Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera Don Giovanni glorifies womanizing using comedy and drama. Unfortunately there is nothing funny about the pitfalls leading to the show's October 22 opening night, reports amNY.
The Metropolitan Opera House has dealt with two detrimental setbacks to their production of Don Giovanni forcing director Michael Grandage to do whatever he could do to salvage the quality of the show. James Levine’s departure as conductor due to medical issues has put Fabio Luisi in the driver’s seat as the conductor for this demanding opera. Mariusz Kwiecien’s back injury has prevented him to continue his role as Don Giovanni and has been replaced by Peter Mattei.
Grandage’s classic and historical production doesn’t leave the performers free range to express themselves musically. The opera itself is one that everyone should watch to decipher whether or not they will enjoy the production. Colorful costumes, exploration of Don Giovanni's womanizing ways when he performs his "Catalog Aria" and dabbles into the supernatural helps break the mold of how boring opera is perceived.
The production including Luisi and Mattei will have three performances, October 22, 25 and 29th. Don Giovanni will play into 2012, until March 17. Tickets range between $25 and $360. Even though it is sung in Italian, there are subtitles on a LCD screen in the chair in front of you in English, German and Spanish.
Metropolitan Opera House: 165 W. 65th St., near Amsterdam Ave.
