BWW Review: THE MIDSUMMER MARRIAGE, Southbank Centre
In 1955 Michael Tippett introduced his first opera The Midsummer Marriage to a grey, post-war society desperate for some joy and optimism. It has divided the critics, with detractors pointing to the awkward libretto and fans in raptures with the sumptuous score. It is certainly a huge piece for the London Philharmonic Orchestra's new Principal Conductor, Edward Gardner, to conduct as his debut. However, the result was enthralling.
Sean Gormley & David Lansbury to Lead Reading of KING FISHERS CATCH FIRE at Irish Rep
The Irish Repertory Theatre, which 'encourages the development of works focusing on the Irish and Irish-American experience, and produces works of other cultures interpreted through the lens of an Irish sensibility,' continues the 10th season of the Irish Rep Reading Series. A staged reading of Robin Glendinning's play King Fishers Catch Fire will be held on Friday, March 25, at 3pm EST at the DR2 Theater, (the Irish Repertory Theatre's temporary home during recent renovations). The Irish Rep's literary manager, Kara Manning, will direct the reading. Tickets are FREE, and the event is open to the public. An RSVP to 212-727-2737 is suggested.
Listen to Tippett's THE MIDSUMMER MARRIAGE at the Royal Opera Hall
Last heard at the Proms in 1977, The Midsummer Marriage is Tippett's answer to Mozart's The Magic Flute, an opera rich in symbolism and psychology, trials and transformations. Paul Groves and Erin Wall are Mark and Jenifer, Ailish Tynan and Allan Clayton, Bella and Jack, two couples tested by a series of supernatural interventions on the shortest night of the year.
Animal Planet Premieres OFF THE HOOK: EXTREME CATCHES Tonight, 7/29
Showtime Eric Young is about to embark on the ultimate amateur angling road trip and quench his thirst for adventure on Animal Planet's new series OFF THE HOOK: EXTREME CATCHES. Premiering tonight, July 29, at 9 PM (ET/PT), each half-hour episode follows Young as he crisscrosses the country to try his hand at various fishing practices, ranging from wildly dangerous to all-out weird!