A tale from “Hoffmann”
Joseph Calleja has dropped out of the dress rehearsal of the Met’s new Les Contes d’Hoffmann because he is ill. Finishing the runthrough is David Pomeroy.
La Cieca expects a full hashing-out of today’s rehearsal later today from one of our oldest and most controversial contributors.
I feel for him and them; it’s a tough situation. And heaven knows, it’s a time when nearly everybody is catching something. I’m only just recovering from a month of coughing, myself. I imagine that a big priority is to have Calleja on form for the HD transmission on the 19th.
uh oh
He also canceled his appearance in last week’s Richard Tucker Gala. I hope he recovers quickly.
I don’t know what worries me more: the cast for Thursday night, or the impending hashing-out.
Is this production cursed? How many cast members have been changed when first this production was announced?
Just got back from it…I quite liked it. Actually, I really liked it. I don’t think there’s a HUGE amount to worry about.
“Just got back from it…I quite liked it.”
Though a complete review is surely forthcoming, patience is a virtue I seriously lack. Dan, would you care to shed more light on the production/cast?
What a mess! And LONG!!! Incoherent direction – no a single clear idea was communicated effectively either about the work or the characters. Terrible, ugly cluttered design in Prologue and Act I and Act III, dull empty stage with random scrims in Act II. Netrebko was the best thing up there – everyone else was either miscast or undercast or just plain dull. Kate Lindsay would have been adequate (barely) as a cover but it was boring and barely audible. Alan Held works hard but has no charisma. Calleja is overparted in this role and you can tell he’s scared. The poor cover was a Nathaniel. Kathleen Kim sang the aria very well but it’s a stunt piece. At least Netrebko gave a performance but in a vacume. Lots of additional second rate music added to make the opera seem worse than it is. A turkey, alas, and very disappointing.
Based on Parterre buzz, I’m glad I opted for A Little Night Music on Thursday night. Can always catch the HD Hoffmann. Plus it would have meant Hoffmann, Figaro, and FTHOTD in less than 48 hours. And that’s yesterday’s drill. Once Pape pulled out of Hoffmann, I kinda’ lost interest in the production.
You need larger-than-life performers to pull this show off (or else a consumate artist such as Kraus). But except for Netrebko, I don’t see it with the current cast.
I cringe, it is unbearable!
Be kind and be true, ye spies!
hate (love?) to say I told you so but at the end of the first Hoffmann conversation of a few days ago I mentioned that the Met had warned film exhibitors of a cast change not yet certain. for my mild query I was inundated with scorn, venom and sarcasm. Ha!