Sung in its original Italian with English subtitles, The Metropolitan Theater Adriana Lecouvreur production is distinguished by both its first time hosting of Anna Netrebko in the title role and partial staging “in a working replica of a Baroque theater.” [1,2,3,4,5,6]
As part of its ongoing affiliation with Fathom Events, Emagine Theatre will host the live transmission (only) here in Saline. [6,7,8,9]
- January 12 (Saturday), with show starting at 12:55pm
In its discussion of the Met revival in 2009, The New York Times cast Adriana Lecouvreur as something best viewed in terms of the roles than the whole. “Not many opera buffs would argue that Francesco Cilea’s “Adriana Lecouvreur” is a great work.” Rather, it is due to ‘a line of great Italian sopranos who have found the title role irresistible [that] ‘Adriana Lecouvreur’ has clung to a place in the repertory of major houses ….” [10]
In summary (including the ending, which isn’t traditionally considered “spoiler” in reviews of opera): Adriana Lecouvreur is “a monumental yet rarely-performed work of the Italian repertoire by Francesco Cilea. [11]
Adapted from a play by Eugène Scribe, the four-act opera is inspired by the true story of an actress of the Comédie-Française celebrated for her performances of the works by Corneille and Racine. In love with the Count of Saxony, Lecouvreur succeeds in seducing him and in doing so becomes the hated rival of the Princess of Bouillon. The unlucky actress dies after smelling a fragrant — but poisonous — flower bouquet sent by her resentful adversary.
For those who prefer more extensive background in anticipation of taking in the full experience potential here, Royal Opera House has posted “Opera Essentials: Cliea’s Adriana Lecouvreur,” including a nice video trailer tied to their own production in 2017. [12]
In covering our first opera two months ago, Saline Journal included references to primers for those new to this art. No need to repeat that here, but the original links under our Aida article remain intact for those inclined to take a look there. [13]
As always, before finalizing plans, check the Emagine Entertainent website to verify show dates and times.
References
- The Metropolitan Opera (home page).
- “Synopsis: Adriana Lecouvreur” The Metropolitan Opera.
- “Francesco Cilea: Adriana Lecouvreur” The Metropolitan Opera.
- “Who was the real Adrienne Lecouvreur? The True story behind Cilea’s opera” Katherine Ibbett (January 18, 2017) Royal Opera House.
- Anna Netrebko (home page).
- “Baroque Theatres And Staging” Encyclopaedia Britannica.
- Fathom Events (home page).
- “The Met: Live in HD — Adriana Lecouvreur” Fathom Events.
- Emagine Entertainment (showtimes).
- “A Catnip Role for a Soprano as a Tragic Actress” Anthony Tommasini (February 8, 2009) The New York Times.
- “Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur (opera in concert)” Medici.
- “Opera Essentials: Cilea’s Adriana Lecouvreur” Kate Hopkins (January 12, 2017) Royal Opera House.
- “‘Aida,’ Highlight Of The Metropolitan Opera Season, Will Be Shown Live At Emagine Theatre Saline On October 6” Dell Deaton (September 25, 2018) Saline Journal.
