NYC Opera did a production of REGINA as early as the '50s and it was recorded--superbly--with Brenda Lewis, the original Birdie, in the title role, Elisabeth Carron now Birdie, George S. Irving, etc. NYCO did it many times afterwards, as did many other companies, probably including those in the cities you cite. I don't feel like doing the research now. But I'm amused(?)that the discussion of this adaptation of LITTLE FOXES has become focused on whether or not Beverly Sills--who never performed any role in it--liked it or not. Very possibly she didn't and--the only importance--didn't program it when she ran City Opera in the '80s. Unless the subject is Sills, who cares? Lots of important musicians have not liked lots of great operas. I would hope that their opinion isn't the only one that's worth discussing about the work.
By the way, in the libretto to the NYCO recording there is a note from Lillian Hellman that fully endorses the opera. |
