Review: Messager: Véronique *****
Just as if a French Impressionist painting had suddenly burst into life in a riot of colour, the opening act of this Véronique throbs with vivacity and happiness. This stunning new production, from Giles Havergal for Buxton Festival Opera, banishes our fears that great opera directors are all but extinct.
Its a story of romance, seduction and a little naughtiness that takes
place in and around Paris at the beginning of the 20th century, the elegant costumes filling the stage in a mix of black and white for the chorus and the most outlandish hues for the principal characters.
Working within one highly adaptable basic set, the cast could hardly be improved upon, from the beautiful Vronique, sung by the young Victoria Joyce, with a smooth and debonair Florestan from Mark Stone.
Popular favourites in light opera, Yvonne Howard and Donald Maxwell, are perfect for the aging ones looking for a sexy night out, while Helen Williams is a delectably provocative Agathe.
It's an improbable story packed full of foot-tapping melodies with conductor, Wyn Davies milking every drop of charm and having a superb young chorus to work with.
If you only see one operetta this year, make sure it this one.
Further performances July 19, 22 and 26.
Buxton Opera House
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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