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The Metropolitan Opera: Hamlet
After over a century out of the Met’s repertoire, audiences were thrilled to discover just what a sensational evening in the theater Thomas’s Hamlet can be. Simon Keenlyside’s riveting performance as the tortured Prince of Denmark in Patrice Caurier and Moshe Leiser’s starkly brooding production had critics raving that Keenlyside’s superb singing, coupled with his deftly delineated three-dimensional Hamlet, was one of the greatest examples of operatic drama of our time. The cast includes Marlis Petersen as the long suffering Ophélie, who brilliantly shows why her mad scene is so justly famous, along with Jennifer Larmore and James Morris as Gertrude and Claudius.
Insights
Plot Summary
This production of Ambroise Thomas's opera 'Hamlet' brings Shakespeare's tragic Danish prince to the operatic stage. The story follows Hamlet's descent into madness and his quest for revenge against his uncle Claudius, who murdered his father and married his mother. The opera incorporates elements of Shakespeare's play, including Hamlet's famous soliloquies and his tragic love for Ophelia, all set to Thomas's lush and dramatic musical score.
Critical Reception
The 2010 Metropolitan Opera production of 'Hamlet' received a mixed to positive reception. Critics often lauded the vocal performances, particularly Simon Keenlyside's portrayal of the tormented prince. The production's staging and costumes were generally appreciated for their visual appeal, though some found the interpretation of the opera to be somewhat conventional. Audience response was generally favorable, drawn to the star power of the cast and the grandeur of the Met.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for the powerful vocal performances, especially Simon Keenlyside as Hamlet.
The production's visual design was often highlighted as a strong element.
Some critics found the interpretation to be traditional rather than groundbreaking.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific opera broadcast is not readily available.
Fun Fact
This production marked the Met premiere of Ambroise Thomas's 'Hamlet', despite the opera having been composed in 1868.
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