Derrick Parker brought dramatic urgency to his role

Derrick Parker brought dramatic urgency to his role

A young bass-baritone, Derrick Parker, making his Chicago debut in Chicago Opera Theater's production of George Frederic Handel's opera "Acis & Galatea" Anatheanum Theater brought to his role of Polyphemus a raging jealous fury with a powerful sonority and with bursting, dramatic urgency.

Interpreting the Baroque opera written by Handel in addition to Parker were Michael Smallwood as Acis; Nathalie Paulin, Jackalyn Short, Damon, Stephen Noon, A Swain and Kelli Harrington as A Nymph.

Many are familiar with Handel's oratorios, but are not acquainted with his many opera's he wrote. "Acis & Galatea" is one of …