The entire ensemble of this performance is absolutely homogeneous, which has to be a must with this opera. In addition to the great vocal performances, there is an enormous playfulness that is second to none. Just like Junbum Lee as Basilio, the ravishingly queer Master of Ceremony in this labyrinthine Wedding studio is sensational. Sebastian Ellrich's pink-tinted stage is as perfect a fit as Sandra Münchow's beautifully crafted costumes. This perfect coordination with the director, who is now in fact conjuring up a fantastic day on stage, ensures that the over-the-top comedy doesn't turn into slapstick
The fact that the ensemble of the Theater Freiburg has been acting at the highest level, especially in terms of vocals, is impressively demonstrated by this production. In addition to the main actors Butterfly and Benjamin F. Pinkterton, sung and played by Irina Jae Eun Park and Joshua Kohl, especially the Characters by Suzuki and Sharpless, who are portrayed more than formidably by Inga Schäfer and Anja Jung as well as John Carpenter. Through their impressive acting and musical achievements, the dramaturgy, which becomes more and more overwhelming in the course of the play, is made even more tangible. (...) " Madama Butterfly" manages in an impressive way to captivate the audience with a current topic and showsthat a form of theater that is difficult to access, especially for young audiences, can be made accessible.
A butterfly has four lives – or rather stages of development. The last two are certainly the most exciting: the chrysalis and chrysalis and the brief existence as a moth. It is only at this stage that we really perceive him in his beauty paired with vulnerability. Like the US naval officer Benjamin F. Pinkerton in Giacomo Puccini's opera "Madama Butterfly", who, impressed by the exoticism and beauty of the title character, "bought" it like a toy, like a doll, in order to relax after a few pleasant hours turn away from her. Without knowing that this "pairing" was not without consequences. Why should he be more interested in this butterfly? Puccini's opera does that. And that is the reason why it has touched us so deeply and painfully ever since the triumph of its revised version in 1904. Because she lets you empathize with the title character and shows insistently what a lack of respect can trigger.
It's a really great evening at the opera! ... Joshua Kohl is a vocally sovereign partner of the Mainguené. ... Under conductor Ektoras Tartanis, the colors change perfectly into one another. Directed by Peter Carp, perfectly synchronized with the actions on stage or vice versa , the actions have been set to the music. The Freiburg theater awaits ... with a complete and well-rounded opera experience.
The best and most typical contribution of its creator. Now Jules Massenet's Opéra-comique had its premiere at the Freiburg Theater - which was only half full due to the pandemic. The first major music theater company at the house since Corona. It may even have been a Freiburg premiere – nothing to the contrary could be ascertained. It was staged by the director. "Director Peter Carp focuses on the relationship between Manon and Des Grieux," the program booklet faithfully announces. "What else?", one tends to politely comment on this project.
