The Shining @ the Minnesota Opera

 
Once again I had the pleasure of seeing another Opera production. This time it was of The Shining. Yes, you are right, based off of the book by Stephen King and the movie. This followed more of the book rather than the movie.

It worked out this time to take my husband as my date which is always lovely. He was very interested in seeing how this would translate on stage as an opera as The Shining was one of his favorite books as a young adult.

Opera is not for everyone and when you see one it's easier almost to take when it's in another language and a story that you are not as familiar with. It took a bit for me to get used to them singing the words to a story I know really well. But after a bit, I got into it and really enjoyed the way the expressed the emotion of the story. 
 
The sets were amazing. The atmosphere they created spooked you out. It had a magical yet haunting feeling about it.
The craziness inside the father's head was well depicted in the cast of colorful characters; the bartender, the former caretaker, and all of the past guests who died there. I'd say the woman in the bathroom was the one that creeped me out the most!

It was a really fun experience. The actors were magnificent and the little boy who played Danny really held his own against pros like Kelly Kaduce and Brian Mulligan (Wendy and Jack). If it every comes around again, check it out. The Shining at the Ordway.


Happy Reading and as always, thanks for stopping by!

red headed book child

Tosca -Minnesota Opera at the Ordway

Some years ago I was a part of Blogger Preview Nights at the Ordway Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota. I had the opportunity to see many fantastic productions; from The Wizard of Oz to Anything Goes. That program ended and I discovered shortly thereafter, the Social Media Preview Nights at the Minnesota Opera, also at the Ordway Theater.

I had only been to one Opera before this and I was mesmerized. My love for all things theater is quite large and I am open to seeing any kind when given the opportunity. 

Well, I was given the opportunity to see a working dress rehearsal of the opera Tosca last Thursday evening and I will tell you, I was floored.

First, I must mention that the Ordway is a beautiful theater and the sets of this production made it even more so. Rich, dark browns and magnificent reds and golds enhanced the turmoil and drama of the story.

For those who are not familiar, here is a quick synopsis of the story, taken from the* Ordway's website:
"A fiery prima donna, an idealistic artist and a manipulative chief of police find themselves entangled in a web of drama in this spellbinding classic. Tosca’s allegiance to her lover, Cavaradossi, is put to the ultimate test by the obsessive Scarpia who will stop at nothing to possess her. This magnificent tale of deceit, love and honor brims with sumptuous music and unforgettable arias."


Fiery, indeed. The voice of Kelly Kaduce who plays Tosca is powerful, passionate, and red hot. Watching her, especially in the informal moments of practice, was amazing. 

Some might be a bit discouraged because Operas are traditionally sung in other languages; Tosca was sung in Italian, however, there are English subtitles played above the stage and following along is really quite easy once you get going.

I am not a formal reviewer of theater. Books are my specialty on this blog but my passion for theater is easy to express. So, I must say, with enthusiasm, if you have not seen on Opera, please do so. Tosca would be a wonderful start.

You have many opportunities. Click this link.

http://www.mnopera.org/season/2015-2016/tosca/

 *Preliminary run time of 2 hours and 42 minutes, including two intermissions.

Show runs March 12-26.

 As always, thanks for stopping by!

Michelle

red headed book child