Roméo et Juliette
Yesterday, Dad and I went to the Cinemark to see Roméo et Juliette by Gounod as performed by The Metropolitan Opera.
Seeing opera in a movie theater is a very pleasant experience. You can be casual, see an amazing performance up close and personal, and get behind the scenes extras all for less than what people at the actual theater are paying. It's a package that can't be beat.
The set design was stunning and emphasized the star crossed lovers aspect. Any time the couple were alone the backdrop would open up to reveal a star field or some other beautiful space image. The main stage was circular with the signs of the zodiac around the rim. The stage could also rotate to raise up, and there were stars on the exposed sides. Absolutely amazing set. So striking.
The opera was beautiful and surprisingly funny. How do I know it was funny? There were subtitles. Initially I was disappointed for I am weird and wanted to experience it with no distractions. One can still determine emotion from body language and tone. The subtitles actually turned out to be a good thing in the end. It completed the experience and exposed a wonderful blend of comedy and tragedy.
Juliette was played by Anna Netrebko. Her voice was beautiful and she played the part so well. She's also quite funny, for in some of the behind the scenes segments she was making funny faces or doing silly dances. Roberto Alagna did a wonderful job as Roméo. The two of them had great chemistry for all the love scenes. And as a final point, the conductor was Conductor Plácido Domingo. While I don't know Opera all that well, the name is familiar and it turns out he played Roméo at the Met years ago.
I'm really looking forward to New Year's Day for a special performance of Hansel and Gretel in English.
Go here for a full schedule of this season.
Seeing opera in a movie theater is a very pleasant experience. You can be casual, see an amazing performance up close and personal, and get behind the scenes extras all for less than what people at the actual theater are paying. It's a package that can't be beat.
The set design was stunning and emphasized the star crossed lovers aspect. Any time the couple were alone the backdrop would open up to reveal a star field or some other beautiful space image. The main stage was circular with the signs of the zodiac around the rim. The stage could also rotate to raise up, and there were stars on the exposed sides. Absolutely amazing set. So striking.
The opera was beautiful and surprisingly funny. How do I know it was funny? There were subtitles. Initially I was disappointed for I am weird and wanted to experience it with no distractions. One can still determine emotion from body language and tone. The subtitles actually turned out to be a good thing in the end. It completed the experience and exposed a wonderful blend of comedy and tragedy.
Juliette was played by Anna Netrebko. Her voice was beautiful and she played the part so well. She's also quite funny, for in some of the behind the scenes segments she was making funny faces or doing silly dances. Roberto Alagna did a wonderful job as Roméo. The two of them had great chemistry for all the love scenes. And as a final point, the conductor was Conductor Plácido Domingo. While I don't know Opera all that well, the name is familiar and it turns out he played Roméo at the Met years ago.
I'm really looking forward to New Year's Day for a special performance of Hansel and Gretel in English.
Go here for a full schedule of this season.