All aboard

Traversing the country, a train-themed opera is on track to make a stop in Boston

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April 25, 2008

The train has been rolling across the country for six years, stopping at opera houses along the way. Now this meticulously created replica of the fabled Orient Express has pulled into Boston — albeit in pieces, loaded into huge trucks — where it’s been carefully reassembled to serve as the set for Boston Lyric Opera’s production of Mozart’s comic opera ‘‘The Abduction From the Seraglio,’’ which opens tonight.

‘‘Abduction’’ is a coproduction of six opera companies that share the sets, props, and costumes for this fanciful tale of love and passion revolving around Turkish pirates, a wealthy Pasha, a Spanish nobleman, his lover, and some servants. For a one-size-fits-all production (also available for rent), the sets are extraordinarily lavish and detailed. The woodwork is ornate, the fabrics sumptuous; there are even tiny weathered signs in the train vestibules warning passengers, in French, not to lean outside.

‘‘I like to find ways to make these productions travel to various locations,’’ says stage director James Robinson. ‘‘It means that a company without endless resources can participate in a production of something really, really beautiful and expensive, but they don’t have to share the entire burden of it.’’

The opera completes its run May 6. Next stop: The Minnesota Opera in St. Paul. — LINDA MATCHAN

1 & 8. HOUSTON

HOUSTON GRAND OPERA, March 2002 and Jan.-Feb. 2008

"An unusual take on an opera that typically is set in a Turkish harem." - Houston Chronicle

2 & 9. BOSTON

BOSTON LYRIC OPERA, Oct.-Nov. 2002 and April-May 2008

Soprano Jennifer Casey Cabot (left) was so far along in her pregnancy when she played Konstanze in 2002 that her pregnancy was built into the story: A scene was modified to suggest that the Pasha or Belmonte was the baby's father. Above: The set includes a lounge car and pantry.

3. COSTA MESA, CALIF.

OPERA PACIFIC, Jan. 2003

Jeffrey Lentz (left), who played Pedrillo, had laryngitis. He spoke his dialogue, then lip-synched as an understudy sang from the pit. "One couldn't get the image of Andy Kaufman doing his Mighty Mouse routine out of one's head." - Orange County Register

4. KANSAS CITY, MO. LYRIC OPERA OF KANSAS CITY, March 2003

"Allen Moyer's ingenious scenic design of three lavishly outfitted train cars - in which the players are kept in constant motion - kept the eye entranced." - Kansas City Star

5. PORTLAND, ORE.

PORTLAND OPERA, May 2005 (rented)

Film actor Erick Avari ("The Mummy," "The Beast of War") played the nonsinging role of the Turkish Pasha.

6. DENVER

OPERA COLORADO, May 2006

"The most fun railroad buffs have had since the Chattanooga Choo Choo chugged into town in the unforgettable 1941 film 'Sun Valley Serenade.' " - Boulder Daily Camera

7. MIAMI AND FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA.

FLORIDA GRAND OPERA, Nov.-Dec. 2006 (rented)

"The 1920s motif is enhanced considerably by Anna R. Oliver's period suits and eye-catching dresses." - Miami Herald

he train has been rolling across the country for six years, stopping at opera houses along the way.

Now this meticulously created replica of the fabled Orient Express has pulled into Boston - albeit in pieces, loaded into huge trucks - where it's been carefully reassembled to serve as the set for Boston Lyric Opera's production of Mozart's comic opera "The Abduction From the Seraglio," which opens tonight.

"Abduction" is a coproduction of six opera companies that share the sets, props, and costumes for this fanciful tale of love and passion revolving around Turkish pirates, a wealthy Pasha, a Spanish nobleman, his lover, and some servants. For a one-size-fits-all production (also available for rent), the sets are extraordinarily lavish and detailed. The woodwork is ornate, the fabrics sumptuous; there are even tiny weathered signs in the train vestibules warning passengers, in French, not to lean outside.

"I like to find ways to make these productions travel to various locations," says stage director James Robinson. "It means that a company without endless resources can participate in a production of something really, really beautiful and expensive, but they don't have to share the entire burden of it."

The opera completes its run May 6. Next stop: The Minnesota Opera in St. Paul. - LINDA MATCHAN