Rigoletto Hits the Jackpot

Although some critics complained, this production was a huge success with audiences.

Metropolitan Opera. New York City. April 16, 2013. I'm not a fan of transforming classic opera into modern dress and locales, but sometimes it works spectacularly well. The Met's new production of Verdi's ever-popular Rigoletto, is set in 1960s Las Vegas, and the production is the star of this show. The Met's huge stage and resources are turned into something akin to a Las Vegas stage show, replete with Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. While it's a far cry from 16th century Italy, the music and lyrics remain untouched, and the singing is as glorious as one expects from the Metropolitan Opera. I was seated in the middle of the sixth row of the orchestra, and this fabulous seat engulfed me into the production. Even though the story is a tragedy, this very creative way of presenting it was exciting and, given the choice of attending yet another

traditional production (and I've attended many) or this Las Vegas entry, I'd choose the Met's new production any day.

et in 1960s Las Vegas, rather than 1500s Mantua, Italy, the stage show is as gaudy as one would expect.