The case of Mr. Stains

This is a post that has to do with a double standard in opera which flourishes quietly in the casting offices of the larger houses; male opera stars buck naked on stage. Oh its perfectly fine to throw blood and gore all over the place, particularly in ‘modern’ Euro trash updates. These productions wish to ignore the fact that such histrionics have nothing to do with most plot lines. Theatres put out such garbage hoping that it will draw larger audiences, forgetting this fare is readily available at home free of charge. SO what else have the houses attempted to get their ticket sales up? Why throw in the occasional naked chorus line or a female star who has the body for it. Take Miss Albertazzi and Miss Patané from the Rome Opera 2007 production of Salome;

The publicity and spin generated for Teatro dell’Opera di Roma was enormous and generally positive even if the production itself was panned. Not surprisingly, appearing nude enhanced the careers of both Miss Albertazzi and Miss Patané.

Not so the case for American tenor Mr. Zachary Stains after the provocative Ercole su’l Termodonte in Spoleto… You see, he’s a man. Mr Stains is an extraordinarily rare exponent of the baroque style. Although artists would prefer not to be cosseted as a specialist of any single style, when they make a habit of working within a specific repertoire, the public perceives them as such. Here are a few reviews on Mr. Stains work; 

“Notable newcomer Zachary Stains combines a bold technique with tastefully blended flair and subtlety in one of those thanklessly difficult Handel tenor unctuous-scoundrel roles. . . he has real star potential.” Tim Pfaff – The Bay Area Reporter

“Tenor Zachary Stains sings handsomely and with appropriate martial splendor in the role of Tiridate.” – Classical.Net

“Bright timbre, sure intonation, secure coloratura!” – Opernglass

“An outstandingly warm tenor voice” - Emilie De Voght

“Sung with considerable panache” - Fanfare Magazine

“Superb.” – The London Times

Here is Mr. Stains portraying Lurcanio in Handel’s Ariodante;

Here is Mr. Stains brilliant portrayal at Spoleta of Hercules in Vivaldi’s baroque masterpiece; Ercole su’l Termodonte

My interest in history rivals that of my interest in opera. I know from where I speak thank you very much. Those who have modestly entered the realm of Greek mythology would be aware that Hercules wore a Lion skin. Here is the historical reference followed by a rendition in marble; ” By the time he was eighteen he was full grown and he killed, alone by himself, a great lion which lived in the woods of Cithaeron, the thespian lion. Ever after he wore its skin as a cloak with the head forming a kind of a hood over his head” . 

 
There have been some Victorian addled minds who look to Mr. Stains superb portrayal as Hercules as far too risque (translation; he’s male) to countenance. It would be so if he did not own the heroic physique he works so assiduously at. The fact that a male tenor of this calibre can offer the whole deal to audiences can and should only be viewed by management as a thrilling prospect. If opera houses are serious to understand how to draw in HUGE crowds, perhaps they should think of reviving baroque works rather than the eurotrash which doesn’t sell because it doesn’t fit. Certainly Mr. Stain offers the suitable sort of star material which they are looking for.