THE HANGOVER REPORT – Joyce DiDonato leads a sparkling account of Massenet’s CENDRILLON at the Metropolitan Opera

Joyce DiDonato headlines Massenet's "Cendrillon" at the Metropolitan Opera.

Joyce DiDonato headlines Massenet’s “Cendrillon” at the Metropolitan Opera.

Last night at the Metropolitan Opera, I caught American mezzo-soprano star Joyce DiDonato take on the title role in Cendrillon, Jules Massenet’s operatic version of the popular Cinderella fairytale. Quite surprisingly, the opera’s anticipated run at the Met marks the first time Cendrillon has been performed by the revered company.

Laurent Pelly’s sparkling storybook staging (literally), a co-production with the Royal Opera, is undeniably witty and imaginatively stylized. Indeed, it’s a production that adults can appreciate for its visual sophistication without feeling like they are at a performance for children. However, a part of me did miss the wide-eyed innocence and wonder inherent in this classic rags-to-riches tale. Nitpicking aside, Mr. Pelly’s vision is expertly executed and well-judged.

Ms. DiDonato proved once again why she is one of the most sought-after mezzo-sopranos in the opera world. She possesses a distinctive instrument (admittedly, it’s grown steelier and less flexible in recent years) that’s at once piercing yet warm. She’s also one of the most intelligent, effective actresses currently working on the operatic stage – her Cinderella is clear-eyed and purposeful, never a damsel in distress, yet she commands our complete sympathy.

Ms. DiDonato is supported by a trio of inspired performances – the bright-voiced soprano Kathleen Kim as the fairy godmother, the affecting mezzo-soprano Alice Coote as her prince charming, and larger-than-life mezzo-soprano Stephanie Blythe as the evil stepmother. All sounded glorious, as did the mighty Met Orchestra under maestro Bertrand de Billy (who has had quite a busy spring at the Met, conducting Luisa Miller, Tosca, among other engagements).

RECOMMENDED

 

CENDRILLON
Opera
The Metropolitan Opera
2 hours, 50 minutes (with one intermission)
In repertory through May 11

 

Categories: Music, Opera, Other Music

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