First reviews are in for our reinvented Gianni Schicchi
HOT OFF THE PRESS đź—ž Early reviews are rolling in for Gianni Schicchi (or Where There's A Will) after opening in Southampton at Mayflower Studios last weekend. We're absolutely delighted with the response - here's some excerpts for you along with a link to read the full articles.
The Times “Puccini meets Knives Out; I loved it”
Short excerpt: OperaUpClose’s touring reinvention of Puccini’s one-acter, which opened at the Mayflower Studios in Southampton, is gleefully subversive and deliciously entertaining… READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
Top highlights:
“Hannah Kumari has freely played with the opera’s underlying ideas... the result is genuinely funny”
“Contemporary and genuinely funny”
“Intelligently directed by PJ Harris”
“Puccini meets Knives Out; I loved it”
“Hats off to Vahan Salorian, who has cleverly boiled down Puccini’s score for violin, clarinet, double bass and accordion”
The Stage “an impressive tour de force”
Short excerpt: Best of all, OperaUpClose’s ongoing Ensemble of Storytellers philosophy puts the players on stage – not apologetically in a corner, but costumed and part of the cast. Required to interact, act and speak, as well as play the score from memory. It’s an impressive tour de force and absolutely central to this adaptation’s lightly worn theatrical reimagining. READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
Top highlights:
“A new English text by Hannah Kumari rips up Puccini’s scenario with gleeful abandon”
“an impressive tour de force”
“PJ Harris and OperaUpClose’s zesty reinvention”
“Dan D’Souza’s charismatic Schicchi”
“a clever treatment, matched for imagination by Vahan Salorian’s reduction... transforms Puccini’s orchestra into a four-piece band”
Overtures Live On Stage “fresh and new, a totally enjoyable evening”
Short excerpt: For once a modern interpretation retains all the intrigue and characterisations of the original but very cleverly has shifted everything, believably, to modern day Britain. For anyone that hasn’t seen an OperaUpClose production before part of their magic is that every aspect of the opera is there on stage in front of you, the performers, the musicians, the soloists – each has their role and are very effective as a complete ensemble. READ THE FULL ARTICLE »
Top highlights:
“Fresh and new, a totally enjoyable evening”
“Voices of outstanding quality”
“OperaUpClose is the lifeline that we need”
“Much of the success… to the credit of Artistic Director and CEO Flora McIntosh along with composer Vahan Salorian and librettist Hannah Kumari”
Thank you to everyone who made it along to our premiere and first performances in Southampton. We’re now on the road to Chichester Festival Theatre’s Minerva Theatre for our next stop on the UK Tour (11-12 March). Many venues are close to capacity, so please do book your tickets while you still can at a venue near you.