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Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos

Presented by Boston Lyric Opera at Citi Shubert Theatre

March 12-March 23, 2010

Avg. Event Rating (4.8 Stars):
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An unseen producer makes changes to an opera just before the curtain rises. That's how the clowns get onstage. The composer? Backstage, tearing his hair out. Strauss weaves voices and orchestra beautifully in his half farce, half opera seria. Music by Richard Strauss. North American premiere of critically acclaimed Welsh National Opera production! Sung in German with projected English translation.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Citi Shubert Theatre

    265 Tremont Street
    Boston, MA 02116

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets:

    Tickets start at $34.00

    Info Phone: 866.348.9738

    Buy Tickets

    Buy ½ price tickets at BosTix.org

  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    March 12-March 23, 2010

    Times:
    

    3pm Sunday matinees. All other performances 7:30pm.

  • Accessibility Info

    Currently, no accessibility information is available for this event.

  • Video & Image Gallery

    Video | Images Images

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Definitely worth seeing"
      Review posted by: Rachel from Boston, MA, Mar 30, 2010
      

      I really enjoyed the BLO's production. The singing was fabulous, and it really had the audience laughing. My only complaints were that the staging for the 'tragedy' part of the opera was a little... Expand

      I really enjoyed the BLO's production. The singing was fabulous, and it really had the audience laughing. My only complaints were that the staging for the 'tragedy' part of the opera was a little odd and made that part kind of boring (which was more than made up for by the amazing voice of Adriadne, but not the trio of attendants), and the subtitles were hard to read from the balcony. Overall, a great production; I am definitely planning on seeing more BLO shows in the future. Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Ariadne auf Naxos"
      Review posted by: Gail from Boston, Mar 18, 2010
      

      BLO has done a superb job of casting Ariadne auf Naxos The cast is truly outstanding. Their voices are amazing! I was so happy to be able to attend.

      BLO has done a superb job of casting Ariadne auf Naxos The cast is truly outstanding. Their voices are amazing! I was so happy to be able to attend.

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Very Funny and entertaining"
      Review posted by: Irene from Rowley, MA, Mar 17, 2010
      

      Great singing, great acting, lots of fun energy and you don't need to know German to get the message. I sat in the first row Orchestra and it seemed the cast was having fun.

      Great singing, great acting, lots of fun energy and you don't need to know German to get the message. I sat in the first row Orchestra and it seemed the cast was having fun.

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Superb production!"
      Review posted by: Ruth from Newton, MA, Mar 15, 2010
      

      All the voices and the acting were incredible. Whenever one of the principles left the stage, I couldn't wait to see them again. Plus it was a hoot to see Will Lebow on the opera stage. He was great!... Expand

      All the voices and the acting were incredible. Whenever one of the principles left the stage, I couldn't wait to see them again. Plus it was a hoot to see Will Lebow on the opera stage. He was great! Thank you for the opportunity to see this fabulous production! (It's one of my father's favorite operas, so I knew I was in for a treat. He would have enjoyed it, too!) Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Great show!"
      Review posted by: Matt from Somerville, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      Great performances abound in this fun and hilarious production. Highly recommended!

      Great performances abound in this fun and hilarious production. Highly recommended!

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Accessible, Light-hearted and Meaningful - and FUN!"
      Review posted by: Matt Kurkowski from Malden, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      Had the opportunity to see the final dress rehearsal of the performance and was blown-away by the attention to detail, mastery of character of the entire cast and of course their astounding... Expand

      Had the opportunity to see the final dress rehearsal of the performance and was blown-away by the attention to detail, mastery of character of the entire cast and of course their astounding performances! I attended with three opera first-timers and while I could sense a bit of hesitation in following from them during the middle of the second act, Zerbinetta's delivery of her final line brought it all home and made everything fall into place in the most satisfying of ways. Not only was it an accessible opera for them, but the work as a whole sparked some great, meaningful conversation for the trip home. The casting of each role was superb (see the Bea Arthur comment below in "A Night at the Hilarious Opera") and soprano Rachele Gilmore's performance was easily one of the best I have ever witnessed. This is ABSOLUTELY not to be missed! Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Ariadne auf Naxos"
      Review posted by: kati mitchell from Cambridge, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      So glad to have had the opportunity to see this terrific production, one of the best I have seen at BLO. The cast is as good as it gets, the direction clever and fun.... cannot recommend it... Expand

      So glad to have had the opportunity to see this terrific production, one of the best I have seen at BLO. The cast is as good as it gets, the direction clever and fun.... cannot recommend it more... a very rare opportunity to see this marvelous work in Boston in a top notch production.... Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Enjoyable Light Opera"
      Review posted by: Jeanie from Boston, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      The show is really interesting, and I would recommend - very different from the "typical" opera in that there is a mix of English and German, and also a mix of "tragedy" and "comedy." The music was... Expand

      The show is really interesting, and I would recommend - very different from the "typical" opera in that there is a mix of English and German, and also a mix of "tragedy" and "comedy." The music was very good and the performers were excellent. I would really recommend, and I think this would be really good for people who have been looking to get an introduction to opera as its fairly light and accessible. Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Hilarious and fabulous!"
      Review posted by: Krista from Boston, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      I attended the final dress rehearsal and was thoroughly entertained. One of the most talented and balanced casts I've seen at the BLO. The opera is very funny and accessible for opera novices and... Expand

      I attended the final dress rehearsal and was thoroughly entertained. One of the most talented and balanced casts I've seen at the BLO. The opera is very funny and accessible for opera novices and experts alike. Strauss keeps the action moving and the humor liberally sprinkled throughout. It is an opera about opera -- poking fun at overblown self-important opera seria and ridiculous, mass-appeal opera bouffe. Along the way, there are some heartfelt and poignant moments. Each role was perfectly cast and performed with conviction. Even if you are new to opera, you will enjoy this performance. Bravo! Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "A Night at the Hilarious Opera"
      Review posted by: Jason W. Allen-Forrest from Lynn, MA USA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      Who knew the opera could be funny?! Ariadne Auf Naxos is downright hilarious! The first act sets up the ridiculous premise of combining an opera performance with a pantomime performance. For... Expand

      Who knew the opera could be funny?! Ariadne Auf Naxos is downright hilarious! The first act sets up the ridiculous premise of combining an opera performance with a pantomime performance. For anyone with any theatrical experience the shenanigans that ensue are a little too real and make the reactions of all the players painfully riotous to witness. The second act is the actual smooshing of the two performances and it is a joy to watch. "Ariadne's" doubles takes (and in some instances triple takes) when the pantomime players pop up are very reminiscent of Bea Arthur from the Golden Girls. The voice are extraordinary in their clarity and power and blessedly, there are no weak links in this first rate cast. The tag line of this production is "The feel good tragedy of the season" and truer words were never stated. If you've never scene a full scale opera or are an ardent fan you can't go wrong with this gem of a production! Collapse

• Media
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  • All Media Gallery

    Video | Images Images

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Definitely worth seeing"
      Review posted by: Rachel from Boston, MA, Mar 30, 2010
      

      I really enjoyed the BLO's production. The singing was fabulous, and it really had the audience laughing. My only complaints were that the staging for the 'tragedy' part of the opera was a little... Expand

      I really enjoyed the BLO's production. The singing was fabulous, and it really had the audience laughing. My only complaints were that the staging for the 'tragedy' part of the opera was a little odd and made that part kind of boring (which was more than made up for by the amazing voice of Adriadne, but not the trio of attendants), and the subtitles were hard to read from the balcony. Overall, a great production; I am definitely planning on seeing more BLO shows in the future. Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Ariadne auf Naxos"
      Review posted by: Gail from Boston, Mar 18, 2010
      

      BLO has done a superb job of casting Ariadne auf Naxos The cast is truly outstanding. Their voices are amazing! I was so happy to be able to attend.

      BLO has done a superb job of casting Ariadne auf Naxos The cast is truly outstanding. Their voices are amazing! I was so happy to be able to attend.

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Very Funny and entertaining"
      Review posted by: Irene from Rowley, MA, Mar 17, 2010
      

      Great singing, great acting, lots of fun energy and you don't need to know German to get the message. I sat in the first row Orchestra and it seemed the cast was having fun.

      Great singing, great acting, lots of fun energy and you don't need to know German to get the message. I sat in the first row Orchestra and it seemed the cast was having fun.

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Superb production!"
      Review posted by: Ruth from Newton, MA, Mar 15, 2010
      

      All the voices and the acting were incredible. Whenever one of the principles left the stage, I couldn't wait to see them again. Plus it was a hoot to see Will Lebow on the opera stage. He was great!... Expand

      All the voices and the acting were incredible. Whenever one of the principles left the stage, I couldn't wait to see them again. Plus it was a hoot to see Will Lebow on the opera stage. He was great! Thank you for the opportunity to see this fabulous production! (It's one of my father's favorite operas, so I knew I was in for a treat. He would have enjoyed it, too!) Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Great show!"
      Review posted by: Matt from Somerville, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      Great performances abound in this fun and hilarious production. Highly recommended!

      Great performances abound in this fun and hilarious production. Highly recommended!

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Accessible, Light-hearted and Meaningful - and FUN!"
      Review posted by: Matt Kurkowski from Malden, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      Had the opportunity to see the final dress rehearsal of the performance and was blown-away by the attention to detail, mastery of character of the entire cast and of course their astounding... Expand

      Had the opportunity to see the final dress rehearsal of the performance and was blown-away by the attention to detail, mastery of character of the entire cast and of course their astounding performances! I attended with three opera first-timers and while I could sense a bit of hesitation in following from them during the middle of the second act, Zerbinetta's delivery of her final line brought it all home and made everything fall into place in the most satisfying of ways. Not only was it an accessible opera for them, but the work as a whole sparked some great, meaningful conversation for the trip home. The casting of each role was superb (see the Bea Arthur comment below in "A Night at the Hilarious Opera") and soprano Rachele Gilmore's performance was easily one of the best I have ever witnessed. This is ABSOLUTELY not to be missed! Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Ariadne auf Naxos"
      Review posted by: kati mitchell from Cambridge, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      So glad to have had the opportunity to see this terrific production, one of the best I have seen at BLO. The cast is as good as it gets, the direction clever and fun.... cannot recommend it... Expand

      So glad to have had the opportunity to see this terrific production, one of the best I have seen at BLO. The cast is as good as it gets, the direction clever and fun.... cannot recommend it more... a very rare opportunity to see this marvelous work in Boston in a top notch production.... Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Enjoyable Light Opera"
      Review posted by: Jeanie from Boston, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      The show is really interesting, and I would recommend - very different from the "typical" opera in that there is a mix of English and German, and also a mix of "tragedy" and "comedy." The music was... Expand

      The show is really interesting, and I would recommend - very different from the "typical" opera in that there is a mix of English and German, and also a mix of "tragedy" and "comedy." The music was very good and the performers were excellent. I would really recommend, and I think this would be really good for people who have been looking to get an introduction to opera as its fairly light and accessible. Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "Hilarious and fabulous!"
      Review posted by: Krista from Boston, MA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      I attended the final dress rehearsal and was thoroughly entertained. One of the most talented and balanced casts I've seen at the BLO. The opera is very funny and accessible for opera novices and... Expand

      I attended the final dress rehearsal and was thoroughly entertained. One of the most talented and balanced casts I've seen at the BLO. The opera is very funny and accessible for opera novices and experts alike. Strauss keeps the action moving and the humor liberally sprinkled throughout. It is an opera about opera -- poking fun at overblown self-important opera seria and ridiculous, mass-appeal opera bouffe. Along the way, there are some heartfelt and poignant moments. Each role was perfectly cast and performed with conviction. Even if you are new to opera, you will enjoy this performance. Bravo! Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      "A Night at the Hilarious Opera"
      Review posted by: Jason W. Allen-Forrest from Lynn, MA USA, Mar 12, 2010
      

      Who knew the opera could be funny?! Ariadne Auf Naxos is downright hilarious! The first act sets up the ridiculous premise of combining an opera performance with a pantomime performance. For... Expand

      Who knew the opera could be funny?! Ariadne Auf Naxos is downright hilarious! The first act sets up the ridiculous premise of combining an opera performance with a pantomime performance. For anyone with any theatrical experience the shenanigans that ensue are a little too real and make the reactions of all the players painfully riotous to witness. The second act is the actual smooshing of the two performances and it is a joy to watch. "Ariadne's" doubles takes (and in some instances triple takes) when the pantomime players pop up are very reminiscent of Bea Arthur from the Golden Girls. The voice are extraordinary in their clarity and power and blessedly, there are no weak links in this first rate cast. The tag line of this production is "The feel good tragedy of the season" and truer words were never stated. If you've never scene a full scale opera or are an ardent fan you can't go wrong with this gem of a production! Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

  • Media Reviews

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      Article: Of Strauss, slapstick, and Ariadne auf Naxos
      The Hub Review - Mar 16, 2010
      By Thomas Garvey

      A preview of the North American premiere of Welsh National Opera's acclaimed production, with an interview with Revival Director Denni Sayers. Expand

      A preview of the North American premiere of Welsh National Opera's acclaimed production, with an interview with Revival Director Denni Sayers. Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      Article: High Art Lite:The Boston Lyric Opera’s Ariadne Auf Naxos
      PlanetEyeTraveler Boston - Mar 15, 2010
      By Maria Olia

      "Boston Lyric Opera’s presentation of Richard Strauss’ "Ariadne Auf Naxos" is a highly entertaining production...with some terrific sets and costuming...Marjorie Owens...has a clear and beautiful voice. Brandon Jovanovich was outstandi… Expand

      "Boston Lyric Opera’s presentation of Richard Strauss’ "Ariadne Auf Naxos" is a highly entertaining production...with some terrific sets and costuming...Marjorie Owens...has a clear and beautiful voice. Brandon Jovanovich was outstanding as Bacchus...Mezzo-soprano Edyta Kulczak is a convincing as the passionate Composer. Soprano Rachel Gilmore plays the flirty Zerbinetta-the lead actress of the comedy troupe- with excellent phrasing and great appeal. The merry pranks of the band of comic actors; Julius Ahn, Jesse Blumberg, David M. Cushing and Tracy Wise, move the story along. While Erik Nielsen conducts Strauss’ lovely score, nicely keeping the balance between the voices and the orchestra." Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      Article: Ariadne auf Naxos (Boston Lyric Opera)
      EDGE Boston - Mar 15, 2010
      By Ed Tapper

      "Long absent from the Boston opera stage, Richard Strauss’ witty pastiche, "Ariadne auf Naxos" is undergoing a splendid revival at the Shubert Theatre...The BLO "Ariadne auf Naxos" is impeccably cast. It is a rare treat to he… Expand

      "Long absent from the Boston opera stage, Richard Strauss’ witty pastiche, "Ariadne auf Naxos" is undergoing a splendid revival at the Shubert Theatre...The BLO "Ariadne auf Naxos" is impeccably cast. It is a rare treat to hear all the roles, down to the smallest bit, performed by singers who possess just the right voices for the parts they are singing....By coincidence, the Metropolitan Opera has just finished a run of the opera. However, one could not envision a better sung production than that currently being offered by the Boston Lyric Opera. Performances run until March 23. Don’t miss this one!" Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      Article: Lyric Opera brings fresh ‘Ariadne’ to Shubert
      Boston Globe - Mar 15, 2010
      By Jeremy Eichler

      "A delightful new production...a dynamic set of rising singers including Marjorie Owens in the title role. This young American soprano...showed off an impressively large, orchestra-piercing voice, full of dark Wagnerian colorings and Weltschmerz… Expand

      "A delightful new production...a dynamic set of rising singers including Marjorie Owens in the title role. This young American soprano...showed off an impressively large, orchestra-piercing voice, full of dark Wagnerian colorings and Weltschmerz. Edyta Kulczak was a wonderfully impassioned Composer, singing with irruptions of ardent tone. Rachele Gilmore was a winning Zerbinetta, with all the coquettish charm this role demands and also the secure technique and theatrical flair to make the role’s big coloratura number feel organically connected to her character rather than like a stretch of disconnected virtuoso preening. And Brandon Jovanovich showed off a robust, clear, shapely and resonant tenor in the high-lying role of Bacchus. The numerous smaller roles were all capably sung, and sometimes much more than that." Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      Article: Debut Performances Shine in BLO Ariadne
      Boston Musical Intelligencer - Mar 13, 2010
      By Rebecca Marchand

      BLO’S "Ariadne auf Naxos" succeeded with the innate challenges of an opera about an opera, and served as a showcase for exciting and inspiring vocal talent. Expand

      BLO’S "Ariadne auf Naxos" succeeded with the innate challenges of an opera about an opera, and served as a showcase for exciting and inspiring vocal talent. Collapse

    • Event Name: Boston Lyric Opera: Ariadne Auf Naxos
      Article: BLO delights with ‘Ariadne’
      Boston Herald - Mar 13, 2010
      By Keith Powers

      "The singing is solid throughout, dominated by Ariadne (dramatic soprano Marjorie Owens) and her foil Zerbinetta (fetching lyric soprano Rachele Gilmore). Both were making BLO debuts, and both will undoubtedly return. Owens, who sings with stadi… Expand

      "The singing is solid throughout, dominated by Ariadne (dramatic soprano Marjorie Owens) and her foil Zerbinetta (fetching lyric soprano Rachele Gilmore). Both were making BLO debuts, and both will undoubtedly return. Owens, who sings with stadium-sized power, could fill many major roles as she grows artistically. Gilmore is the whole package - a clever actress with a top-notch voice and a winning manner. Tenor Brandon Jovanovich (Bacchus) and mezzo Edyta Kulczak (the Composer) also sang with power, and the rich supporting cast, too numerous to acknowledge individually, sang and acted with distinction." Collapse