject for an opera, but it’s clearly one that’s close to Simon’s own heart. It has been called “semi-autobiographical,” and there’s an unmistakable sense of personal empathy reflected in the libretto (which was developed with Jacob Brackman).

Considering its universal themes and straightforward approach to story, however, “Romulus Hunt” takes some unexpected turns musically. Billed as “the newly revised performing edition,” the opera covers considerable territory — with touches of pop, reggae and even rap. The use of syncopated rhythms and percussive flourishes provides a strangely compelling heartbeat. But because the score requires cast members to use their voices in such different ways — sometimes switching between classical opera and contemporary pop sounds within the same song — the overall effect can feel rather disjointed and forced.

Still, the production features an impressive cast, which seems invigorated by the opera’s unconventional format. Audiences may recognize Matthew Treviño (“La Traviata,” “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat”), who lends his smooth bass to the role of Rom’s father, Eddie. Tenor Victor Ryan Robertson embraces the magical elements of Zoogy, and soprano Susannah Biller tackles the challenging role of Mica.

Mezzo soprano Adriana Zabala is particularly lovely as Rom’s mother, Joanna, delivering a heartfelt rendition of “It’s My Downfall.” And Nashville’s own Lawrence “Gus” O’Brien makes an excellent Nashville Opera debut as Romulus. He and Zabala share an especially sweet chemistry in “Voulez-Vous Danser?”

By staging the piece at the Noah Liff Opera Center, director John Hoomes brings an added sense of intimacy to the story. And under the baton of maestro Dean Williamson, the Nashville Opera Orchestra played beautifully at Wednesday evening’s final rehearsal. It’s interesting to note that at the conclusion of this weekend’s run, the cast and orchestra will head over to Music Row to record “Romulus Hunt” for commercial release.

Those accustomed to more traditional opera may struggle with the piece’s unusual structure. But diehard fans of Carly Simon likely will appreciate seeing another side to this multidimensional artist.

If you go

What: Nashville Opera presents “Romulus Hunt” (sung in English with projected English supertitles)

When: Through Sunday. Performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday. (Artistic Director John Hoomes hosts an interactive Talk Back after each performance.)

Where: Noah Liff Opera Center, 3622 Redmon St.

Tickets: starting at $25

Contact:nashvilleopera.org or 615-832-5242