Houston Grand Opera review (1998-9)
Table of contents:
Music by Boito
Houston Grand Opera, 4/30-5/16/99
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Music by Tod Machover
Houston Grand Opera, 4/23-5/7/99
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Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Houston Grand Opera, 2/16/99, 7:30pm
Talk about trashing a classic! This production of La Traviata belongs to the trash heap of operatic history. First of all, the color patterns of the stretched background were overbearing and would be better used for gift-wrapping paper than an opera set. Their sizes totally dwarfed and diminished the presence of the singers. The overly creative use of back-lighting and shadow-plays achieved nothing but irritated audience. The skeletons in the Act II props are ridiculous. The only redeemable quality of this production was the fine singers whom I believe were shortchanged. Patricia Racette sang a very convincing Violetta, and Ramon Vargas (Alfredo) was brilliant as usual. A good lesson on "not to mess around with the classics".
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Music by Stephen Sondheim
Houston Grand Opera, 2/9/99, 7:30pm
A delightful change of pace for HGO in presenting this operetta on its Multimedia Modular Stage. This light-hearted piece showcased the beautiful singing of Frederica von Stade and the very commendable acting of 13 year old Megan Kane (who was under the weather in this performance). The special multimedia audio and visual effects complemented this contemporary work well.
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Music by Jacque Offenbach
Houston Grand Opera, 11/10/98, 7:30pm
A superb production. Absolutely splendid sets and costumes. Singing by tenor Ramon Vargas (as Hoffman) and Juliana Rambaldi (as Olympia, Antonia and Giuletta) was first-class.
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Music by Richard Wagner
Houston Grand Opera, 11/3/98, 7:30pm
An interesting modern interpretation of the opera. Unfortunately the numerous mechanical contraptions (which flawed the season opening night) and acrobatics made it a "visually busy" experience. Overall singing was excellent, though.
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Graphics and photos from HGO Web site
Text © Louis Tong, 1999. All rights reserved.
Last revised: March 05, 1999.
A disappointment!
Yes, send in the clowns!
