The mise en scene is enormously attractive. It was the last production done by Lotfi Mansouri, the SFO's long-time general director, and he is quoted as saying he wanted to go out in style. He certainly succeeded. The sets by Michael Yeargan are gorgeous art nouveau scenes that make you believe you are in fin de siecle Paris. Perfect. Mansouri's stage business is funny and engaging. It appears that no cost was spared in the preparation of Thierry Bosquet's opulent costumes.
The principal singers couldn't be better. Yvonne Kenny brings a lovely voice, a glamorous stage presence and a subtle characterization to the part of Anna Glawari, the merry widow. Bo Skovhus, the handsome Danish baritone, is known for his ringing voice, but it isn't so well-known that he is a clever comic actor who can still make a believable lover of Danilo. He makes us glad we can accompany him to Maxime's. Angelika Kirchschlager, with that stunning mezzo voice and looks to match, is a bewitchingly flirtatious Valencienne. Njegus, sung and acted like a demented Nathan Lane by Elijah Chester, brings the house down with his interpolated 'Quite Parisian,' a number not in the original production but later added by Lehar. All the other named roles are well-taken and too numerous to single out. There is a charming and elaborate added third-act ballet, commissioned by Mansouri to non-'Merry Widow' music by Lehar, choreographed by Lawrence Pech. Prize-winning playwright Wendy Wasserstein supplied witty new dialog. The lilting musical direction is by that expert at 'light' music, Cincinnati's Erich Kunzel.
Extras include interviews with the principals, including Mansouri, that add to the background of this particular production. There is also a synopsis on the DVD (as well as in the handsome included booklet).
This DVD makes the 1990 Joan Sutherland/Richard Bonynge/Opera Australia DVD look tired indeed, and it is much better sung. Yes, this is easily the version to have.
My strongest recommendation.
Scott Morrison
