Bartlett Sher's traditionally-styled but actually ~new~ production of Le Comte Ory opened at the Met last night. Anthony Tommasini of the New York Times has pronounced it 'A Lively, Stylish Met Debut'. It's certainly spectacularly cast, with Juan Diego Florez, Diana Damrau, Joyce DiDonato, Stéphane Degout and Michele Pertusi all making an appearance.
The Gala audience was younger and starrier than usual (a hallmark of the Gelb reign), with those well-known operaphiles the Olsen twins, Claudia Schiffer and Claire Danes all turning up to be papped. Best dressed by general agreement was Rebecca Hall in red (below).
But guess who turned up in her own clothes and without the aid of a hairdresser? Upping the Met's cool factor, and not for the first time, was Patti Smith and...
.....even more remarkably, Lou Reed. Guess you can't tell a bel canto fan by appearances.
I'm going next Saturday. Looking forward to seeing three of my favourite singers together, Especially Joyce Didonato.
Posted by: Richard Whittington | 25 March 2011 at 06:51 PM
I was there. Probably as good a cast as you're going to get today. I wasn't thrilled with the production but it's virtues were it somewhat reduced the mammoth size of the Met stage which was entirely appropriate for this jewel of an opera, and there were no giant mice, dancing bumblebees, Nazis, chains, whips, hookers or onstage toilet bowls to be seen. In 2011 one is grateful for small favors. The costumes were particularly well done: colorful, attractive, whimsical and appropriate to the opera. Maurizio Benini wasn’t Giulini or Gui but did a really nice job. There were no big voices in the cast and Benini kept the orchestra at reasonable levels so everyone could be clearly heard without struggling. The music is wonderful --- like continuously flowing champagne, or perhaps prosecco. Worth the price of admission alone for the magnificent Act I Finale and the gorgeous Act II Trio (‘A la faveur de cette nuit obscure’). Bravo Rossini!
Posted by: Oroveso | 25 March 2011 at 07:29 PM
Am looking forward to seeing this on the big screen on Saturday 9 April
Posted by: Kathy | 25 March 2011 at 11:58 PM
@kathy
So am I...
Posted by: Ida Lopes | 27 March 2011 at 12:06 AM
It did sound wonderful and I also am looking forward to the HD.
Posted by: Lily | 27 March 2011 at 02:16 AM
Link to grazia.co.uk, IM ... really? Must we? Honestly!
Posted by: Kit | 28 March 2011 at 11:31 AM