Opera review: Masterson in fine voice for Handel’s Semele at Kilkenny Arts Festival

William Congreve, who wrote the libretto for Semele, studied in Kilkenny College

Kelli Ann Masterson  and  Andrew Gavin (Jupiter_Apollo) in Handel's Semele, presented by Opera Collective Ireland as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival. Picture: Frances Marshall 

Watergate Theatre, ★★★★☆

Handel’s Semele is a cautionary tale about the fate of mere mortals who don’t stay in their lane. In Greek mythology no good ever comes of celestial and human dalliances. Semele of the title is a glamourous gal who catches the eye of the god, Jove to the displeasure of his jealous wife Juno who schemes to reduce her mortal rival to ashes.