Danielle de Niese and Germán Olvera shine in The Merry Widow productions at Glyndebourne
- Operatic soprano Danielle de Niese and charismatic Germán Olvera deliver compelling performances in The Merry Widow productions at Glyndebourne.
- The new staging by Cal McCrystal and musical direction by John Wilson ensure an entertaining experience filled with double entendres and sight gags.
- However, the camp fun element in the productions may overshadow the subtlety and emotional depth of the operetta.
The Glyndebourne season features a new production of The Merry Widow, conducted by John Wilson and starring Danielle de Niese and Germán Olvera. The evening is a mix of affecting, funny, and irritating elements, with the direction by Cal McCrystal receiving mixed reviews. The new English version adds extra dialogue, extending the running time. The emotional subtlety of the operetta is somewhat lost in the production, but the chemistry between Olvera and De Niese shines through. The relationship between the characters is portrayed authentically, with Olvera delivering a magnificent performance as Danilo. The London Philharmonic excels in the pit, enhancing the overall experience. The production raises questions about the evolving definition of opera and the inclusion of musicals and light opera in opera companies' repertoires. The Merry Widow, while a pseudo-opera, fits into Glyndebourne's offerings, albeit with a more humorous approach. McCrystal's direction, though broad in humor, complements the lavish sets and costumes. De Niese and Olvera's on-stage chemistry drives the narrative, supported by a talented cast. The operetta's enduring popularity and influence on the Hollywood musical genre are highlighted. Despite the comedic elements, the production aims to balance humor with the operetta's underlying themes of love and forgiveness. Overall, The Merry Widow at Glyndebourne is a visually stunning and musically rich experience that blends humor with emotional depth.