This fall's new Metropolitan Opera production of Puccini's Tosca will air on PBS's Great Performances tonight at 9 p.m. (ETPtv in Knoxville)
The production replaced the well-known staging of Franco Zefferelli that had been a mainstay at the Met since 1985. Director Luc Bondy sought to shake up tradition with a bit of unconventional staging and a new sets by Richard Peduzzi. Unfortunately, "shake up" turned out to be an understatement. At the opening performance, the cast received a standing ovation. But as the production team appeared for their bows, the crowd of 3800 turned mean, with mass booing and raucous shouts expressing "extreme displeasure," as one critic put it.
Of course, the issue is whether it is better to try something new or to hold on to the older for dear life, even if it does seem as comfortable as an old pair of shoes. Complicating the issue is that Puccini, himself, wrote into the score and libretto specific indications of locale and staging. Should the author be overruled? That's why I recommend you catch the performance and make up your own mind.
The production stars Karita Mattila in the title role of Tosca opposite Marcelo Alvarez as Cavaradossi. George Gagnidze is the evil Scarpia and Paul Plishka is the Sacristan. Joseph Colaneri conducts the Met Opera Orchestra.
Also on Great Performances next Monday evening, December 21, at 9 p.m. is the San Francisco Ballet production of The Nutcracker. This is an amazing production taped several years ago with choreography by Helgi Tomasson and stunning sets and costumes by Michael Yeargan and Martin Pakledinaz, respectively. Don't miss this one this holiday season.
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