In Brief: HGO's Falstaff

I had meant to elaborate on Houston Grand Opera’s production of Verdi’s Falstaff,* but this graphic from LA Opera sums it up perfectly.

The supporting cast ranged from excellent (Patricia Racette as Alice Ford) to not quite there (Jesus Garcia’s Fenton). The acting was superb all around. The production by Olivier Tambosi and stage direction sparkled with great comic timing. Conductor Patrick Summers did a fine job with the score, etc., etc.

But Bryn Terfel is the story of this production (starting next weekend in LA). He’s hilarious – whether buffooning, pitiable, or unrepentant – and always the center of attention. I have never had more fun at the opera and any other night out is going to have to go a long way to top this Falstaff.

See also: Houston Press, Houston Chronicle & Dallas Morning News (via a Terfel fan site).

* To be headed with the awful pun “Bryn there, done that.” It was too groan-inducing to not share.