| Full disclosure, other than seeing a movie version, I have limited knowledge of Don Giovanni. I enjoyed reading the learned takes of everyone on here. I was lucky to get to attend the final dress rehearsal of Van Hove's production at the Metropolitan Opera. I had seen VH's Crucible, which I didn't like, so my expectations were low. I come from the ballet world where we start dress rehearsals at noon. The Met has a 10:30 a.m. curtain! OMG! It was a challenge to not nod off. Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the production. I thought the singers were excellent and the music sounded perfect. I was rather near the stage. Peter Mattei doesn't come across as an obvious cad at first, but, by the end, he won me over. I was like, "Yes, bring it on!" Did you know he's Swedish? Uh oh, haha. Also, Ben Bliss was a dreamy standout. The ending where the father comes from beyond, my understanding, to take DG to hell worked for me. Some of the more sexually charged stagings seemed awkward. That may be from the singers still finding their interpretations within this untraditional setting. I also would have of welcomed some color. The beige/dark brown/grey scheme added to the challenge of my heavy eyelids. When the bows were being staged, I heard Van Hove say to the cast, "I love you." I really appreciate that. I was feeling the love from everyone involved and isn't that what it's all about? It's so rare to experience that in one's life. Lastly, after reading up about the conductor's comments, I felt it was a big nothing burger. Oh, I learned the painted canvas signage hanging on the front of the theater is from a previous, more traditional, production. What's up with that? |
