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Stars explained: *
A production of no real merit with failings in all areas. ** A
production showing evidence of not enough time or effort, or even
talent, and which never breathes any real life into the piece – or a
show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A good enjoyable show which
might have some small flaws but has largely achieved what it set out to
do.**** An excellent show which shows a great deal of work and stage
craft with no noticeable or major flaws.***** A four star show which has
found that extra bit of magic which lifts theatre to another plane. One beautiful evening Madam Butterfly
Opera & Ballet International
New Alexandra Theatre
**** GIFTED producer Ellen Kent has been
bringing operas to the UK for 23 years, and this must be one of her
best. Puccini’s Madam Butterfly certainly thrilled a
large Sunday night audience, many of whom left the theatre wiping tears
from their eyes after the dramatic finale. This particular production scored highly because
the two leads looked the part – not always the case in operas where
voices tend to rule over appearance – and Korean Elena Dee proved the
perfect Cio-Cio San (Madam Butterfly). The beautiful soprano sang superbly, while
handsome Georgian, Giorgi Meladze, filled the role of American naval
officer, Lieutenant B.F. Pinkerton, so well there were even some boos at
the curtain call for the man who loved, married and abandoned the 15
year-old Japanese girl in Nagasaki. The haunting story features the famous Humming
Chorus, the moving aria One Fine Day and the Love Duet, with the music
impressively played by the orchestra of the National Opera & Ballet
Theatre of Moldova, conducted by Nicolae Dohotaru A powerful performance as the US Consul,
Sharpless, was given by Vladimir Dragos, with Zarui Vardanean an
excellent Suzuki, Butterfly’s loyal maid. A fine set and costumes added to the enjoyment. Paul Marston
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