Admittedly, I have not been much of an opera fan in my 1/4 century as a theatre patron. Last year, I had the pleasure of working with Pittsburgh Opera on Le Nozze di Figaro in the \spring at the Benedum Center and I got bit by the "opera bug". Tonight I went to see Pittsburgh Opera's production of Turandot. Unlike most opera productions that use a stock set and costumes from a played out production, Pittsburgh Opera joined with 4 other major US companies to co-produce this new version of the show. Pittsburgh had the elite opportunity to premiere the production design and one was left to wonder how the hell they made it fit into the Benedum. The set, designed by Andrew Barbe, was epic and impressive. Some insiders on the production have indicated a lot of work had to be done to it as the pieces were assembled for the first time, but their labors were warranted. The costumes, also designed by Barbe, were equally colorful and impressive.
Sadly, Frank Porretta who played Prince Calaf, was hit hard with allergies an hour before the performance this evening. He valiantly made it through the whole show, although there were clear moments where he was in pain and unable to sustain his notes. The highlight of the evening was NaGuanda Nobles, who played Liu and delivered some gut-wrenching arias and impressive acting (as far as opera goes). She deservedly garnered a full standing ovation during bows.
Unlike my previous performance-related posts, I do not want to say too much about this production because I genuinely think it is one you need to experience for yourself. Pittsburgh Opera offers $10 tickets for students in the first balcony, and I fully encourage anybody in the area who has the opportunity to check it out.
For those of you unable to attend, answer the following three questions or you will be beheaded:
1) What is born each night and dies each dawn?
2) What flickers red and warm like a flame, but is not fire?
3) What is like ice, but burns like fire?
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