Headline of the year for 2006
“Opera that depicts Bush, Blair dancing in underwear is canceled.”
From the Associated Press.
And while we’re on the subject, the scene in question (from Robert Carsen‘s production of Candide, which will not be seen at La Scala in 2007.)
La Scala probably thought it would be “risky business” to put this onstage. (Yeah, groan all you want…I couldn’t resist!)
Quelle dommage…From all I’ve heard, this production seems quite in keeping with the wonderful, satirical spirit of CANDIDE.
This production is the first time I experience a Candide that works onstage. It is a bear of a show, and normally quite tedious (in both productions in which I was involved, the cast generally wanted to slice their wrists by the third show). This production was witty, funny, provcative and immensely intelligent. It was above all wildly entertaining and well sung. BOOH to la Scala, as this is a great loss to them. This production has far greater artistic merit than the really trashy West Side Story La Scala presented two years ago…
No matter, it was videotaped in Paris, so you all will be able to make the decision for yourselves in a year or so.
As per my sources, earlier this evening Lissner held a pretty tense conference call with Candide director Robert Carsen. By the end of the call, Robert Carsen had agreed to make editorial cuts from the current production, and Lissner then agreed to reinstate the previously axed opera back into the 2006-2007 season. I reported it in my blog. So we *will* have our Candide in Milan this summer! (Although a slightly watered-down version.)
My question is how the hell do they sing the rather difficult harmonies of the King’s Baracolle through those masks?
Okay, Who’s Listening? Did I just hear that Robert Lloyd is one of the Armed Men today? Holy shit!
Running commentary:
Okay, no overture, fine. Not a fan of the translation.
It is offical: Nathan Gunn is not a good actor.
Robert Lloyd as the armed man is luxury casting indeed.
C’mon, the translation is no worse than the original. Let’s not forget this piece wasn’t written as “high art” in the first place. this production’s geared toward “families” after all–I actually find it accurate, amusing and accessible.
Nathan Gunn has always acted well when I saw him. An awfully harsh statement unless you are sitting in the house watching–how can you tell from the broadcast? Don’t forget there is a director involved in the equation.
If anyone is a disappointment, it is the Queen of the Night. Didn’t miss any high f’s but there were some pretty rocky stretches. Not a total wash but could have been better, if we’re going to quibble.
But let’s be positive shall we? Polenzani sounds great, and so does Huang.
Okay, am I the only person here who’s not at the HD presentation? Curses.
Candide is the equivalent of Wicked in terms of screeching high notes. Fleming would do this role justice.