Salome

Judea, 30 A.D.: Princess Salome hears the voice of the imprisoned prophet Jochanaan (John the Baptist) rising over the voices of guests feasting at Herod's palace and demands to be taken to him, only her advances are rebuffed by the holy man. Returning to the court, Salome agrees to dance for the king, provided he grant her wish for the head of the man who spurned her, after which Salome passionately addresses her new trophy before the crowd (shocking even this notably dissipated bunch) and, revolted by Salome's actions, Herod orders her death. This 1990 production of Richard Strauss's musical drama based on the poem by Oscar Wilde is traditional in appearance, with the black and white costuming offset only by Salome's red cloak. Catherine Malfitano rises admirably to the physical and vocal demands of the part, though her emotional range is confined to a series of wide-eyed stares (the famous dance of the seven veils struck me as clumsy and awkward as Salome performs in diaphanous robes, finally discarded in a brief moment of frontal nudity), while Simon Estes has a magnificent voice and commanding presence as Jochanaan. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)