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cayster
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- Review count4
- Helpfulness votes0
- First reviewApril 8, 2008
- Last reviewOctober 10, 2010
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
cayster's Reviews
Overall rating
5
/
5
"Oh, Brave New World!"
PostedOctober 10, 2010
cayster
from Worthington, Ohio
You may be dazzled by "the machine"--what the director calls the ever-changing aluminum plank system used as a stage for this remarkable production. Yet with all this innovative staging, the show retains the traditional message of Richard Wagner's Ring: that greed and power corrupt those willing to renounce love.
The costuming is excellent: the giants look and act their part and the Rheinmaidens are more alluring than ever--especially considering that they have to sing and act their roles while wearing harnesses to help them fly over and around the water.
Pre-show interviews with the Rheinmaidens help the audience understand their apprehension about trying to perform as singers and actors while "flying around." The singing and acting are excellent throughout, and the story comes alive better than it has in most productions. The audience almost forgets they're watching an opera, as the action, scenery and costumes make it such a rivetting story. Close-ups allow the performers to really demonstrate their acting skills as well as their singing. A few decades ago, before such excellent photographic techniques, singers could coast along on their singing alone. You'll be glad the technology has exacted more out of the performers.
The costuming is excellent: the giants look and act their part and the Rheinmaidens are more alluring than ever--especially considering that they have to sing and act their roles while wearing harnesses to help them fly over and around the water.
Pre-show interviews with the Rheinmaidens help the audience understand their apprehension about trying to perform as singers and actors while "flying around." The singing and acting are excellent throughout, and the story comes alive better than it has in most productions. The audience almost forgets they're watching an opera, as the action, scenery and costumes make it such a rivetting story. Close-ups allow the performers to really demonstrate their acting skills as well as their singing. A few decades ago, before such excellent photographic techniques, singers could coast along on their singing alone. You'll be glad the technology has exacted more out of the performers.
If you always thought you would never like opera--much less Wagner's works--give this a try. It could open a whole new world of appreciation and enjoyment for you.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Best Carmen I've seen!!
PostedJanuary 17, 2010
cayster
from Worthington, Ohio
Wow! Elina Garanca can sing, ACT! and even dance!
Really, a successful "Carmen" depends almost entirely on the person playing the role of Carmen. Elina Garanca is sexy, sings beautifully, is always in character addressing her taunts and seductiveness to the men, and she even joins the other gypsies when they dance.
Roberto Alagna is the object of her taunting seductiveness, and he matches her for great singing and acting.
Whether you've ever seen Carmen before, or were just considering seeing it, this if one fantastic performance that you will remember.
Really, a successful "Carmen" depends almost entirely on the person playing the role of Carmen. Elina Garanca is sexy, sings beautifully, is always in character addressing her taunts and seductiveness to the men, and she even joins the other gypsies when they dance.
Roberto Alagna is the object of her taunting seductiveness, and he matches her for great singing and acting.
Whether you've ever seen Carmen before, or were just considering seeing it, this if one fantastic performance that you will remember.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
A Good Time was had by all!
PostedApril 27, 2008
cayster
from Worthington, Ohio
I'm so glad I pre-ordered my tickets for La Fille du Regment--the box office was "sold-out" more than a half hour before starting time.
Some people probably came to hear Juan Diego Florez effortlessly sing those 9 High Cs, that are making him famous.
What really "made" the show was the great singing and boundless energy of the Regiment's daughter, Natalie Dessay. She dazzled us with her acting and how well she sang--even when being carried around the stage by a group of soldiers.
Other nice touches included the "uppercrust crowd" portrayed as dottering, and half-senile--this was good because they are not supposed to be at all likeable anyway.
You laugh, you gasp at the incredible singing, and you leave the theater feeling that you got more than your money's worth. A good time was had by all!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
You might be surprised!
PostedApril 8, 2008
cayster
from Worthington, Ohio
As you probably know, this is a love story with a tragic ending. It's very well-done, well-sung and well-acted.
The only weak links are the male characters other than Rodolfo, but their inability to put life into their characters is not essential.
The big stars--Mimi, Rodolfo, and Musetta are brilliantly done, and all in good voice.
Lovely costumes and appropriate scenery and staging make this a big success.
Even if you always thought you'd never like an opera, give this a chance. You might be surprised!
The only weak links are the male characters other than Rodolfo, but their inability to put life into their characters is not essential.
The big stars--Mimi, Rodolfo, and Musetta are brilliantly done, and all in good voice.
Lovely costumes and appropriate scenery and staging make this a big success.
Even if you always thought you'd never like an opera, give this a chance. You might be surprised!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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