It seems as though everyone involved came up with a concept for this production and then gave up on it mid-way through – ultimately producing a half-assed set, half-assed direction and half-assed costuming. The one exception was Maestro Muti – his contribution to the project was absolutely stunning.
Maybe that pile of rubble in the opening scene was symbolic for what has become of this one-time powerhouse. Once a highly-respected company that set the gold standard in producing awe-inspiring traditional operas, it has now become a second-rate wanna-be contemporary opera company - producing commonplace productions with no substance or relevance to the actual art form.
Save yourself the anguish by listening at home on Sirius Satellite Radio or tune in for free on National Public Radio! Unless you’re dying to have a good laugh at the Met’s expense, don’t waste your money purchasing tickets to see this disaster.
Article comments
1 - Bob
The annual Vanity Fair list of "the world's most powerful people," reveals that most of its members are Jewish. Joseph Aaron, of The Chicago Jewish News, feels very good about it. "Talk about us being accepted into this society, talk about us having power in this society," Aaron wrote this week.
Miuccia Bianchi Prada, a paid-up member of the Communist party and champion of women's rights in Milan, Peter Gelb, General Manager, and James Levine, Music Director, of the Metropolitan Opera are on the list, too. Their contribution to this society is well described above, in Dan Boone's article.
2 - meccinator
I think your review is right on. I saw the production last nite and thought it was simply an awful overall show. That is not to denegrate the singers, however who did sound really great. I also agree that the Met has been drifting a little too far from tradition, which is part of why opera lovers crave and enjoy the artform.
3 - c. diamond
I'm reading this years later (about to see a production from La Scala this week at the SF Opera) --June, 2012--but find this review such a delight--lots of humor/wit, and now feel that I should see what the NY Times had to say about the same show. I think I will look for your blog again, if you are still at it! Bravo!