The Opera Lenz

Saturday, July 17, 2021

Filling in more Jean Kraft gaps

Jean was the Mother, Gertude in repeat seasons in HANSEL UND GRETEL. Lots of memories. Dec. 1978 it was Rosalind Elias and Carol Malone. Dec. 1979 it was Catherine Malfitano.

Continue Dec. 1979- Malfitano, William Walker as Peter, Tatiana Troyanos as Hansel and Jean.

Dec. 1982 Michael Devlin as the Father.

Dec. 1982 final scene with all the children who are now adults themselves.

Once again William Walker with Jean

Filling in HELP HELP THE GLOBOLINKS at City Center, Dec. 1969, for the cast names. Gene Boucher was Dr. Stone. Richard Best was Dr. Turkspit. Clyde Phillip Walker was Mr. Lavendergas, Jean was Miss Penelope Newkirk, a math teacher and Ellen Faull was Madam Euterpova. Silly fun.

ROSENKAVALIER, Sept. 1982, Act II end, Kurt Moll as Baron Ochs and Jean as Annina.

Lots of peformers share these treasured memories.

Gil Wexler, RIP

Gil Wexler, Master Lighting Designer has passed away. His lighting is for all time. A few samples follow: Gotterdammerung, Act II

MEISTERSINGER, Act II

PARSIFAL, final scene

RHEINGOLD with the Gods

RUSALKA

TANNHAUSER, Venusberg

TANNHAUSER, Act II

WALKURE, conclusion, magic fire to protect Brunhilde.

Dear Gil, RIP and thank you!

Jean Kraft, RIP- Post 3

This is the final group of the Jean Kraft photo retrospective. LOOK IN, a program for children with Danny Kaye, Mar. 1974. Betsy Nordon and David Holloway are in background.

MAMELLES, Feb. 1981 as the newspaper seller

ONEGIN, Oct. 1977 as Larina with Teresa Zylis-Gara as Tatiana

OTELLO Sept. 1978, as Emilia with Renata Scotto as Desdemona

ROSENKAVALIER, Act I, Sept. 1982, Joseph Frank as Vazacchi, Kurt Moll as Ochs and Jean as Annina

SUOR ANGELICA, Dec. 1975, as the Abbess and Oct. 1976 with Teresa Zylis Gara as Suor Angelica

TABARRO, Oct. 1976 as Frugola with Hildgard Behrens as Giorgette

TRAVIATA, Oct. 1976 as Flora with Gene Boucher a D'Obigny

TROVATORE, Feb. 1973 as Inez with Caballe as Leonore

TROYENS Oct. 1973, full scene, as Hecuba, center beside throne.

These final two images were shot in 2014 at an event honoring Jean's career. The program was wonderful, but for me the best part was the end when friends joined Jean for a selfie session. Jean was not tech savy. Selfies were fun voodoo. Hooray for the iPhone. special pals- Fabrizio Milano, Claudia Catania and Batyah Godfrey.

To all the family and friends my heartfelt condolences. Jean was a special lady never to be forgotten.

RIP

Friday, July 16, 2021

Jean Kraft, RIP - Post 2

Continuing the Jean Kraft artistry. CAVALLERIA, Jan. 1978, again as Mama Lucia. This time with Santuzza, Mignon Dunn

CHENIER, Mar. 1977, Act II, Bersi

ERNANI, Nov. 1983. Jean is Giovanna to the left of Sherrill Milnes, center

FIGARO, Oct. 1976, Andrew Foldi, Jean and Richard Stilwell- Bartolo, Marcellina and the Count

FIGARO again, Oct. 1976. Foldi, Stilwell in background Justino Diaz as Figaro and Jean when Dr. Bartolo is introduced as Figaro's father.

FLUTE, Dec. 1976, Sheila Nadler as the 3rd lady. Jean as the 2nd Lady and Ellen Shade as Lady #1. Stuart Burrows is Tamino in a faint.

HELP HELP, THE GLOBOLINKS, Menotti Opera done at City Center Dec. 1969 with Ellen Faull. This was when I first met Jean.

PETER GRIMES, Oct. 1978, Mrs. Sedley

HANSEL UND GRETEL, Dec. 1975, the Father and the Mother, William Walker

Poor mother with spilled milk

HOFFMANN Mar. 1982, Antonia's dead Mother. Michael Devlin as Dr. Miracle.

FLIEGENDE HOLLANDER, Mar. 1979, as Mary

JENUFA Nov. 1974 Jean, top as the Grandmother with Teresa Kubiak and Astrid Varnay.

More tomorrow on this fun trip through Jean's past.

Jean Kraft RIP - Post 1

Sadly, Jean Kraft has passed away at the age of 94. Her long career encompassed all manner of personalities. This will take more than one post all done with a smile. Great memories. First ARIADNE Feb. 1979 as Dryade.