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Co-production Le Roi malgré lui receives critical acclaim at Bard Summerscape
Critics have hailed the co-production between Bard Summerscape Festival, NY and Wexford Festival Opera, Le Roi malgré lui (The King in Spite of Himself), which just completed its run at the Fischer Center Bard College in New York. The opéra comique by Emmanuel Chabrier had an ill-starred stage history, but its lively and melodic musical score was a success from the outset and was greatly admired by Debussy, Ravel and Stravinsky.
With vocal fireworks, comedic cunning, an exuberant chorus and lively dances, all driven by a clever orchestral score, this production captures the essence of Chabrier’s satirically witty comic opera.
What the US critics said:
“...proof of this neglected work’s abundant charms”
“...the staging provided a sparkle that suited both the whimsical story and the bubbly music...“
“...Liam Bonner, a suave, handsome baritone, played Henri with abundant wit and just the right touch of cocky swagger.”
- The New York Times
“…sparkling with wit and charm…
” - The Classical Review
“Mr. Strassberger's take on this wacky world was hilarious.”
“Henri's total delight in the nonsensical situation was infectious.”
“The strongest work came from Nathalie Paulin, who displayed a rich, creamy soprano and excellent comic timing as Alexina, and baritone Frédéric Goncalves (Fritelli), who put across the spoken dialogue with authority.”
- The Wall Street Journal
Links to full articles