Opera Critic on Target

I agree completely with Randy Lewis’ commentary in Orange County Calendar (Feb. 28) on Opera Pacific’s staging of “Kismet.” My wife and I had subscription tickets to the three “operas” produced by Opera Pacific this year. Of the three, we found that one, “Aida,” met all our expectations and was a memorable, thoroughly enjoyable production. At the other extreme, “Kismet” was a big disappointment. As Mr. Lewis said, it belonged in a dinner theater, not at the Orange County Performing Arts Center.

We have decided that we will not subscribe again next year if the choice of repertoire is like this year’s: one “serious” opera, one light operetta and one Broadway musical. I am not suggesting that Opera Pacific, at this stage in its development, should be producing Berg, or Britten or Wagner. But I don’t think the Orange County audience needs to be spoon-fed musical pablum: give us a chance to see more Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and Rossini, and we will respond enthusiastically.

PAUL C. EKLOF

Costa Mesa