Did the modernized staging work to make the work extra accessible to as we speak’s audiences? Not having seen a dwell efficiency with the unique staging, I can solely say that a minimum of to some extent it succeeded, however the historical past lesson may need additionally been fascinating, particularly if it additionally included extra luminaries like, as an illustration, OP veterans Lawrence Brownlee and Lisette Oropesa that might add to the enjoyable. This model was nicely staged, with visually participating units and costumes, fast-paced scenes full of humor, and a few standout particular results, even involving us extra emotionally close to the tip. The ultimate scene was completely balanced for the Academy of Music stage. Kudos to your entire inventive staff: 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 beautiful music and arias of Rossini; and the final act is a should see for its good staging, a minimum of 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; take into account that on this model, characters can be stepping out and in of work. Il viaggio a Reims actually matches with the theme of “opera, however completely different”, and in a way it may very well be seen as President Costanzo’s coronation, whose tenure is enjoying like an opera itself; he deserves assist as he makes an attempt to stay the touchdown within the years to come back.
The Fan Expertise: Performances of Il viaggio a Reims had 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 night time lasted a bit over three hours with a 25 minute intermission splitting the three-act opera into two. The Decide Your Worth format extends for the rest of this opera season; very restricted seats had been accessible for remaining performances on the time of this report; it is perhaps greatest to name Visitor Providers at 215-732-8400. Subsequent up for OP is The Seasons which can function countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, however alas, all three performances (December 19, 20, and 21) are offered out.
An informative and useful pre-opera discuss is given by OP scholar-in-residence Lily Kass one hour previous to efficiency. To paraphrase Common Director and President Constanzo from his opening remarks, opera thy identify is emergency. Forthwith, singer Anthony Reed who was to have performed the function of Don Prudenzio was unwell; this function was sung by bass-baritone Zachary Altman from the home left field and walked onstage by Assistant Director Anderson Nunnelley.
