A splendid ‘Gentleman’

There are myriad ways to show off an orchestra. Ever an inventive program constructor, Jorge Mester on Saturday night again cleverly displayed his orchestra, the Pasadena Symphony, in a staged performance of “The Would-Be Gentleman” in the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.

This was a concoction by artistic director John de Lancie, who adapted Moliere’s play, used conductor Mester in his usual role on the podium but also in the acting part of the Music Master, put together an able cast of actors and singers to bring the translated play to life, and shortened the whole enterprise, including Richard Strauss’ irresistible Incidental Music -- with a few wink-wink, nudge-nudge additions -- into 90 minutes. It showed off the orchestra most handsomely; Strauss’ original suite is a collection of gorgeous orchestral gems, to which Mester added some other Strauss recognizables, such as portions of “Zarathustra” and Salome’s Dance.

De Lancie used no sets -- the 35-member reduced orchestra sat at the back of the stage -- but relied on an abundance of colorful and point-making costumes, plus creative, effective staging. His performers then realized all the laughs and a great many nuances in the compacted text.

The strongest was Steve Vinovich as Monsieur Jordan, well-seconded by Mester, Ethan Phillips, Ben Livingston and D. Paul Thomas as his mentors. Marnie Mosiman made an articulate Mme. Jordan.

Mark Capri and Musetta Vander were appropriately cast as the Count and Countess, and danced Nikki Greenburg’s witty choreography effortlessly.

Critical to the evening’s success was the small orchestra’s playing, which re-created all the joys and lyric high points in Strauss’ usually forgotten score. Concertmaster Aimee Kreston and Douglas Davis made thrilling contributions in the violin and cello solos.

Soaring above the comic fray were exceptionally gifted solo singers Hila Plitmann and Nazani Ashjian, who reiterated many of the beauties Strauss created for the female voice.