‘Emmeline' a tragic, beautiful opera

Some people are doomed when it comes to love, and that's definitely the case with the character Emmeline in Cinnabar Theater's production of Tobias Picker's opera, “Emmeline.”

Based on the novel by Judith Rossner and featuring libretto by J.D. McClatchy, Picker's score beautifully tells Emmeline's tragic story, which is a retelling of the Oedipus story from Jocasta's point of view.

“Emmeline” first opened at the Santa Fe Opera in 1996 and has been broadcast nationally on public television's “Great Perform-ances.” Cinnabar Theater's production marks the opera's West Coast debut.

The story is set in the textile mills of Massachusetts in 1841, where a 13-year-old Emmeline is sent to help support her family.

Soprano Carrie Hennessey is a delight in the role of Emmeline, who portrays the wide-eyed, nervous, naïve and shy girl with sincerity and energy. It's easy to get drawn into her God-fearing innocent character and feel for her as worldly mill owner Mr. Maguire, portrayed by bass Robert Stafford, lures her astray.

Emmeline's “sin” and resulting shame changes the young girl into a woman with an older, sadder spirit, and it's 20 years before love comes knocking on her door once again. However, as with any good tragedy, terrible coincidence destroys any hope of Emmeline's happiness.

What's poignant about the opera is watching Emmeline as a trusting child who is taken from the safety of her parents and thrust into the harsh adult world, where her innocence and trust are immediately taken advantage of — and Emmeline is horrendously shamed for mistakes she was unaware she was making.

The girls' chorus in Cinnabar's production features a group of very talented singers, all under the age of 18.

While the cast and live orchestra are fantastic, of particular note is the great performance by Cary Ann Rosko as Emmeline's Aunt Hannah, a no-nonsense, emotionally distant, Bible-thumping woman.

Show times for “Emmeline” are at 8 p.m. June 4, 11, 12; 7:30 p.m. June 9; and 3 p.m. June 6 at Cinnabar Theater, 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North.

Tickets in advance are $35 general, $32 seniors and students. Tickets at the door are $38 general and $35 seniors and students. Tickets on the June 9 teen night are $20 for youth under 20.

For tickets and more information, visit www.cinnabartheater.org or call 763-8920.

(Contact Yovanna Bieberich at yovanna.bieberich@arguscourier.com)