Robin Rubendunst as Marjenka and Paul C. Mueller are Jenik, taken by Marisol Diaz.

On January 11, two days before the Metropolitan Opera unveiled its new production of Leos Janácek's turbulent "Jenufa," the Bronx Opera Company looked at the lighter side of Czech opera, beginning a four performance, double cast run of Bedrich Smetana's "Prodaná Nevesta" ("The Bartered Bride"), in the Bronx and Manhattan. This colorful "Bride" is directed by Kimberly M. Wetherell, designed by David M. Henderson (sets), Martha Gretsch (costumes) and Judith Dattsman (lighting), and choreographed by Stephanie Godino. Elizabeth W. Scott guides the chorus.

For the first night, at the Lovinger Theater at Lehman College, Artistic Director Michael Spierman ceded the baton to Assistant Conductor Conrad Chu, who presided knowingly over strong, sturdy vocal and orchestral ensembles, their work augmented by an excellent sextet of dancers. The company commissioned a new English translation by Mark Herman and Ronnie Apter of Karel Sabina's text, which does not flow any more smoothly than the one by Tony Harrison employed here a decade ago, as well as by the Met during the 1978-79 and 1996-97 seasons, but the cast I heard, headed by Robin Rubendunst (Marjenka), Paul C. Mueller (Jeník), Raymond Diaz (Kecal) and Bill J. Adams (Vasek), copes nobly. Spoken dialogue, a feature of the original version of "Bartered Bride," is used in lieu of the more familiar recitatives, which Smetana added later.

Some of the best singing on opening night came from supporting artists, in the third act, including the circus performers' duet, courtesy of Megan Weston and David A. Gordon, and the quiet quintet, then sextet, "Marjenka, think it over," featuring, as Vasek and Marjenka's parents, George Heath (Tobías Micha) and Paula Roediger (Háta), Patrick Jacobs (Krusina) and Lauren Bradley (Ludmila), with Rubendunst and Diaz.

Performances on January 17 and 18 take place at the Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College.

In the spring, the company presents Franz Lehár's popular " Merry Widow" at the Lovinger Theater (May 9 & 10) and the John Cranford Adams Playhouse at Hofstra University in Hempstead (May 16 & 17).

The Bartered Bride

January 11 & 12 (matinee), Lovinger Theater

$15-30 718/960-8833

January 17 & 18, Kaye Playhouse

$20-35 212/772-4448

and

The Merry Widow

May 9 & 10, Lovinger Theater

$15-30 718/960-8833

May16 & 17 (matinee), Adams Playhouse

$30 516/463-6644

website: http://www.bronxopera.org