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The Gondoliers - Gilbert And Sullivan
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Energetic and entertaining
Review date: 2008-08-25 Rating: 8 out of 10
This is a fine production, as one expects from Opera Australia Those that are familiar with Canada's Stratford Festival version of The Gondoliers will instantly recognise this production, as it is virtually identical. It is, in my opinion however, better performed than it's Canadian counterpart. It is highly energetic and entertaining from start to finish.
The cast is brilliant and includes a "young" David Hobson (Australian audiences will be familiar with David's contributions in more recent years) and the great Dennis Olsen. Unfortunately, Dennis does not play the more traditional comic role of the Duke of Plaza-Toro, but is relegated to the smaller part of Don Alhambra. Both these players, along with the rest of the cast, put in great performances.
One of the many highlights is the choreography (again replicated from the Stratford Festival version). In particular, "Dance a cachuca" in act 2 deserves mention, however to say anything further would spoil it for you.
Another "replication" from the the Stratford Festival is the casting of a male in the role of the Duchess of Plaza-Toro, a move that probably has Gilbert turning in his grave. While I generally "shudder at the thought" of such a casting, in this instance it is done quite well by Graeme Ewer. Graeme has demonstrated great talent in performing comic roles for Opera Australia for many years. Whether this works for you or not will be a matter of personal taste.
The biggest disappointment I have with this production is the omission of "I am a courtier" from act 2. This was also omitted from the Stratford Festival version.
Overall, while this may not be the absolute best offering by Opera Australia, it is a very good and enjoyable production and holds up very well against other versions of the show.
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Reviews
"Now a gavotte perform sedately.."
Review date: 2007-08-16 Rating: 8 out of 10
"Now a gavotte perform sedately.."
Sadly, these instructions from the Duke of Plaza-Toro to would be King of Barataria candidates Marco and Giuseppe are not heard in this Sydney Opera House production. In every other respect, however, it is full measure and overflowing. To Gilbert and Sullivan's original operetta format are added elements of mime, pantomime, and ballet. The chorus and principals are required not only to sing and act, but are choreographed to breathless limits and even made to be as acrobatic in the "Cachucha" as members of the ballet.
All the more regrettable, therefore, is the omission of `I am a courtier grave and serious' which already enacts the blend of music, dance, wit and pomposity. If performance considerations dictated it omission in the live performance, it should have been specially filmed and inserted into this filmed production. You will find that the Overture is here in full.
Having watched oodles of productions of this work during a long life, both in Australia and the UK, I have always found that vitality characterized Australian productions compared to the usually staid and workmanlike English way of doing G & S. Well, the vitality here will leave you breathless. Color and costumes are dazzling. The sound is natural but low in volume. Contemporary allusions have been added here and there; while regretting this I must admit that they scan and fit beautifully and fall not too far below Gilbert's original lyrics. The chief pantomime element is Australian Opera stalwart Graeme Ewer presenting the Duchess of Plaza-Toro as a pantomime dame. This works well. The Duchess's vocal contributions are normally very difficult for a contralto to deliver, but Ewer projects everything clearly.
From the opening shot of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House to the final gallery shots of the principal singers, you'll find top quality entertainment here.
Absolute Gilbert & Sullivan
Review date: 2006-10-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
Director Brian Macdonald certainly knows how to stage this stunning production. There are so many surprises which leave the viewier wanting to see it again and again - undoubtedly an excellent DVD to own. The clever use of mime to change sceenes, coupled with some of the best choreography by Opera Australia's brightest stars, add up to a truly delightful experience. The prinicple roles are sung with verve, and not a trace of 'Australian' dialect. However one should turn on the 'subtitles' so that none of the modern lyrics are missed. It is the best production that I have ever seen.
Showing its age, but still entertaining
Review date: 2006-06-17 Rating: 10 out of 10
The problem with using 'topical' references in G&S (or similar) productions is that they quickly become dated, so in this case what was regarded as very funny in 1988 is now passé and almost forgotten, even by Australians, and in one instance - the reference to the Princess of Wales - painfully unfortunate.
Modern lyrics aside, the music is as delightful as ever, of course, although the sacrifice of 'I am a Courtier, Grave and Serious' was regrettable (particularly since the Duke and Duchess' Duet which preceeded it was 'modernised'). The singing, too, is first-class, even when one is reminded just how old this production is by the young David Hobson's endearingly croaky bottom notes in 'Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes' - the future Mozart stylist (and widely acclaimed Rodolfo) was still very near the beginning of his remarkable stage career!
The routine pairing of Hobson and Roger Lemke, thoroughly enjoying themselves as Marco and Giuseppe Palmieri - the Gondoliers of the title - complimented by Christine Douglas (Gianetta) and Suzanne Johnston (Tessa) made for some excellent performances by the 'young chickens'. Right behind them, though, were the 'old birds', Australian Opera stalwarts Robert Gard and Graeme Ewer as the Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro, and the inimitable Dennis Olsen (Don Alhambra).
Susan Benson's costumes showed to particular advantage in the highlight of the production, the Act II "Cachucha" sequence - where Director/Choreographer Brian Macdonald was to be congratulated for managing to make most of the cast look like reasonable dancers!
Not for G. & S. traditionalists.
Review date: 2006-05-21 Rating: 6 out of 10
Vocally and visually an outstanding production. It is spoilt, especially for non-Antipodeans, by an over-thorough attempt to make the satire in the libretto relevant to present-day Australia. This has involved the complete rewriting of some of the lyrics, for example in the Duke and Duchesses' 'To help unhappy commoners' song, and the complete removal of "I am a courtier grave and serious', one of the most popular numbers in the opera. This jars all the more where it occurs because the production is otherwise so delightful.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Actor Roger Lemke
Conductor Dobbs Franks
Australian Opera Chorus
Elizabethan Philharmanic Orchestra
Actor David Hobson
Creators:
Actor David Hobson (Primary Contributor)
Australian Opera Chorus (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: Opus Arte Media Productions
Manufacturer: Opus Arte Media Productions
EAN: 0809478040088
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2006-04-03
Universal product code (UPC): 809478040088
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
Audience rating: Exempt
Running time: 152 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1990
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)