Union Avenue Opera is concluding its season with Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Samson et Dalila,” which is based on the Old Testament story of Samson and Delilah in the Book of Judges.

The production sets a high musical standard at the very outset. In the introduction, the Union Avenue orchestra leaves no doubt about the despair of Israelites living under Philistine oppression. When the chorus begins to sing, it intensifies the sense of extreme burden. The company maintains the high standard of playing and singing throughout the opera under conductor Scott Schoonover.

The outstanding singers in the title roles are Jonny Kaufman, who embodies Samson’s power and determination, and Melody Wilson, who conveys Dalila’s allure and vindictiveness. Samson’s formidable opponents are impressively portrayed by Fitzgerald St Louis as Abimélech and Eliam Ramos as the high priest of Dagon.

The fine supporting cast includes Joel Rogier as the first Philistine, Tanguy Franklin Gnahore as the Philistine messenger, Jacob Lassetter as an old Hebrew, and Emma Wittenauer as the child

The third act ballet is charged with eroticism thanks to the choreography by Andrea Reed and the dancing by Reed and Charles McCall.

As shown in the picture above, Katherine Stepanek’s striking scenic design uses cloth hangings to give the impression of fluted stone columns. The set and Patrick Huber’s lighting combine at the end for a spectacular effect when Samson brings down the temple of Dagon. Just as impressive is the restoration of the set for the curtain call.

Kathryn Frady’s direction uses the setting efficiently. Teresa Doggett’s costumes, including the armor, create exactly the right atmosphere for a biblical epic. The properties master is Cecile “CeCe” Entz; the supertitle designer is Philip Touchette.

“Samson et Dalila” continues at 8 p.m. on August 21 and 22 at the Union Avenue Christian Church, 733 North Union Boulevard.

—Gerry Kowarsky

Photo by Dan Donovan Photography