Margherita D’Anjou

Giacomo Meyerbeer’s 1820 opera—inspired by England’s 15th-century Queen Margaret—receives a bold modern-day adaptation in director Alessandro Talevi’s 2017 Festival della Valle d’Itria production. Much of the staging is set within a punk-chic fashion show, with the characters sporting brilliantly outrageous theatrical garb while pacing the catwalk. Modern technology and contemporary obsessions with reality TV and social media also are evident, with video cameras and cell phones in the hands of cast members. Remarkably, the experiment pays off, with the complex plotlines involving Middle Ages monarchial turf wars, disguises, and regal egos nicely shoehorned into the bump-and-grind strutting of the present-day fashion sphere. Giulia De Blasis is a commanding physical and vocal presence in the title role, while Gaia Petrone is equally memorable as Isaura, who is driven to excessive extremes to regain the love of her husband, the Duke of Lavarenne, who left her for the widowed queen. In the scene-stealing comic supporting role of Michele Gamautte, Marco Filippo Romano makes melodic mischief. This presentation marks the DVD debut of this rarely-revived Meyerbeer work, and while one can hope that a more traditional interpretation will eventually appear, this playfully imaginative riff is a delightful treat for today’s audiences. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo, this is highly recommended. (P. Hall)