Coming from a culturally disadvantaged background,I finally got to see a live opera production! What better place to see it than the Opera Theatre of the world famous famous Sydney Opera House.
It was a truly magical experience. The set was stunning to say the least.The donkey was understandably placid but I was almost waiting for the horse to bolt!And when it took a bow in the end by bending one knee-it was almost surreal that it didn’t stand up on hind legs and “Neigh”after the massive applause.I almost half-expected it.
I love Flamenco dancing and the dance performed did not disappoint. I am now inspired to create my own Flamenco dance to the music of Carmen.Music is really food for the soul.It transports one to a sublime experience.The emotionally poignant singing makes one feel the anger,joy or sheer pathos.The whole casts played their role magnificently to create such a sumptuous production.They ought to be congratulated! Bravo! Jolly well done.
This live production was beamed/telecasted all around Australia and I am glad many people had a chance to see it.
I have always regarded opera as only available to the privileged class,hence ,I have a certain resentment towards it.Tickets were pretty expensive.Mine was $140.00 on the farthest,highest seat from the stage!Nonetheless,I realize it is a very expensive production and the ticket price is even subsidized by the different sponsors otherwise it will be more prohibitive.So,it’ s wonderful that they beamed a live telecast of the show.It doesn’t compare to being in the Opera House!
In spite of the great experience I have had,I doubt I’ll go to another one unless Placido Domingo performs in Carmen.I wouldn’t care what the ticket price would be!
I’ll remain a philistine! I’ll stick to musicals. I love them.I have seen a lot, Lion King in New York as well as King and I with Marie Osmond,Sunset Boulevard at the Princess Theatre in Melboure .It was even more memorable because I took my mother to see it as well as Miss Saigon in Sydney.When I saw Elaine Paige in London singing the evocative Don’t Cry For Me Argentina in her role as Eva Peron in Evita! I was hooked.There were a few disappointments i.e West Side Story with Marina Pryor.Warlow was great as the Phantom!Boy From Oz was absolutely superb.Wish I had seen it again in New York but I saw it again in Sydney with Hugh Jackman!That was beyond description!I can go on and on but I won’t.There are just too many to mention.
I have seen an Opera but I am not converted!
