Reader Reviews
Madam Butterfly (London Coliseum, West End)
Back to Show Details| Score | Comment | Date |
 | Incredible, moving and so beautiful in every way. Don't miss out on this production, it will stay with you forever - Holly | 08 May 12 |
| Anthony Minghella's sensational Madam Butterfly is definitive for a generation. Everything about this production is perfect. Judith Howarth is adorable in the title role and her painful decision to give up her child so he can have a better life in America is heartbreaking and that is the essential point about Madam Butterfly. Thus, Minghella hits the bullseye spot-on. This Butterfly moves you because it has humour, poignancy and realism (the maid moaning about her knees is one example). Moreover, the music is very sensual -aided by Michael Levine's gorgeous designs and the sublime orchestrations. Blind Summit Theatre's puppets are a wonderful addition, creating an awesome Kubuki Theatre atmosphere. From the thrilling prologue with Butterfly spreadeagled with yards of silk to the tragic final scene with Japanese ladies behind her flashing their fans, there is a magical buzz to this production akin to an aeroplane taking off. It's very exciting and exceptionally beautiful. If there is one opera to die for, this is it. - DJ | 15 Jul 09 |
