Did the modernized staging work to make the work extra accessible to in the present day’s audiences? Not having seen a stay efficiency with the unique staging, I can solely say that no less than to some extent it succeeded, however the historical past lesson may need additionally been attention-grabbing, particularly if it additionally included extra luminaries like, as an example, OP veterans Lawrence Brownlee and Lisette Oropesa that may add to the enjoyable. This model was properly staged, with visually partaking units and costumes, fast-paced scenes stuffed with humor, and a few standout particular results, even involving us extra emotionally close to the top. The ultimate scene was completely balanced for the Academy of Music stage. Kudos to all the inventive group: Director Damiano Michieleggo, Set Designer Paulo Fantin, Lighting designer Alessandro Carletti, Costume designer Carla Teti, and Hair and Make-up Designer Amanda Clark.
Opera Philadelphia’s manufacturing of Il viaggio a Reims is a becoming kickoff for its fiftieth anniversary season with new management on board. To everybody’s credit score, the primary act was efficient as lighthearted if bewildering comedy; each acts excelled with the attractive music and arias of Rossini; and the final act is a should see for its sensible staging, no less than as soon as. So, go for the music, the bel canto singing and its excessive leisure worth, however contemplate orienting your self by studying the synopsis within the opera program earlier than viewing; remember the fact that on this model, characters shall be stepping out and in of work. Il viaggio a Reims actually matches with the theme of “opera, however totally different”, and in a way it may very well be considered as President Costanzo’s coronation, whose tenure is taking part in like an opera itself; he deserves help as he makes an attempt to stay the touchdown within the years to return.
The Fan Expertise: Performances of Il viaggio a Reims have been scheduled for September 19, 21, 26, and 28 within the Academy of Music. The opera was sung in Italian with English superscripts proven above the stage. The efficiency Friday evening lasted somewhat over three hours with a 25 minute intermission splitting the three-act opera into two. The Decide Your Value format extends for the rest of this opera season; very restricted seats have been out there for remaining performances on the time of this report; it could be greatest to name Visitor Providers at 215-732-8400. Subsequent up for OP is The Seasons which is able to characteristic countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, however alas, all three performances (December 19, 20, and 21) are bought out.
An informative and useful pre-opera speak is given by OP scholar-in-residence Lily Kass one hour previous to efficiency. To paraphrase Basic Director and President Constanzo from his opening remarks, opera thy title is emergency. Forthwith, singer Anthony Reed who was to have performed the position of Don Prudenzio was unwell; this position was sung by bass-baritone Zachary Altman from the home left field and walked onstage by Assistant Director Anderson Nunnelley.
