Every few years, the Met updates their productions and give them a fresh look. Some work and some, well, are in the eye of the beholder.
But first and foremost, this is entertainment and the more popular opera in the repertory remain unchanged over the past 30 years.
Franco Ziffirelli’s La Boheme is the most famous example, but the “lower budget” Aida by Sonja Frisell has also stood the test of time.
Verde’s famous opera includes the larger moving sets, the large cast and additions like ballet dancers and horses on stage that audiences love. Ultimately, the Met plays it safe here with their cast choices, using stage veterans that are used to the material.
The story is set in Egypt centering on the love story of Ethiopian slave girl Aida and Egyptian warrior Radames, which ultimately ends in tragedy. Liudmyla Monastryrska and Marco Berti play both with gusto, but as with many of these operas, the supporting cast really shines.
Ekaterina Gubanova, who plays the princess Amneris and Mark Delavan, as Aida’s father Amonasro gave very strong performances and stood out throughout the three hour and 15 minute performance.
And of course, the end of the second act was when the real spectacular shone through with the Triumphal March.
Played in this style since 1988, it’s still the same crowd-pleaser that presents the Opera in a Broadway style and it is highly recommended for any kind of fan.
Additional performances: November 15, 19mat, 22, 26eve; December 2; March 23, 27, 31; April 6, 10, 15mat, 20.
Curtain times vary: complete schedule here.
Running time: 3 hours and 45 minutes, two intermissions.
Tickets begin at $25; for prices, more information, or to place an order, please call (212) 362-6000 or visit www.metopera.org. Special rates for groups of 10 or more are available by calling (212) 341-5410 or visiting www.metopera.org/groups.
Same-day $25 rush tickets for all performances of Aida are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Met’s Web site. Tickets will go on sale for performances Monday-Friday at noon, matinees four hours before curtain, and Saturday evenings at 2pm. For more information on rush tickets, click here.
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