Oprah Winfrey?

 

I have never watched a full Opera, unless you count a film version, like Carmen. This opera is written in the genre of opéra comique with musical numbers separated by dialogue. This I love. A great mix of banging toons, a great plot with sex, betrayal, & action. 

Rigoletto was not this. The whole 3 hours is sung, and the first one & a half hours didn't have a tune that would pass the 'old grey whistle test'. The cast was enormous, with a huge chorus repeating the same phrases, giving a wall of sound effect. The Leads could really belt it out, and with the benefit of English subtitles on a large screen upon high, it was easy to follow the plot. The orchestra was superb, with big sweeps of emotion flowing back & forth. 

The Arena de Verona was a very special place. Older than the colosseum, and a fabulous amphitheatre. The set was stunning, and filled one end of the oval. Nothing short of spectacular.

As the sun went down, the moon rose over the rim, and the temperature fell from hot to comfy. By the time we booked, the only seating available was on the marble seats of yore. Even with a €5 souvenir cushion, my modern arse proved too delicate for these cheap seats. If you go, take well padded versions. 

A wonderful experience with wonderful people.