A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME

[Dollypop]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#1

Posted: 2/25/11 at 10:28am

After over 30 years of sheer beauty, the Metropolitan Opera will be retiring Franco Zeffirelli's staging of Puccini's masterpiece. I'll be there tonight for one last son.
Snippets from Zeffirelli's LA BOHEME

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

[South Fl Marc]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#2

Posted: 2/25/11 at 10:50am

Personally I think it's about time.

On a side note, I wonder what the oldest production the Met has that is still being used.
My guess would be their Rosencavalier which premiered in 1969. Does anyone know of an older one?

[D2]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#2

Posted: 2/25/11 at 11:03am

I saw it when it was new and it was breathtaking. The last time I saw it it was pretty much in tatters, although it still had some gorgeous moments. It has become such a repertory staple for them that it's been treated rather indifferently over the years, and the often careless casting has really worn the production down.

"Der Rosenkavalier," on the other hand, remains in splendid shape. The Met treats this production with kid gloves (as they should), and every time it is revived they cast it very, very carefully, and it always seems fresh, new and endlessly exciting.

Cheyenne Jackson tickled me. AFTER ordering SoMMS a drink but NOT tickling him, and hanging out with Girly in his dressing room (where he DIDN'T tickle her) but BEFORE we got married. To others. And then he tweeted Boobs. He also tweeted he's good friends with some chick on "The Voice" who just happens to be good friends with Tink's ex. And I'm still married. Oh, and this just in: "Pettiness, spite, malice ....Such ugly emotions... So sad." - After Eight, talking about MEEEEEEEE!!! I'm so honored! :-)

[Dollypop]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#3

Posted: 2/25/11 at 11:16am

D2, I know what you're saying. On my last visit to BOHEME, there were very noticeable patches in the Act Three snowdrifts. Still, it's my all-time favorite staging of this opera.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

[Reginald Tresilian]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#4

Posted: 2/25/11 at 11:29am

Happily we still have the video, starring the incomparable Teresa Stratas.
Not great quality clip

[Dollypop]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#5

Posted: 2/25/11 at 12:19pm

Yes, the video is one of my most prized possessions.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

[frogs_fan85]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#6

Posted: 2/25/11 at 1:04pm

Dollypop, enjoy the performance tonight.

FYI- The production is not being retired. There will be six performances of this production in the 2011-12 season.

[Dollypop]

A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#7

Posted: 2/25/11 at 1:20pm

WOW!!!!! Great news, indeed!

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)