Toronto Masque Theatre’s latest effort is a Purcell show called Fairest Isle.  It’s semi-staged performance of excerpts from Purcell works, mainly the four stage works; Dido and Aeneas, The Fairy Queen, The Indian Queen and King Arthur (Wot! No Diocletian you cry) interspersed with readings from the plays and a narrative about Purcell’s life performed by actors Derek Boyes and Arlene Mazerolle.  The staging involves frequent short dance pieces, in a recognisably period style (heels, long skirts, arms never above the shoulder) by Marie-Nathalie Lacoursière.  The six singers, costumed throughout in dark suits or dresses, mostly sang from music stands though some pieces were blocked.  There was an eight piece ensemble; two violins (Larry Beckwith/Kathleen Kajioka), viola (Karen Moffat), two oboes (John Abberger/Gillian Howard), cello (Margaret Gay), lute/guitar (Lucas Harris) and keyboards (Christopher Bagan) directed by Beckwith.  It was a very enjoyable show.  Everything worked well together and there seemed to be a good understanding between singers and band.  Lacoursière’s dancing was often witty and I found it more interesting than I often do with Baroque dance.  Among the singers I’d single out tenor Lawrence Wiliford as perhaps the most beautiful voice and perhaps also the most thought through interpreter.  No surprise here really as he is so well known in Toronto, particularly as an exponent of art song.  Baritone Geoffrey Sirett had much the biggest and most operatic voice on display.  He sounded really good in his solo numbers but his is very much a soloist voice and he didn’t blend quite as well as the others in the ensembles which were very smooth and integrated indeed.  I also liked the two contrasting sopranos.  Michele DeBoer has a very clear, bell like voice while Dawn Bailey is slightly darker toned.  The contrast was pleasing.  The ensemble was rounded out by countertenor Scott Belluz and tenor Charles Davidson, who managed a suitably wild and camped up “Your hay it is Mow’d”.

Highlights for me were Wiliford and Bailey’s rendition of “Fairest Isle”; surely one of the most beautiful pieces Purcell wrote, and a really touching ensemble performance of “Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts”; one of the composers most profound pieces.  But really there was a lot to like and little to be picky about.  It’s a good show.  It’s on again tonight at Al Green Theatre at the Miles Nadal JCC.

OK, one beef, the seats in the Al Green Theatre are spectacularly uncomfortable!