Browsing all posts in "English National Opera".

ENO back to being BOSSY with Tosca!

by Erica Papillion-Posey
Seeing Tosca years ago, for the first time, was a moving, surreal experience for me. Being reared in a strict, devout Roman Catholic household, I was always taught the art of submission, tact and the classic southern bell mantra: “Speak only when spoken to” and ” A lady is to seen not heard.” I [...]

Fishing for Mad Pearls Anyone? ENO Is….

by Erica Papillion-Posey
“Fabulous” means “derived from fable”. The world Bizet creates in The Pearl Fishers is wildly over the top. Mass murder and sacrilege! Storms and steamy sex! This new production of Pearl Fishers at the ENO brings out the extremes in this opera in full glory and is truly fabulous.
Extravagant plots need extravagant music [...]

Terry Gilliam, Jack of all Trades

by Christie Connolley

Terry Gilliam is an interesting and versatile artist.  Gilliam started his career as an animator and member of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, he is also known as a successful screenwriter, actor, and film director.  Some of his most memorable films include The Fisher King, 12 Monkeys, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and [...]

Realism not so ‘REAL’ in Katya Kabanova

by Erica Papillion-Posey
Stunning singing actress, Patricia Racette’s sublime performance in Czech composer, Janácek’s lyrical masterpiece, Katya Kabanova, wasn’t enough to cancel out thoughtless staging.
David Alden’s new production was a muddy attempt at ‘realism.’ Trying to follow  his double Olivier Award-winning production of Janácek’s Jenůfa, he fell short on this English National Opera production says Lewis Marceau of Operaticus.com. Read on for [...]

Laurence Olivier 2010 award nominations announced

by Christie Connolley
Every year the London Theater Society recognizes the best of London Theater with these awards named after legendary actor Laurence Olivier.  This year the nominees in musicals and opera are:
New Musical: Dreamboats and Petticoats, Priscilla Queen of the Desert,  Spring Awakening,  Sister Act.
Musical Revival: Annie, Get Your Gun,  Hello Dolly!,  A Little Night [...]