Neetee at the MET?!
Ok, no quite, but yesterday my father-in-law and I went to our local Cineplex to watch the live satellite broadcast of La Traviata from the MET. The experience itself was pleasurable - imagine seeing an opera in real-time but with the added bonus of getting constant close-ups on the faces and the parts of the stage that are important, AND being able to bring in popcorn. :D Not that I did, popcorn is not on the list of approved diet foods, but I can still appreciate it!
Unfortunately I wasn't crazy about the production itself. The last time I saw this opera was the 1982 movie version with Teresa Stratas and Placido Domingo, where the backgrounds were, well, extravagant even by movie standards. This production was very modern and stark (they used this stage), and the chorus was in business suits (even the women) at all times and they were kind of scary instead of harmless hedonists. I know it was to create contrast, but it just didn't work for me.
Also, their Alfredo was a spoiled brat. I hated him during the entire piece. Hard to feel emotionally connected when you kind of hope that the love interest would just have an unfortunate accident and die, and she could run off with his rival. When I watch the movie, I end up bawling by the last act; yesterday I just tuned everyone out to listen to the soprano, Natalie Dessay. My, what a voice. She got two thumbs up.
Next season they're doing 12 of these broadcasts, including Aida. Will try to catch that one for sure.
Unfortunately I wasn't crazy about the production itself. The last time I saw this opera was the 1982 movie version with Teresa Stratas and Placido Domingo, where the backgrounds were, well, extravagant even by movie standards. This production was very modern and stark (they used this stage), and the chorus was in business suits (even the women) at all times and they were kind of scary instead of harmless hedonists. I know it was to create contrast, but it just didn't work for me.
Also, their Alfredo was a spoiled brat. I hated him during the entire piece. Hard to feel emotionally connected when you kind of hope that the love interest would just have an unfortunate accident and die, and she could run off with his rival. When I watch the movie, I end up bawling by the last act; yesterday I just tuned everyone out to listen to the soprano, Natalie Dessay. My, what a voice. She got two thumbs up.
Next season they're doing 12 of these broadcasts, including Aida. Will try to catch that one for sure.