“Dazzling success” of “x-factor” opera overwhelms critics

“Dazzling success” of “x-factor” opera overwhelms critics

Superlatives are seldom laid out by reviewers in such unstinting praise of an opera season’s opening night, says general director of New Zealand Opera , Stuart Maunder . The Wellington season of the NZ Opera co-production of La cenerentola (Cinderella) opened on Saturday 9 May to an enchanted and enthusiastic audience at the St James Theatre. “The critics have really ‘got' the show, and audiences have been voting with their feet,” says Stuart Maunder. “All have applauded the brilliant staging of Lindy Hume as well as the musical accomplishments of the chorus and orchestra under Wyn Davies. We could not be more delighted with the reception.”

“It really is dazzling on all fronts,” wrote seasoned reviewer John Button in the Dominion Post, remarking on the inherent difficulties of Rossini’s complex score which was “brought off with seemingly effortless brilliance”. He describes the stage magic - “each scene visually stunning” - as “drawing a gasp from the audience” with “a miracle of theatrical illusion”, adding “the sets alone are worth the price of admission”.

Rosemary Collier in the classical review site Middle C also commented on the “marvellously detailed and evocative sets” with costumes also “a feast for the eyes” while “the singing and orchestral playing made a feast for the ears”.

Michael Gilchrist, writing for Theatreview, concluded that “a clear eyed focus from the stage direction and throughout the creative team is undoubtedly what makes this production such a splendid and inspired success… set design and construction is outstanding”. He also noted the choreography of Taiaroa Royal. “The opening chorus is perfect,” continues Gilchrist, “hugely impressive in both singing and acting.

“ Musical director Wyn Davies appears to be in his element and the orchestra performs with a relaxed verve and pleasure in the music and its contrasts that is entirely in keeping with the whole feeling of this extraordinarily unified production.”

John Button also praises Orchestra Wellington under Wyn Davies, and the Freemasons NZ Opera Chorus is “stunningly good”. He wraps up his review exhorting “I wouldn’t miss this.”

Radio New Zealand’s Upbeat reviewer, Peter Mechen, called it “a complete experience all round..bringing us to the edge of our seats in wonderful excitement. The acting was fantastic, it looked fantastic and sounded fantastic. They really made this work as theatre, quick-witted and quick-silverish.”

Rosemary Collier called it “thoroughly enjoyable entertainment” with “a cast of principal singers who were uniformly of the highest quality”.

“The cast are consistently exemplary,” says Michael Gilchrist who sums up this NZO co-production most concisely. “It has the x-factor. The show lifts off as a whole: every element and every participant is supporting the others. Don't miss it. Those on both sides of the Tasman who are wise enough to attend will remember a splendid night out.”

ENDS

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