It is on this ramp that we see the studied slow motion plodding walk of the father (Bill McMurray) to build a coffin for his newborn deformed son, that speaks to the moment’s sorrow as powerfully as his stop-you-in-your-tracks voice. It is here also that we see the indignity of death for The Scarlet Ibis as she is prodded with stick to her grave.

As Marcello…Bill McMurray…gave the audience some terrific singing. Chicago baritone Bill McMurray gives a wonderfully individual interpretation of the painter Marcello. Having sat through scores of performances of blustery, barking Marcellos, this reviewer found it refreshing to hear this role actually sung and not shouted. McMurray is a powerful actor and brings great elegance to the role. His singing is as fine as anything being heard in major opera houses today. One hopes to hear more of him in this area.

Baritone Bill McMurray as Angelotti, the escaped consul of the defunct Roman Republic acted and sang well in his small, but crucial role.