It’s not a slight exaggeration to say Monaco is the perfect setting for princess nights.
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Stepping through the gate of wonder to the Salle Garnier at the Hôtel de Paris, which has been featured in not one, but two James Bond films (Never Say Never Again and Golden Eye), and the hilarious Madagascar 3, the magic begins and so do the butterflies. Like much of Monte Carlo, with its 360-degree view of the entire Principality, the Hôtel de Paris is built in Belle Epoque style – gilded, mirrored hallways and sky-high frescoed ceilings, stained glass boiseries and steel beams designed by Gustave Eiffel. It is simply stunning.
Honoured to have been invited by Monsieur Paul-Marie Jacques, President of the Association des Amis de l’Opéra, I walk the steps and, with my son, prepare to enjoy Street Scene, directed by Lawrence Foster.
Converted from a play and first performed in Philadelphia in 1946 before a Broadway transfer the following year, this American opera is beautiful with moments of dramatic fire, depicting 48 “hot” summer hours in the lives of an immigrant community in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It centres around Frank’s murder of his unfaithful wife, Anna, and the impact of the tragedy on both their daughter Rose and her shy boyfriend Sam.
Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Elmer Rice (who wrote the book for the opera), Kurt Weill definitively considered the score his masterpiece. My feeling is that the author’s skills lie in his ability to match the community’s diversity with a persistent note of yearning and solitude struck by loneliness and adultery. But the fact that romantic passion can beat in the heart of a neglected wife brings deep feelings to the entire audience throughout the whole story.
It was very well performed, especially at the end of the first act in which musical highlights strongly overtake, vivid and vibrant, and I loved every minute.
Costumes were divinely designed from a palette of cold pastels, the music and tempo were enjoyable, and an impeccable warm lighting kept the audience under the impression that a happy ending would prevail after grieve.
There was only one very real, challenging issue for me: to find a suitable piece of clothing within my sporty, day-to-day wardrobe. The ball outfit. Having just returned from the Swiss Alps, I must admit I was fearful of the last-minute fitting session. I simply did not have enough time or choice. But it all came together when I managed to match (last minute!) a vintage Valentino jumpsuit – rigorously red – with Aquazzurra sandals, a blush skin clutch and Cartier jewellery with a Zara tuxedo jacket.
So, what’s not to love overall? Adrenaline was running high as soon as I landed and drove into the Principality.
I am sure this performance, as a transition between European Opera and what we now know as modern American musical theatre, has marked the audience’s soul in Monaco because of the feeling of community that was carefully conveyed.
My favourite characters and performers were Rose and her fiancé Sam, along with the Academy Rainier III children’s choir.
A champagne gathering with the artists followed, and – not only because the Salle Garnier at the Opera is renowned or the new refurbished setting is exquisite – the atmosphere was elevating and made everyone feel like royalty.
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