Prima Donna

Synopsis

Régine Saint Laurent, once the world’s most revered soprano, is preparing for her return to the stage after six years of silence. But Régine is haunted by the memory of her last performance: her finest hour, mysteriously cut short. Now, with her audience expectant and her supporters relying on her, can she defeat her demons and emerge triumphantly once more into the spotlight?

Our Review:

13 July 2009

Originally intended as a piece for the New York Metropolitan Opera but later dropped due to a dispute over the language of the libretto, Rufus Wainwright’s first full length opera Prima Donna makes its debut, in an Opera North production, as part of this years Manchester International Festival.

Sung in French, the original story concerns faded and forlorn opera singer Regine Saint Laurent (Janis Kelly) who is planning a return to the stage in her most famous role following a six year absence. The reason for her withdrawal from public performance provides the backbone of the plot and as the story progresses all gradually becomes clear. What is less clear, however, are the motives for the planned return to the stage. Is it Madame Saint Laurent herself who desires her comeback or are the plans being driven by her butler and confidante Philippe?

Jonathan Summers plays Philippe, a character with comic and, at times, pantomimic qualities that serve t...

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