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Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Opera review: INO take on l'Elisir d'Amore provides ridiculously good fun
l'Elisir d'Amore, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin, ★★★★★ If you ever meet someone who claims opera is boring and unfun, send them to Cal McCrystal's wacky and wild (west) take on Donizetti's endearing love comedy l'Elisir d'Amore. Send them right now! His production for Irish National Opera is ridiculously good fun, and hasn't a boring moment across a riotous, good-humoured, saucy and physical two-and-a-half hours. We're used to classic opera getting far-flung, anachronistic settings. It's one of the main tools in the director's bag when it comes to reinvigorating or reinterpreting works we think we know all too well. An excellent 2013 Northern Ireland Opera version of this was set in a 1950s American highschool, for instance. Subtract about a 100 years from that, and you have McCrystal's time and place. Chorus numbers become hoedowns, Abraham Lincoln appears in the theatre (and even survives all the way to the curtain), while Claudia Boyle's Adina becomes a Scarlett O'Hara-type figure. But McCrystal doesn't stop there. He piles on the visual gags: there's a couple who've stepped out of American Gothic, pitchfork and all; a Laurel and Hardy japering about; and Keystone cops bungling in and out. Bass baritone John Molloy was a delight as the quack doctor Dulcamara in the 2013 staging. Here, his brand of sardonic, knowing humour is given even more rein as a Wild West snake oil salesman. He gets a speaking part too, where he introduces and comments on the action, ably assisted by his factotum Truffaldino. Ian O'Reilly brings great craft to that speaking role. His incarnation of a ventriloquist's dummy at one point is a real hoot. Gianluca Margheri, Claudia Boyle and Duke Kim in l'Elisir d'Amore. Picture: Ros Kavanagh It's exactly what you'd expect from McCrystal, whose physical comedy credits include the Paddington films and One Man, Two Guvnors. His brand of slapstick rather misfired in the Abbey's revival of Lennox Robinson's Drama at Inish in 2019, but he never misses a trick here. Of McCrystal's numerous movie references, the hardest to miss is Nemorino, Dulcamara's sucker for the titular love potion, and besotted with Adina. He's dressed precisely as Woody from Toy Story, with tenor Duke Kim following the cue of that getup. He accentuates his character's naivety all the way up to an innocently poignant take on the famed aria Una Furtiva Lagrima. The keen-eyed will spot not "Andy" written on the sole of his foot, but 'Adina', a typically acute detail in Sarah Bacon's superb costumes, which she casts against a relatively sparse, cactus-dotted set. Sara Jane Sheils' lighting is inspired by the shifting tones you'd see in the prairie sky, and neatly marks the progress of time in a plot that hinges on what will or won't happen today or tomorrow. Amid the uniformly excellent cast, Boyle shows her acting and singing chops to equal measure, delivering comedy, pathos, and sparkle as needed, and singing astoundingly throughout. Gianluca Margheri is charisma itself as Nemorino's rival Belcore, musclebound and really not afraid to show us! His interactions with a chorus full of delineated characters is great fun. Throughout, the words and lines bounce along as the score is deftly marshalled by Erina Yashima, leading the INO orchestra in lively form.
Tatler Asia
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
Art-inspired journeys: 8 travel destinations that capture the spirit of famous masterpieces
2. 'The Starry Night' by Vincent van Gogh – Iceland Above A starry night in Iceland would be a dream for Van Gogh lovers. (Photo of Iceland: Jonatan Pie/Unsplash) Van Gogh's swirling skies and emotional intensity find their match in Iceland's untamed beauty. With its stark volcanic landscapes and chance of witnessing the Northern Lights, Iceland offers a celestial spectacle that mirrors the dreamlike quality of the painting. Visit Þingvellir National Park to walk along tectonic rifts, or take in the icebergs drifting across Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Here, the elements feel alive—a cosmic drama playing out under the stars. Also read: Want to see the Arctic Circle's northern lights? You can right here in Hong Kong 3. 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Johannes Vermeer – Bruges, Belgium Above The cobbled roads of Bruges, Belgium would appeal to fans of Vermeer's depictions of a quiet, timeless world. (Photo of Bruges: Dana Andreea Gheorghe) Vermeer's intimate portrait evokes a quiet mystery—an everyday moment imbued with grace. Bruges, with its medieval streets, serene canals and soft Flemish light, offers the same sense of timelessness. Meander through the lace shops near the Markt, take a boat ride under arched stone bridges or visit the Groeningemuseum to see masterpieces by the Flemish Primitives. The city's hushed beauty and quiet charm echo the gentle stillness captured in Vermeer's work. 4. 'American Gothic' by Grant Wood – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA Above Minneapolis offers a modern, creative take on Midwestern roots, echoing Grant Wood's nuanced portrait. (Photo of Minneapolis: Josh Hild/Unsplash) 'American Gothic' is often read as a stern portrait of traditional values, but Grant Wood's subtle satire also hints at performance and persona. Minneapolis, a progressive cultural hub in the American Midwest, offers a travel destination that contrasts with the painting's severity while staying geographically and thematically relevant. Visit the Walker Art Center and its iconic sculpture garden, explore the dynamic Mill District along the Mississippi, and discover the city's vibrant design, music and food scenes. Minneapolis honours its roots while looking to the future—reframing rural Americana with wit and imagination. 5. 'The Creation of Adam' by Michelangelo – Petra, Jordan Above Petra's ancient rock-cut architecture embodies the human spirit and divine connection Michelangelo captured. (Photo of Petra: Michael Mitrakos/Unsplash Michelangelo's fresco is a visual metaphor for divine spark and human connection. Petra, hewn from rose-red rock by the ancient Nabataeans, radiates that same spirit of awe and transcendence. Walk the Siq to the dramatic façade of the Treasury, or ascend to the Monastery for sweeping desert views. Nearby Wadi Rum invites travellers into a vast, almost biblical landscape, where silence reigns and the heavens feel close. This is a place where human creativity and the sublime meet. Also read: A travel guide to Jordan: What to see, eat and do on your first visit 6. 'The Scream' by Edvard Munch – Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Above Las Vegas' neon frenzy and sensory overload channel the raw anxiety and intensity of Munch's 'The Scream'. (Photo of Las Vegas Strip: aestelle/Unsplash) Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' captures a moment of existential panic—overwhelmed by sensation, unsure of what's real. Meanwhile, Las Vegas, with its neon delirium, surreal architecture and manufactured realities, is one of those travel destinations that channels this same disorientation. It's a place where overstimulation is the point: from the slot machines to the Strip, the city is a cacophony of lights, sound and spectacle. If Munch painted 'The Scream' today, it might well be in front of a pyramid, a pirate ship or the Eiffel Tower—on the same block. Don't miss: How to spend 24 hours in Las Vegas, Nevada 7. 'Water Lilies' (Nymphéas) by Claude Monet – Giverny, France Above Giverny's gardens let visitors step into Monet's world of shifting light and tranquil reflections. (Photo of Giverny: Alexandra Salvado/Unsplash) Monet's Impressionist reverie invites immersion in water and light. Giverny, where Monet's famous garden still thrives, offers a travel destination that allows visitors to step directly into the painter's world. Wander the flower-lined paths and cross the Japanese bridge, pausing to contemplate the water lily ponds that inspired so many masterpieces. Nearby Rouen provides further insight into Normandy's charm with its Gothic cathedral and quaint old town, enriching the sensory experience Monet so cherished. 8. 'Nighthawks' by Edward Hopper – Tokyo, Japan Above Tokyo's late-night solitude and urban quietude capture the mood of Hopper's iconic 'Nighthawks' scene. Hopper's 'Nighthawks' is all stillness and solitude—strangers sharing space but not connection, framed by fluorescent quiet. Tokyo, with its late-night convenience stores, glowing vending machines and tucked-away izakayas, mirrors that exact sense of urban isolation. Add this to your list of upcoming destinations if Hopper is your vibe, and if you prefer places where silence is part of the architecture. Wander Shibuya after midnight, take the last train from Ikebukuro, or find yourself alone in a ramen shop at 2 in the morning. There's a kind of intimacy in the anonymity here—precisely what Hopper captured in paint. Don't miss: What you should know about Shibuya Sakura Stage, Tokyo's latest must-visit destination These travel destinations align with the spirit of their corresponding artworks, prompting journeys beyond the familiar and into atmospheres that echo art's deepest impressions. Whether seeking contemplation, drama or quiet elegance, your next trip can be a dialogue between place and painting.
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Tender love story shines through in Irish National Opera's bawdy Wild West romance
Production of L'elisir d'amore is cartoonish yet sophisticated as it takes us on a whistle-stop tour through American cultural icons Today at 12:56 Irish National Opera are determined to entertain you in this boisterous and delightful production of Donizetti's 1832 comic romance. It is libidinous, bawdy and brash, with great attention to detail, and a gag-a-minute aesthetic. Sung in Italian with English surtitles, the show is improbably set in the Wild West. It takes a whistle-stop tour through American cultural icons: a couple of chorus members are got up as Laurel and Hardy; the hatchet-faced couple and their pitchfork from the painting American Gothic also feature; the leading man is dressed as Woody from Toy Story; and the leading lady appears in an array of the dresses from Gone With the Wind. Everything tumbles past at breakneck speed like a herd of stampeding buffalo, and there's a herd of stampeding buffalo too.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fine Arts Fiesta set for May 15 through May 18 in Public Square
May 13—WILKES-BARRE — Have you ever pictured yourself as "Mona Lisa," that mysterious lady that Leonardo da Vinci painted so long ago? Or do you have more in common with the stalwart farmers of "American Gothic" that Grant Wood immortalized? Perhaps you'd get a kick out of seeing yourself as Johannes Vermeer's "Girl With a Pearl Earring," or Edouard Manet's "The Fifer" or even one of Raphael's "Two Cherubs," who look so thoughtful. When the 69th Fine Arts Fiesta comes to downtown Wilkes-Barre on Thursday, May 15, through Sunday, May 18, you won't have to imagine yourself as the subject of any of those artists. Thanks to a concept the Fiesta's executive director, Brian J. Benedetti came up with, as you wander around Public Square you'll find representations of 20 masterpieces, from Frida Kahlo's "Self Portrait with Monkeys" to Roy Lichtenstein's "Girl With a Ball." And there will be holes cut out in each one so you can pose for a picture. "This is getting back to the roots of the Fiesta," Benedetti said, noting that when the event started it focused on artistic and educational exhibits. This year, you can pick up a brochure "The Portrait & The Human Figure: A Walk in Art History" at the Fiesta information booth and, as you search for the images, you'll be able to brush up on some facts about the artists and their art. The Fiesta also will include the many features people have come to love in recent years: four days of live entertainment, with this year's headliner The Badlees performing at 7 p.m. Saturday; tents filled with more than 300 pieces of juried artwork from local adult and student artists; face-painting, story time and crafts geared especially toward children, vendors offering an assortment of artistic and crafted items, and plenty of food. THE SCHEDULE OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDES: Thursday, May 15 * 10:50 a.m. Welcome from Gina Malsky, Pledge of Allegiance with children from Building Blocks Learning Center, Mayor George Brown opens Fiesta * 11 a.m. Susquehanna Prep Glee Club * 11:30 a.m. Wyoming Valley West Small Chamber Orchetra * 12:30 p.m. Anne Chairge's Flute Studio * 1:30 p.m. Wyoming Valley West Middle School Band & Jazz Band * 3 p.m. Rhythmic Republic Dance Studio * 4 p.m. Mr. Toad "Spoken Word" * 4:30 p.m. Wyoming Valley West High School Jazz Band * 5:30 p.m. Wyoming Valley West High School Concert Choir * 6:30 p.m. Annual Awards Ceremony & The Howard B. and Mary Anne Fedrick Friend of the Arts Award * 7:45 p.m. Little Theater of Wilkes-Barre Friday, May 16 * 10 a.m. Wyoming Valley West Middle School Spartan Singers * 10:30 a.m. Wyoming Valley West Middle School Orchestra * 11:45 a.m. Dallas Middle School Mountaineer Band/Chorus * 12:45 p.m. Wilkes-Barre Academy Creative Performing Arts (CAPAA) Music * 2 p.m. Rockology * 3 p.m. Wilkes-Barre Academy Glee Club * 4 p.m. Rising Stars Performing Arts Academy * 5 p.m. Dance Theatre of Wilkes-Barre * 6 p.m. Southside Five * 7:30 p.m. Flaxy Morgan 30th Anniversary Band Saturday, May 17 * 10:55 a.m. Carl Achhammer Jr. on Trumpet, National Anthem * 11 a.m. Joan Harris Dance Center * Noon Rising Stars Theater Company * 1 p.m. Katrina Lykes Music Studio * 2 p.m. Wyoming Valley Barbershop Harmony Chorus * 2:30 p.m. Mt Zion Abundant Praise Dance Ministry * 3 p.m. Mt Zion Mass Choir * 3:30 p.m. PATAsphere * 5 p.m. Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen * 6 p.m. Set up for Headliner * 7 p.m. The Badlees Sunday, May 18 * 10:30 a.m. The Wyoming Valley Poetry Society * Noon Lazy River Jazz Band * 1:30 p.m. Jr. Mozart Club of Wilkes Barre * 2:30 p.m. Contra Dance/The Contra Rebels * 4 p.m. Brendan Brisk Band
The Guardian
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
TV tonight: Ross Kemp learns the truth about his shipwrecked ancestor
9pm, BBC OneIn Ross Kemp's family, the legend goes that Pop, his great-grandfather, was shipwrecked during his time in the merchant navy. As he follows his family tree, Kemp sifts fact from fiction. The actor also wants to know why his great-uncle Albert was known by the family as a 'bad man' who was blacklisted from pubs – and learns the sad explanation. Then, he discovers the four-time great-grandfather who served in the Napoleonic wars. Hollie Richardson 7.30pm, BBC Two As part of the VE Day commemorations, this special – narrated by Toby Jones – harks back to the imperial phase of Dad's Army, when the beloved cast were often out on manoeuvres across the BBC. The trove of clips include a Morecambe and Wise dance-off, an encounter with Lulu and a 1970 visit to Buckingham Palace. Graeme Virtue 8pm, BBC OneWhat does Christmas mean for the family of reality TV veterans at Pickle Cottage? Panto commitments, of course. Joe has a starring role this season, while Stacey is shooting a TV ad. Let's hope they can make it home in time to reconnect with the kids on a visit to the Christmas tree farm. Ellen E Jones 9pm, Channel 4The series that shadows Brighton police on the beat returns. The first night sees the team racing to find a desperate person on a cliff edge, a suspect who allegedly threw a passenger out of a vehicle, and a group suspected of violently attacking someone with a crowbar. HR 9pm, Sky MaxLycett moves his cheerful travelogue to Birmingham, Iowa, where not much is happening – but the house from Grant Wood's American Gothic is in a town a few miles away and it would be churlish not to visit. Plus, Birmingham itself offers elderly community volunteer Harry, who is a sharp comedy partner for our host. Jack Seale 9pm, Sky WitnessKathy Bates continues to excel in the seemingly tailor-made role of Madeline Matlock in this legal drama. Olympia is faced with a tricky conflict of interest as a woman seeks assistance with a complex divorce settlement. The company soon realises it's closely connected to figures on the other side of the litigation, too. Phil Harrison
