Hello, Ragazzi! (Part Four)

I’ve noticed (and no doubt my readers have noticed) that I've been mentioning/referring to Robert Carsen productions frequently in recent posts. This realization made me think. If the Met is going to continue importing some of its “new” productions from other venues (I understand it’s a more economical way to bring in new work than to create every new production from scratch), can we convince them to bring in Robert Carsen’s La Fanciulla del West? Since the Met was the site of Fanciulla’s origin, I think it’s about time we get a new production (or any production for that matter. It’s been 6 years since the last time they presented it.)

Maybe we could cast it with Nina Stemme and Jonas Kaufmann (though I understand he’s travelling outside Europe less due to changes in his domestic life). Alternate tenors: is Brandon Jovanovich ready for this role? He acted a good prince in Rusalka and sang a pretty exciting Florestan in concert a few years ago. How about Anja Kampe or Patricia Racette as Minnie? I am sure there are many other dramatic tenors and sopranos (and barihunks)—who also can act—who could fill out this production. Who would you like to see in a new Fanciulla?

And how about bringing over Carsen’s Tosca (as seen in Zurich—come to think of it, the Met audiences would probably hate that, too) or Midsummer Night’s Dream?  

I am pleased that the Met imported Willy Decker’s Traviata, the Chereau Elektra, and the Kent Lulu. And while the likelihood of my visiting the Met in person to see any performances is not high, it makes me sad to know they’re retiring this Traviata. I also am apprehensive about how/with what they will replace it. I’ve found some recent original productions from the Met disappointing (Tosca, Rusalka, Eugene Onegin, Don Giovanni, [add your least favorite new production here])

That said, I am looking forward to seeing (Robert Carsen’s) Rosenkavalier this spring and Laurent Pelly’s fanciful Cendrillion next year. And I can’t wait to read all the negative reactions to the new Cosi!

Meanwhile, back to my first thought. Come on Mr. Gelb! Bring us the Carsen Fanciulla! Then we can celebrate with “whiskey per tutti!”