An evening at ‘Angelo’s’

The stage in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus was transformed into a vibrant, 1930s scene in Little Italy, Manhattan, with the production of “Angelo’s Restaurant,” a charming revue that transported audiences to a bygone era, capturing the spirit of New York City’s golden age.

UTRGV Opera Theatre showcased its talent on Nov. 15 and 16 in the show, which was created and directed by Richard Davis, a voice professor in the School of Music.

“I loved the show, [and] not just because my son is in it,” said Edinburg resident Mayani Ballesteros after the show. “I loved to see their different styles in which they convey, you know, the meaning of the song. … I just love opera.” 

The show’s narrative, woven seamlessly through a series of timeless songs, revolved around the eponymous restaurant and its colorful cast of characters. 

Angelo, the charismatic host played by performance junior Adam Garcia, welcomed the audience into his establishment, setting the stage for a night of love, loss and longing.

“I think this one came out really good,” Garcia said about the performance.

He was satisfied with the show’s outcome, despite the challenges of working with a small group. 

“We don’t have as many voices to work with as a larger opera company,” Garcia said. “So, sometimes, it can be a little difficult to put on something that’s super well-voiced across the whole opera.” 

The Rider asked Garcia how opera singers achieve that distinctive, beautiful resonance that fills the theater.

“You breathe in really deeply and you, like, open your whole body … and just let the air flow out,” he replied. “… The space that you create creates the sound.” 

The talented ensemble brought the New York personalities to life with captivating performances. 

Performance  freshman Zarah Zamora’s enchanting voice soared in “Someone to Watch Over Me,” written by George and Ira Gershwin, painting a picture of a hopeful romantic searching for love in the city. 

Performance seniors Elyssia Razo and Tony Ballesteros III delivered a poignant rendition of “Tea for Two,” composed by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Irving Caesar, capturing the complexities of a relationship on the brink of collapse.

Music education junior Melodee Rodriguez’s heartfelt performance of “The Man I Love,” music by George Gershwin and lyrics by Ira Gershwin, provided a moment of solace.

Performance senior Elijah Adame’s confident swagger and smooth vocals in “You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby,” lyrics by Johnny Mercer and music by Harry Warren, added a touch of comedic relief. 

 Rodriguez said it was hard work putting the production together but was very pleased with the result.

“We did it,” she said. “It came together, but it was kind of scary, especially for me, because I’m not used to performing on stage.”

Performance junior Nestor Silva’s rendition of “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” written by E.Y. Harburg and Jay Gorney, evoked a sense of empathy for the city’s struggling population.

The production’s highlight was undoubtedly the captivating dance numbers performed by the ensemble after both acts. 

Choreographer and dance postbaccalaureate student Analisa Ochoa’s energetic and innovative choreography brought a contemporary flair to the classic jazz style. 

Ochoa said she dove headfirst into researching the dance style of the 1930s, drawing inspiration from classic Hollywood icons, such as Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

She also used social media platforms, including YouTube and TikTok, to further research dance styles and techniques while also incorporating her own training in modern jazz dance to create an authentic yet fresh take on the period choreography. 

“It’s OK to not have that 180-degree turnout,” Ochoa said. “You don’t have to be the best professional dancer. If you just enjoy what you’re doing, if you just love dancing, then that’s perfect enough.”

Rodriguez praised the choreographer’s good work in collaborating with the opera students and said singing and dancing is no easy task.

“We learned the music first, and it was great,” she said. “And then, we learned the choreography. We put it together and our director said, ‘Why are you guys not singing? Like, you need to sing more.’ So yeah, it’s a little difficult.”

Before the ensemble’s final number, performance senior Alyssa Salinas serenades Angelo with her rendition of “I Wanna Be Loved by You,” by Herbert Stothart and Harry Ruby, after declaring she wants more out of their relationship.

In the show, Salinas asks the restaurant owner, “Why do you think I come here every night?” 

“For the meatballs?” Garcia responded.