Summer and Smoke

A generation ago Lee Hoiby wrote an opera which was criticized as old-fashioned.  He was a student of Menotti, and if you are familiar with Anahl and the Night Visitors, you have the idea.  Fortunately fashions change and Hoiby's Summer and Smoke recently performed at the Manhattan School of Music now receives more favorable reviews.


Summer is based on the play of the same name by Tennessee Williams and tells the story of dashing doctor Johnny and repressed Alma, next door neighbors fated to be almost lovers.  Williams was not big on conventional happy endings.  The story is affecting, the performances excellent, the sets marvelous with two especially nice Spanish-moss draped trees and lovely lighting.  The music is rich.   I would recommend it, but we saw the last performance.