Ep 77. PBS Arts Fall Festival: Moby-Dick from San Francisco Opera

In this episode of Great Performances season 38, episode 77, viewers are treated to a thrilling adaptation of Herman Melville's classic novel, Moby-Dick, as presented by the San Francisco Opera. Part of the PBS Arts Fall Festival, this episode showcases the epic tale of Captain Ahab's obsessive pursuit of the elusive white whale, brought to life through stunning visuals, powerful music, and magnificent performances.

The San Francisco Opera's production of Moby-Dick is a high-tech marvel, featuring dazzling projections and sets, state-of-the-art lighting, and innovative staging. The story takes place aboard the whaling ship, the Pequod, which is captained by the imposing and vengeful Ahab. The crew is composed of a diverse group of sailors from all over the world, each with their own backstory and personality, who form a close-knit community as they face the dangers of the open sea together.

The score, composed by Jake Heggie, is a sweeping and emotive work that incorporates a wide range of musical styles and textures. From rousing sea shanties to delicate arias, the music is at once operatic and accessible, conveying the emotions and motivations of the characters with power and grace. The libretto, by Gene Scheer, seamlessly weaves together narrative and poetry, drawing from the novel and other sources to create a rich and evocative text.

The cast is led by Jay Hunter Morris, who gives a commanding performance as Ahab. His voice is strong and resonant, with a gravelly quality that underscores the character's rugged determination and ferocity. As Ishmael, the narrator and protagonist of the story, Stephen Costello is charming and earnest, bringing a lightness and humor to the role that balances Ahab's intensity. Another standout is Morgan Smith as Starbuck, the first mate, who serves as a counterbalance to Ahab's single-minded obsession with the whale. His voice is warm and expressive, and his portrayal of the character is nuanced and deeply felt.

The staging of Moby-Dick is a tour-de-force of visual artistry, with projections by Elaine McCarthy that recreate the vast expanses of the ocean, the beauty and peril of the whales, and the claustrophobia and danger of life on a ship. The use of lighting and technology is impressive, adding depth and atmosphere to the production and highlighting the themes of light and darkness that run throughout the story.

Overall, Great Performances season 38, episode 77, PBS Arts Fall Festival: Moby-Dick from San Francisco Opera, is a must-watch for fans of opera, theater, and literature. This adaptation of Melville's classic novel is a triumph of creativity and storytelling, a powerful meditation on the nature of humanity, obsession, and fate. With its stunning visuals, moving music, and brilliant performances, it is a work of art that will stay with viewers long after the final curtain falls.