Mein lieber Regie!
As Strephon so tactfully intimated, last week’s Regie quiz did indeed represent a “domestic and intimate” production of Verdi’s Luisa Miller, as staged by Stephen Medcalf for the Buxton Festival. (The performance of the name part by Susannah Glanville sent veteran operagoers’ tongues to wagging “Not since Fretwell!”)
Those desirous of a little more blood and semi-nudity with their plywood may find this week’s production more to their taste.
Capriccio.
Il Ritorno d’Ulisse–
1. The prologue: Temperance and Patience avert their eyes while Lewdness takes a refreshing dip in carnal pleasures.
2. Telemachus peers through the bloodied visqueen at U&P’s reunion.
3. One of the gods–Minerva? Mercury?–makes a not-so-rare personal appearance.
Wiener Blut, obviously.
Nah, just kidding. Lucia, obviously.
Clearly, this is the Olivier Py production of Bolcom’s A Wedding:
Photo One – Tulip and Muffin look on with a mixtture of fascination and horror as Breedley, the best man, demonstrates the jello shot dance that got him arrested and made him miss the wedding.
Photo Two – Buffy re-enacts the orgy at the military academy, with the next cadet waiting his turn with the wanton lass.
Photo Three – William Williamson, the hired guest, struts his stuff (and how)!