“The Flying Dutchman” – Stark, Stormy, Spellbinding…

By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel

Lyric Opera opens the 2023-24 season with Wagner’s most haunting opera, “The Flying Dutchman”. One of his early great works, it is the story of a man looking for love, until he finds one woman who is willing to die for him. In nautical folklore, the Dutchman is condemned to roam the sea, destined to sail for eternity without ever reaching land. He swore to reach land even if he had to sail until doomsday, which led to the curse – every seven years the waves cast him ashore. If he can find a wife who will be true, he will be redeemed by love and released from his burden.

Director Christopher Alden’s production is striking; Allen Moyer’s steep angled set design transports you to feel the sway of the rogue waves as the seaman try to hold on, battling raging waters. Meanwhile, Senta is in a room of young women spinning their wheels in a synchronized dance-like rhythm, waiting for their sailors to return. She sings of herself dreaming of the Dutchman. The costumes combine to create a spooky atmosphere, and in her Lyric debut, Anne Militello’s shadowy lighting design gives the production its eerie finishing touches.

Bass Mika is rapturous as Daland the sea captain; baritone Tomasz Konieczny’s expressive vastness as the bewildered Dutchman is spectacular. Soprano Tamara Wilson is flawless as Senta. Exceptional tenor Robert Watson is the Dutchman’s rival love Erik – as the odd man out in this love triangle, he is compelling. And making her Lyric debut, mezzo-soprano Melody Wilson sings Mary magnificently.

Enrique Mazzola’s first-time conducting Wagner at Lyric is solid. Themes such as alienation and redemption drive the music and drama well. This masterwork only runs through October 7th, so please visit www.lyricopera.org for tickets or more information.

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