A night at the Staatstheater opera in Wiesbaden

OK, here's my critical review. Hessen State Opera is not exactly the big leagues so the talent level is never overwhelming and sometimes underwhelming. I thought the soprano seemed very seasoned compared to everyone else. Scarpia was a way better actor than a singer. That's not good. The Tenor was weak, clumsy, no acting skills, and no one even thought of applauding after recondita armonia. That's bad. Production values were underwhelming.

I wouldn't mind going again as the Theater is close for a lot of people, tickets are available and not too expensive, and there are enough watering holes in the neighborhood for drinks before/after. If someone wants to see better ((albeit more expensive) productions then Frankfurt is a goood call.

I believe Die Zauberflöte is coming up soon in Wiesbaden, BTW.

Well, last nights' Tosca wasn't no Maria Callas...but hey it was ok for the price!

And..gasp! My husband confessed that he actually liked the opera! (It was also his first time)

We should all get together for a evening in Frankfurt, I have been wanting to see the inside of the place!

I am a bit confused as to why there was a vacuum cleaner propped against the table...wasn't the setting suposed to be in a period before such inventions???

I'm never clever enough to figure out the interpretations. Tosca wore traditional costume as did the chorus but Scarpia and crew were dressed like street slicks from the 1970's. I found the vacuum cleaner odd, but I guess they put it there to make it clear that it wasn't a traditional production even though it didn't have many other PoMo trappings.

I liked it ok, although I´m not a big opera expert. I just like to go from time to time. Would prefer Frankfurt for the next cultural night out, though. It´s closer for me.

I almost stranded in Wiesbaden last night. barely caught the last S1!!

Enjoyed the evening though.

@Ashley: would have loved to see you and your purse! (and Mr. Ashley, of course ) The interior of the Frankfurt opera is modern. The old building on Opera square (Alte Oper) doesn´t show real operas. They have classical concerts and musicals there. That can be nice too. The interior isn´t spectacular, though. It´s mostly brown wood.