Cannot believe Bethany Cox hasn't written a review of this opera. It is so well done, but I always expect to see her reviews after I watch one of the Great Performances series. Updated to the 1930s by the film's director, in his interview after the production, he stated that like the original 1780s time setting of Mozart's work, the 1930s was one of impending political and world chaos. During such times, the sexual shenanigans which are so much a part of this opera are supposedly especially pronounced. The only problem I had was the costume designed for Susanna - it was of relatively dour colors, and failed to bring out the obvious attraction that her character was eliciting in virtually all the male leads. Isobel Leonard took my breath away on more than one occasion with her beautiful singing in the role of Cherubino, while Peter Mattei was also impressive as the Count who is so frustrated again and again by the machinations of those around him. Honestly, it is most unusual for an opera to make me laugh out loud as I did during this performance on more than one occasion. I only write reviews when none exist previously, so I hope this will satisfy those who, like me, had a thoroughly enjoyable time watching this production of one of Mozart's most delightfully diverting compositions.
