THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 16, 1995 TAG: 9511160738
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: THUMBS UP
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 71 lines
Herman Boothe is into 1960s Motown. His son, Jason, is wrapped up in Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
At the moment, Jason is involved with both ``Dido and Aeneas'' and ``Amahl and the Night Visitors.''
The former will be presented by the Music and Dance Departments of the Governor's School For the Arts, Friday to Sunday. The latter, a presentation of the Vocal Music Department, will run Dec. 13, 16 and 17.
Boothe, a 17-year-old Lakeland High School junior, has leading roles in both productions - Aeneas this month; and Melchior, one of the three kings, next month.
Last year, he was Balthazzar in ``Amahl and the Night Visitors.''
``Melchior is a more powerful role,'' Jason said. ``He's the head king, a visionary who sees it all in his mind.''
The story of Amahl, the crippled boy who meets the three kings as they follow the star of the East, may be next to ``The Messiah'' in terms of the most often performed musical pieces of the Christmas season. It premiered in 1951.
``Dido and Aeneas,'' which premiered in 1689, is considered to be the first English opera.
Jason, who studied both parts at the same time, describes the November offering as ``a full-fledged opera.'' He wears a suit of armor in the production. Donning that, and putting on makeup, takes about an hour.
It did not take Jason long to decide that he wanted to sing opera.
A performance of ``La Traviata'' did it.
``It was cool,'' he said. ``I had to do a report on it. I liked it. So, then, on my own, I went to see `La Boheme.' ''
Jason's ambition is to perform in that production.
``There's an aria I like. It comes toward the end. A lady is dying, and her friends are selling everything they have to help save her. One friend sells a coat he's had for a long time. I saw that and nearly cried.''
Jason wants to study vocal music and minor in business administration, studies that will help with his future plans. ``I want to own a studio,'' said Jason, who might even record his father's Massachusetts group, which specializes in early Motown music.
Herman Boothe heads south for an entirely different presentation whenever his son performs. If another of Jason's dreams come true, his dad may have to buy a ticket at a major New York City theater.
Jason lives with his mother, Sharon Scott, of Chancellor Court, Suffolk.
``One day, I'd like to sing at the Metropolitan Opera,'' Jason said. ``Before that, I'd like to go to Venice to study at least two years. The Governor's School may sponsor a trip there next year.''
``Beethoven is my favorite composer,'' said the teenaged performer who also enjoys church music and performs with the men's choir of Mount Ararat United Church of Christ. He also likes rhythm and blues, and rap.
Other interests include the church's basketball league, a summer basketball league and cooking.
``I'm trying to learn how to cook because one day I'll be on my own,'' Jason said. ``So far, I've been making cheesecake.
``Mostly, though,'' he said, ``I'd like to be known for my music.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Jason Boothe
AT A GLANCE
[For a copy of the graphic, see microfilm for this date.]
by CNB