Friday 24 May 2013

La Donna Del Lago at the Royal Opera House

Well, not being hugely knowledgeable about Rossini,  I was keen to see the new production of La Donna del Lago at the Royal Opera House ( <http://www.roh.org.uk> ) - if only to see Joyce DiDonato (for the second time and in a very different role). <http://www.joycedidonato.com>

I had (foolishly?) read some reviews before going along last night (23.5.13) and so knew a little of what was in store.  Should we believe reviews?  Should we let them colour our views?  Hmm, hard to decide.....anyway, all the reviews I read suggested that the staging caused problems with the enjoyment of the opera.  And, sadly, I am inclined to agree with them.  Too much "business", too much time spent running up and down the large staircase in Act 1 (thankfully it is destroyed for Act 2!).  The staging is fussy and confusing.  The lighting, however, in parts, was extremely effective.

Musically it was fabulous! Coming 'cold' to the piece turned it into a complete revelation!  Some lovely arias.  Some lovely duets.  Some clever bits where three or four characters were singing.  Of course we have to mention La DiDonato as Elena - sensational.  What a voice!  What a performance!  And she was supported by a great cast too: Juan Diego Flórez as the King of Scotland ('Uberto') was brilliant.  Daniela Barcellona as Malcom (Elena's lover) has a fantastic voice and the duet with Elena was spine tingling!  Words of praise must also go to Colin Lee as Rodrigo, Simón Orfila as Duglas, Justina Gringyte as Albina and Robin Leggate as Serano (the latter two drifting in and out of the Scottish action to be rooted in the 19th century museum.

If you get a chance - go.  Difficult as it's a sellout.  If not, try one of the live relays to a cinema near you!

Friday 17 May 2013

The Great Gatsby - Northern Ballet at Sadlers Wells

Well, it may have been the night the film of The Great Gatsby opened in Cannes, but last night at Sadlers Wells (  <http://www.sadlerswells.com> ) there was a flurry of police and paparazzi - sadly not Beyoncé and Jay-Z, but the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

By and large David Nixon's choreography sticks to the book (with some reference back to Gatsby and Daisy's earlier relationship) so it is all fairly easy to follow.  The sets are simple and understated, the costumes stylish - the overall effect does give us a look at the world of 1920s decadence.  Dance-wise it is good and stylish, rather than earth-shattering.  There are some nice touches - interesting lifts and some good pas de deux.  I think I saw one wobble in a high lift!  The characterisation was good and fitted the book.

Northern Ballet's Gatsby  ( <http://northernballet.com> ) may not have the noise and zap of the film, but judging by the audience's reaction last night it is a true crowd pleaser!

Thursday 16 May 2013

Some like it hip hop - ZooNation at the Peacock Theatre

It is years since I have been to the Peacock Theatre, the central London outpost of Sadlers Wells ( <http://www.sadlerswells.com> ) but I was there last night on the recommendation of a friend (who was with me) to see Some Like It Hip Hop by ZooNation ( <http://www.zoonation.co.uk> ).

I thoroughly enjoyed it!  Who'd have thought you could do a whole show using hip hop moves?  I wouldn't have.....but there is was, live music, story telling and wonderfully choreographed dancing!  I shall be booking for their new show in September!

Tuesday 14 May 2013

Wozzeck - English National Opera

It is apparently over 20 years since ENO (<http://eno.org>) put on a production of Wozzeck, I can't remember if I saw that production or one at the Royal Opera House - I do remember a very good ending with Wozzeck's drowning body!

So what can we say about the new production directed by Carrie Cracknell?  Bloody is a good word....the ending is very Quentin Tarantino!  Is this a good thing, not really as it leads to some sniggering from the audience when Wozzeck is asking where is the knife and it is clearly in his hand!  Also, all the references to water and drowning are weakened by changing it to a puddle of blood.

That said it was sung and played with great passion.  Sara Jakubiak's Marie was good, in a very harsh role.  Leigh Melrose was an excellent, tortured Wozzeck.