I am conducting an amusing experiment that is a) amusing to me only and b) not really an experiment at all but rather an adventure in opposites. Today I am wearing the exact opposite of what I wore yesterday – I am rocking a cream double breasted cardigan over a floppy green tank top, whereas yesterday the colours were swapped. Who will notice? No one! Why do I care? Because I don’t get out enough! What we going to get? Several boys!
It’s been several days since Rigoletto, so I’ve had some time to process the evening as a whole. There were a lot of things I wanted to commit to HTML while they were still fresh in my mind, so my efforts that night were dedicated to bringing to moment home to you, the viewer. Now that I’m not on the spot to say something, I can spend a little more time waxing poetic about the experience and also swear more.
My initial opinion of “Rigoletto was fucking awesome” hasn’t changed – it really was amazing. I went into a little detail about how much I loved the set, but I will now say it again – I *loved* the set. Imagine my surprise, then, when one of the recurring themes throughout the night and beyond was that a lot of people thought the performances were incredible, but they hated the set.
How do you figure? From what I gather, a lot of opera traditionalists thought the set was too modern and distracting. One of the things that spoke to me about the set WAS how modern it was – the story is set in the 16th century, but the set had a very industrial feel that spoke volumes to my inner goth punk kid. In particular, the lighting director did some amazing things with fabric and light to indicate mood and weather, and the spooky wind singers in the second act were spectacularly effective. I thought it was an incredibly creative interpretation of the story, but there’s a very clear line separating what we (the opera neophytes) thought and what the traditionalists (cranky old people) are saying. It is interesting.
I applaud the set designer for their gutsy vision. It seems almost too easy to do what’s expected of you and create something that looks like this:
rigoletto set: utah opera
But to add your own stamp to it and actively work to appeal to audiences outside your comfort zone deserves an ovation:
vancouver opera rigoletto: photo by tim matheson
The costumes, too, were great. The hottie that started all the trouble – the count’s wife – was decked out in a bright green wig and saucy corset, and there were punk rock colours all throughout the ladies of the court. Safe and traditional will always have a place, but it’s very encouraging to see something so different from what you were expecting.
The 2-for-1 deal is on until today at 5pm, so if you’d like to check out Rigoletto for yourself, call 604-683-0222 with the promo code 1670 now. Where else are you going to see a silent Greek chorus of clowns in ruffles and pointy hats?
I hesitated mentioning this, but realized I would not be true to myself if I didn’t: the assassin Sparafucile looks like a brunette Legolas, and his costume gave him an enormous package. Now THAT was distracting. I couldn’t stop looking at it and giggling to myself. I am truly surprised they let me outdoors to mingle in polite society at all.
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I’m frankly, quite pleased to hear your comments on said package. For the sole reason that I think men with grandiose wang should not partake in theatrical performance.
woman, you are hilarious. now i really WILL have to sit in for the performance! thu-rilled you enjoyed it.
I can’t help but wonder: where does the opera go after you’re done digesting it?
I’ve experienced your point about traditionalists with a previous Vancouver Opera production of Three Penny Opera with modern staging, video effects, and microphones (the horror!). Watching the rehearsal with an audience of mostly students and young people the response was enthusiastic and accepting. Watching the show with an audience of mostly traditional opera goers the response was tepid and grudging.
And speaking of costumes did any else notice the ying-yang symbol on the back of Monterone’s head?
So, I went to see Rigoletto last night and always thought it was effing amazing. The contemporary sets were innovative and interesting and the singing was top-notch. I think the stand outs were definitely Guilda and Rigoletto. And I also loved the scary wind singers in the second act; incredibly effective and I kept getting chills.
Dear DJ,
I’ve been reading about the new initiative of Tweeting at the Opera, and think it’s great to se these cutting edge technologies start to infiltrate the performing arts. Since I assume you have at least some enjoyment of opera, I thought I’d let you know that a local singer who has performed often with the VO will be performing next week in Vancouver.
Robyn Driedger-Klassen is an in-demand operatic soprano who will be performing at The Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club next Tuesday at 8PM. She is performing as part of our A Month of Tuesdays series at the Cellar, which seeks to bring classical and contemporary music into the casual setting setting of one of the cities best clubs.
Robyn will be performing in an intimate evening of song with acclaimed accompanist Terence Dawson; they will present an endearing array of songs including Try Me Good King (a song cycle by American composer Libby Larsen) alongside emotionally powerful works by Richard Strauss, Henri Duparc and Gary Kalish. This is sure to be a great night for anyone who loves opera and great singing, and is a rare opportunity to see an artist of this calibre at such an intimate venue.
We’d like to share Robyn’s artistry with you, and think that anyone who loves great singing will enjoy the show. Please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us here at Music on Main if you’d like to get tickets.
Thanks so much, and we’d love to see you at a show soon!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Evans
Intern, Music on Main
intern@musiconmain.ca
604.879.9888
http://www.musiconmain.ca
A Month of Tuesdays brings evenings of great music to one of the city’s most intimate venues, the Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club.
What makes a Music on Main event at the Cellar so much fun? Top flight musicians, great music and a casual yet engaging atmosphere. Audience members order dinner and drinks before the concert or at intermission, then when the bar service stops for the performance, everyone listens with a renewed intensity. Full bar service and à la carte menu available before and after the concert and during intermission. (There will be no service during the performances).
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Cellar Restaurant & Jazz Club
3611 West Broadway
Doors open at 6:30 pm
Come for a drink, or a meal!
Music starts around 8:00 pm
Cover Charge: just $15
Order your tickets today for reserved seating!
Call Tickets Tonight at 604.684.2787, or click on http://www.TicketsTonight.ca
Note: There is no food or beverage service during the performances; please order meals by 7:40 PM. The Cellar is licensed as a restaurant and is therefore open to all ages. A minimum $10 food/beverage order is in effect.
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