the physical demands of the role that the drama emerged remarkably well under the circumstances. Assuming he recovers from his throat ailment before the end of the run, it would be fascinating to hear what he does vocally to complement such an assured and involving characterization.

Siegfried, of course, is the physically imposing, if mentally dim, hero destined to redeem the world, in the wake of the havoc wrought by various folks who covet a mighty ring that promises unlimited power. In WNO's so-called American Ring Cycle, a re-imagining of the German mythology through a prism of our experience, Siegfried becomes an archetype of the fearless, muscled American who doesn't hesitate to challenge old ways and ideas, who will take on any obstacle in the search for what he believes to be his destiny.

The concept developed for this Ring by director Francesca Zambello has already produced an intriguing, mostly convincing Das Rheingold and a striking Die Walkure. Siegfried proved on Saturday to be as theatrically compelling as it was musically satisfying. Her approach to the fourth and final part, Gotterdammerung, which was to have been unveiled next season, along with a presentation of all four operas, has been postponed due to financial constraints; it's likely to pack quite a punch when it finally takes the stage. (It will be offered in concert form next season.)

Zambello can always be counted on to bring provocative ideas to a project. Even when you disagree with a choice, you can't help but admire the vision involved. For me, almost everything about her Siegfried clicked; the plot has been freshly, provocatively energized.

Michael Yeargan's sets complement Zambello's vision at every turn, right from the opening sight of a crumbling trailer in a kind of rural wasteland, where, instead of trees, ugly power lines reach up toward a stormy sky. Even more blighted is the spot where the giant Fafner guards his treasure, transformed into an urban nightmare version of a dragon -- a motorized earth-mover-type thing with huge claws (Siegfried "slays" the machine by severing what looks like it's oil line). Very cool.

There's a globally warmed, post-apocalyptic air about the sets, conjuring up the image of a world nearly done in by all of humankind's mistakes, a world dying for a heroic jolt of selflessness. If the final scene is a bit of a let down -- it looks like the pilot light went out on the magic fire that is supposed to surround the sleeping Brunnhilde -- the cumulative visual impact of the staging remains considerable. Catherine Zuber's character-revealing costumes and Mark McCullough's insightful lighting design complete the picture.

Obviously, all of this would mean little if the musical end of things fell short. On Saturday, MacAllister's noble effort was not the only vocal plus. Irene Theorin, as Brunnhilde, went awry on the most forceful high notes, but there was a good amount of glint in the soprano's voice. Andreas Conrad sang the role of the wicked ring-coveting Mime with a panache that matched his dead-on characterization. Alan Held did not produce the depth of sound ideal for Wotan (a.k.a. the Wanderer, after a round of cosmic lay-offs), but, as usual with this hard-working bass-baritone, he sang with an expressive impact. Gordon Hawkins poured out the tonal gold as Alberich. Although Gidon Saks was a few watts short on power as Fafner, his phrasing hit home forcefully. Nancy Maultsby's vibrato got a bit in the way, but she sang Erda's music urgently. Bright-voiced Micaela Oeste showed promise as the Woodbird.

Throughout the long evening (Siegfried packs in more than fours hours of music), the performance enjoyed superb guidance from conductor Michael Guttler, who managed to make the opera fly by, without ever seeming rushed. He emphasized the structural integrity of the score, built masterfully to emotional peaks, lavished subtlety on the most reflective passages. And he drew from the orchestra impressively committed, deeply sonorous playing that easily compensated for any frayed edges.

There are four performances left. Tickets are said to be scarce, but gaining admission would be well worth the effort.

PHOTOS BY KARIN COOPER FOR AND COURTESY OF WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA