Metropolitan Opera Archives

The reinstatement in the repertory of Offenbach's La Perichole can only be greeted with unmitigated enthusiasm. It is an enchanting work, beautifully staged and, with only a few reservations, splendidly produced. This performance did not offer a "feast of voices." By and large, the voices were fair to middling, except for Anna Moffo, who sang the title part very well indeed. But it did give the audience a thoroughly enjoyable evening, which is more than can be said for a lot of operas. For those who are inclined to look down on Offenbach, let it only be said that more real musicianship, fantasy and genius is required to write a frivolous piece like this than is evident in a great many profound works of that (or any other) period.

Besides the admirable Miss Moffo the three cousins - Dorothy Coulter, Joan Wall and Lynn Blair (who made her Metropolitan debut) - were new to the cast in this revival. All three gave good accounts of themselves. The two notaries - Andres Veils and Roald Reitan - were also new; they were adequate and that is about all. Cyril Ritchard, also stage director sang the important part of the Viceroy. Considering his modicum of vocal equipment, he did very well, compensating for deficiencies of singing by his superb acting - in the best Offenbach tradition. The orchestra, under Jean Morel, was a bit heavy. In fact, a little more crispness would have made the entire performance even better.

Search by season: 1961-62

Search by title: La Périchole,

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