So I saw my first two operas this past week. I never thought I would see an opera. My parents never went to see operas and Tim Taylor from "Home Improvement" made them seem unbearable. So when my husband asked me if I would come see Faust, I wasn't thrilled about the idea. He told me a bit of the story line - a guy selling his soul to the devil to be young again - and I thought, "Hmm, that could be interesting." Another concern I had about going to an opera was the language barrier. My husband assured me this wouldn't be an issue since subtitles are projected for the audience. Still, I was worried that I would miss all the action on stage because my eyes would be glued to the words. So with some doubts and concerns, I made my way to the theater.
Upon walking in, I received a program. And to my lovely surprise, inside that program I found a synopsis of Faust - as well as all the other shows. I felt a sigh of relief wash over me. I could now read what the opera was about before it happened so that I wouldn't be completely distracted by the subtitles. I did have to pause for a moment however, and think, "Wouldn't reading the synopsis ruin the surprise of the show for me?" Then I thought to myself, "Self, it will be hard enough to read the subtitles and watch the show at the same time and try to keep up on the story line. Why not give yourself the advantage and read the synopsis?" Okay, but only one act at a time.
The show started and the subtitles were projected. Now weather or not this was a blonde moment for me, I had a huge revelation occur during the first five minutes of the show - I read faster than the actors sing. And of course this is obvious once you think about it. I was amazed to find that I could read the words then watch what they were doing on stage and not miss a beat. I also found that the English translations were like cliff notes and made the show much easier to understand.
Now I don't know what I imaged the opera like, but it was probably something similar to a vocal performance - with a very poor story line. But to my amazement yet again, the opera has just as good of story lines as musical theatre. Faust kept my attention the entire time.
I caught up with my husband after the show and was happy to explain to him that I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the opera. It was very well done and I could read the show and watch it at the same time. He smiled, said "Oh good," and proceeded to tell me that we were going to see Tosca - the other opera - the following night. I was excited! My husband had also never seen an opera but I assured him that it would be great.
And it was great! I enjoyed Tosca more than Faust. The story line was about two lovers trying to save each other during the French revolution. Tosca felt more like a play in that their singing was presented as dialogue rather than a song to push the story along. Also, there was more interaction between characters. And it had its good share of funny moments. Although it was a tragic ending, it was a great story that kept my interest. (And no, I did not ruin it for those of you who are planning on seeing it because you can read all about it in the synopsis before the show starts. :)
I like the opera now and I can't wait to see my next one!
Kudos to all the performers, directors, and deisgners at the Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre Company. Tosca and Faust were incredible!
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