A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
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
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?
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#3
Posted: 2/25/11 at 11:16amD2, 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.
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
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#5
Posted: 2/25/11 at 12:19pmYes, the video is one of my most prized possessions.
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.
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
A Farewell to Zeffirelli's Staging of LA BOHEME#7
Posted: 2/25/11 at 1:20pmWOW!!!!! Great news, indeed!
Videos


