Moby-Dick • The Dallas Opera
“Scheer had to pare down a leviathan novel to performable length while maintaining Melville’s grand language and moralistic tone. The obvious effort paid off. Mr. Scheer’s libretto was an economical wonder, casting off Melville’s landlocked opening and stretches of minutiae regarding whales and whaling. What remained was a taut, two-act adventure yarn, bound by relationships... An undeniable success: The end of its maiden voyage was greeted with a sustained, rousing ovation, with shredded programs fluttering down from the highest seating level. The strongest response was reserved for Mr. Heggie and Mr. Scheer, received at the end with a triumphal roar.”
