'Die Fledermaus' is one of my all-time favourite operettas (and one of my favourite works overall from Johann "The Waltz King" Strauss II). It has hilarious witty dialogue, memorable characters, a fun story and above all sparkling music. It has been adapted into a ballet version called 'Il Pipistrello' and extremely well.
Very occasionally there are parts that veer towards the pantomimic and frenetic, but there is big emphasis on the occasionally and it doesn't feel that big a criticism. The rest of the choreography is incredibly witty and creative, to me the production does sparkle like champagne and never once falls flat.
Production values-wise, the props and sets are minimal but one does not mind at all because the sets are also lavish and one loves the brightness of the colours which helps the ballet's farcical nature. The costumes likewise and there is some atmospheric use of lighting. It is very well served on the DVD, with the picture, sound and video directing of high quality.
Strauss' music and themes have been brilliantly adapted here, accentuated by the orchestra playing it with verve and nuance and the alert yet sympathetic and excellently synchronised conducting.
Roland Petit's choreography is creative, witty and full of grace at the same time. It is beautifully danced by the excellent corps-De-Ballet, and by a suitably prim and vampish Alessandra Ferri (dancing sublimely as always), Massimo Murru giving his character a lot of competent charm and especially a hilarious Luigi Bonino (who makes the production).
In summary, great production. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Very occasionally there are parts that veer towards the pantomimic and frenetic, but there is big emphasis on the occasionally and it doesn't feel that big a criticism. The rest of the choreography is incredibly witty and creative, to me the production does sparkle like champagne and never once falls flat.
Production values-wise, the props and sets are minimal but one does not mind at all because the sets are also lavish and one loves the brightness of the colours which helps the ballet's farcical nature. The costumes likewise and there is some atmospheric use of lighting. It is very well served on the DVD, with the picture, sound and video directing of high quality.
Strauss' music and themes have been brilliantly adapted here, accentuated by the orchestra playing it with verve and nuance and the alert yet sympathetic and excellently synchronised conducting.
Roland Petit's choreography is creative, witty and full of grace at the same time. It is beautifully danced by the excellent corps-De-Ballet, and by a suitably prim and vampish Alessandra Ferri (dancing sublimely as always), Massimo Murru giving his character a lot of competent charm and especially a hilarious Luigi Bonino (who makes the production).
In summary, great production. 9/10 Bethany Cox
