Existing comment:
A Nod to Precedent:
As she takes the stage, an attractive young singer glances casually toward the tall author whose exasperated gaze toward her offsets her pert poise. Gibson deftly characterizes the two as contrasting studies in dark and light, their interaction overshadowing the line of possible understudies or chorus singers lined across the stage. In this scene, Gibson alludes to the "soubrette," a lively, coquettish character type that originated in European theater and opera and performed light soprano parts. |