Opera North’s La Rondine at the Lowry Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Lucy Gwilliam
I love an opera and every opportunity that I can attend, I try my best. I especially like Opera North performances and was thrilled to be invited to attend their latest performance of La Rondine. I have never seen the show before but I love Puccini Operas and I could not wait to attend. I visited the Lowry Theatre in Salford with my husband last night and was not disappointed.
La Rondine, also known as The Swallow, originated during a period of conflict, premiering in the midst of the First World War for its perceived frivolity, Italian audiences, seeking distraction during these challenging times became to love the show. Puccini, a constant reviser of his operas, never gave it a final stamp of approval and passed away before doing so.
Directed by James Hurley, this production is a notable feature of Opera North’s highly praised Green Season, and its significance extends beyond the dominating presence of a large vase of stunningly beautiful flowers in the initial scenes. Flowers have a huge presence throughout the second and third act, which is a lovely use of prop.
The production set in 1930s, Paris with all the women adorned in beautiful, the era-appropriate dresses all looked beautiful. Costume designer Gabrielle Dalton and the wardrobe department achieved this feat using pre-existing materials, sourcing from old costumes and vintage dresses. I love this style of fashion and they certainly executed it to a high standard.
Alternating between humour and sorrow, the opera reaches a tense conclusion as Magda, the courtesan, faces an unsettling fate. Instead of the typical Puccinian resolution involving a cathartic death or a happy ending, Magda, resolute in preventing her past from harming her naïve lover Ruggero, leaves him heartbroken. She sadly returns to the luxurious but confining life she had desperately tried to leave behind throughout the entire opera.
A youthful cast delivers enchanting melodies, and the 1930s glamour shines through in a production that proudly upholds its eco-friendly values, narrative unfolds as a touching and engaging story. You will not be disillusioned,
Puccini’s score for La Rondine is exquisite, characterized by rich orchestration and sweeping melodies that evoke deep emotions, particularly in the poignant love duets between Magda and Ruggero towards the opera’s conclusion. Originally envisioned as an operetta but ultimately given the full operatic treatment, it also includes lively dance rhythms such as Viennese waltzes, foxtrots, polkas, and even the tango. The grand scenic elements create an atmosphere that amplifies the dream-like quality of Magda’s romantic journey.
Overall, it was a wonderful production and we had an excellent evening. I really enjoyed everything about it, from the stunning costumes, the outstanding vocals, to the magnificent orchestra. I would recommend that if you love a love story and a beautiful production, then you definitely need to watch La Rondine. I would rate this performance 5/5.
Tickets can be purchased from https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/la-rondine/ and start at £16.
Running time is 2 hours 5 minutes including a 20 minute interval.
Rating: 5/5