lyric Opera Madama Butterfly

I had a very enjoyable night out last Saturday at Lyric
Opera’s http://www.lyricoperaproductions.com/home.php
production of Madama Butterfly at the
National Concert Hall.
The NCH does not have an orchestra pit which necessitates
the setting of the orchestra at auditorium floor level between the audience and
the stage apron. This can prove challenging for both the vocalists and the
audience; for the vocalist in projecting over the sound of the orchestra and
for the audience in receiving a balanced sound from both. Having said that, both
the vocalists and the orchestra were of accord and sounded super.
Staging a production in the NCH also poses staging
challenges for the Set Designer, in so far as it does not have the staging
facilities associated with an Opera House or Theatre. In such circumstances, Lyric
Opera’s director/designer CAV. Vivian Coates acquitted himself reasonably well in
devising an appropriate setting to evoke a supportive visual ambiance and
atmosphere to the production while the scenic elements remained unobtrusive or
distracting to the audience. The slow paced resetting of the dressing props and
hand props by the choreographed and costumed stage crew during the interval was
quite poetic. Equally important to creating the appropriate visual ambiance and
atmosphere is the Lighting Designers contribution and then of course, the
costumes.
Already I am looking forward to Lyrics next production “La
Boheme” May 19th, 21st & 23rd.
Patrick M