Verdi's Rigoletto
A plot summary of Rigoletto can be found at http://rick.stanford.edu/opera/Verdi/Rigoletto/synopsis.html
The libretto of Rigoletto in Italian, along with a translation into Spanish, can be found at http://www.terra.es/personal/ealmagro/rigoletto/acto1.htm
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Welsh National Opera
RIGOLETTO Verdi
25, 28 June and 2 July 2010 at 7.15pm
Birmingham the following week: 7 & 9 July
Internationally acclaimed baritone Simon Keenlyside returns to WNO to make his debut in the title role of Rigoletto. James Macdonald's vividly realised production sets Verdi's thriller in 1960s Washington D.C.
Rigoletto
Simon Keenlyside
Gilda Sarah Coburn
The Duke of Mantua Gwyn Hughes Jones, replaced by Shaun Dixon, on 25 June (I don't know about other dates)
Monterone Michael Druiett
Sparafucile David Soar
Maddalena Leah-Marian Jones
Director James Macdonald
Designer Robert Innes Hopkins
Lighting Designer Simon Mills
Choreographers Stuart Hopps and Frances Newman
Sung in Italian with English and Welsh surtitles
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". . . Keenlyside's vigorous presentation of Rigoletto -- reminiscent in his shameless display of deformity of Antony Sher as Richard III -- had a potent appeal, especially in scenes with the delightful Gilda -- a schoolgirl in her white socks and headband -- as portrayed by the American soprano Sarah Coburn."--Christopher Gray, The Oxford Times
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"Keenlyside's portrayal was uncompromising in the power of its invective, though at moments it seemed vocally overwrought as he attacked the high baritone tessitura with manic energy."--Nigel Jarrett, South Wales Argus
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"I have been looking forward to Keenlyside's Rigoletto since chatting with him two years ago when he judged the Welsh Singers Competition . . .. And while I would prefer to see him in a different production -- where he does not fiddle with leg strappings -- this was a well crafted performance. The despair was there at the end of the evening but some of the contrast between buffoon and tormented soul was lacking."--Mike Smith, Western Mail
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"It's hard to believe that Keenlyside is new to the role, when his embodiment of the embittered but vulnerable Rigoletto is so complete. As his resentment towards his boss -- for whom he fixes and pimps as well as lampooning -- becomes pure poison, Keenlyside's voice reflects an acute volatility. But while Rigoletto is sardonic and vengeful, he is also racked with the pain of his wife's death and of love for his daughter, Gilda."--Rian Evans, The Guardian, 4 stars
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". . . baritone Simon Keenlyside was absolutely smashing as Rigoletto . . .."--In the Dark
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Review: Rigoletto, by Welsh National Opera, at Birmingham Hippodrome, Richard Bratby, Birmingham Post
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Reviews at simonkeenlyside.info
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Review, Opera Britannia
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Review, thisissuttoncoldfield.co.uk
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Rigoletto items at Giuseppe Verdi aStore
Rigoletto recordings at gemm.com
For discussion of Rigoletto, please visit the Rigoletto Club.