To see, or not to see. That's not even a question.

The Washington National Opera is presenting its final performance of the 2009/10 season. I very enthusiastically present the Top Ten Reasons to get thee to the KC for Ambroise Thomas’ Hamlet:

10) The entrance of the chorus and its genius placement in the opening scene is stunning. The voices literally surround you.

9) Despite the wobble, Sam Ramey still has a stage presence to be reckoned with. The wobble seems to fit in with the characterization of Claudius that it becomes unnoticeable after a bit.

8) This is one of the few (maybe even the only) operas featuring a saxophone. In addition, the orchestra as a whole sounded in tip-top shape. Major shout out to the horns and brass section for some excellent work.

7) The women’s costumes are beautiful and fit well into the stage concept. I loved the black overcoat over bright red dress that Gertrude wore at Ophelie’s gravesite

6) It’s Shakespeare + French grand opera. That to me is a winning combination.

5) American baritone Michael Chioldi is damn good looking as Hamlet. Bonus points: he’s not a whiny tenor. Triple extra bonus points for a solid interpretation.

4) The confrontation scene between Hamlet and Gertrude is intense stagecraft at its best. Both characters give such emotional depth with solid vocal drama. It’s probably one of the most intense scenes I’ve experienced since Act III Scene II from the Met’s Otello in 2008, which says a lot because that scene in Otello is my favorite operatic scene ever!

3) Betsy Bishop sings the hell out of Gertrude! That’s all you need to know about that. Except for this point - if it weren’t for the mad scene, Bishop would’ve been the star of the show for me.

2) Elizabeth Futral is crazy good in Ophelie’s mad scene, which, without giving anything away, is staged brilliantly!

And the number one reason to see Washington National Opera’s production of Thomas’ Hamlet (drum roll please……)

1) Setting aside my bias for Ariadne and discounting Gotterdammerung, which wasn’t technically a fully staged production, Hamlet is the most vocally and stylistically exciting production WNO has staged since last season’s Peter Grimes. The production is smart, edgy, fresh, fierce, enthralling and intense! Enough adjectives for you? The entire cast was vocally and dramatically excellent and thoroughly involved in the forward movement of the drama.

If you’re in DC, get over to the Kennedy Center to see this opera. Despite earlier casting woes, WNO has pulled together a solid group of singers. Don’t ask yourself “to see or not to see.” Do yourself a favor and just go. You might see me back for a round two viewing.

www.dc-opera.org for ticket info
Photos courtesy K. Cooper for WNO