Don Giovanni: Jersey Shore Meets the Bachelor a la Mozart?

Last night I was lucky enough to attend a full dress rehearsal of  Don Giovanni at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.  The Tulsa Opera was kind enough to offer some Tulsa area bloggers tickets to the event for us to experience what is said to be Mozart's most famous opera.  Wait, wait, wait!  Did I lose you already?  Come back! There is some interesting material, I promise. Remember the title of the post?

Photo credit to the Tulsa Opera site

First, here are the main things that I took away from the performance:

A. Even in the 1700's, men were womanizing pigs.
B. Most women are stupid when it comes to womanizing pigs, at least once. Or forever.
C. Opera singers have some serious pipes. Excellent talent.
D. Mozart was a musical genius.

Now, onto the background. I know most of you may need to know. Because, you see, I have exactly 3 close friends that would be elated to attend such theatrical cultured experiences with me; and 2 of those 3 people were there. For starters here is what the opera is about in a nut shell, according to the Tulsa Opera themselves:

"An enticing smile, a wink of the eye… One look from him is all it takes. Don Giovanni is the legendary lothario who loves and leaves women at a shocking rate. Despite the warnings of his faithful servant, he refuses to end his womanizing ways. And, tonight, his game turns deadly. With this captivating music, you might just be the next to fall under his spell.  Tulsa Opera reexamines Mozart’s monumental dark comedy – Don Giovanni- the Spanish legend of Don Juan, the world’s most notorious womanizer."

So, you see in today's terms, it's a bit Jersey Shore and Bachelor, with a hint of Real House Wives of New Jersey.

Ditpic is my friend for opera collages. FTW!

While I enjoyed the show (and yes, they even translate to English for you!), I feel it was lacking a certain grandiose umph. That could be because it was a rehearsal. It wasn't bad by any means, don't get me wrong. It was very enjoyable- and I would encourage everyone to try it. It's a great starter opera. Remember in Pretty Woman when Richard takes Julia to the opera. She's so concerned she won't like it because she doesn't understand the language- then he tells her she doesn't need too? Think of it like that. The music, the vocals in the language of love, they move you. I find opera very relaxing. You'll need to arrive with an open mind of course, but try it! You might just love it.


Mrs. Sinclair