La Vie Parisienne

Synopsis

This 1991 production by the Lyon National Opera presents a welcome opportunity to revel in a uniquely Gallic confection rarely seen outside France. It's also a chance to enjoy one of Offenbach's most inventive, melodic scores in which the starring musical role and many of the best tunes go to the orchestra, here conducted by Jean-Yves Ossonce. This is no accident: the operetta was originally created for a company of actors who relied on pastiche and the composer's help to get them through their "numbers". Not so these singers, of course. As Metella, the languorous courtesan who is responsible for the unravelling debacle, Helene Delavault is in meltingly good voice for her show-stopping rondeau, "A minuit sonnant commence la fete". Her sparring suitors Gardefeu (Jean-Francois Sivadier) and, particularly, Bobinet (Jacques Verzier) combine marvellous visual comedy with fluid singing and there is some dazzling vocal work from the supporting cast. It's a long piece, but hugely enjoyable.

Main Cast

Hélène Delavault

Métella

Age : N/A | Popularity : 2%

Jean-François Sivadier

Raoul de Gardefeu

Age : N/A | Popularity : 5%

Jacques Verzier

Bobinet

Age : N/A | Popularity : 0%

Jean-Yves Chatelais

Baron de Gondremarck

Age : 69 | Popularity : 7%

Claire Wauthion

Baronne de Gondremarck

Age : N/A | Popularity : 12%

Isabelle Mazin

Gabrielle

Age : N/A | Popularity : 8%

Pierre Berriau

Prosper

Age : N/A | Popularity : 21%

Caroline Chaniolleau

Leonie

Age : N/A | Popularity : 24%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Sound	Original Music Composer	Jacques Offenbach
Writing	Writer	Henri Meilhac Ludovic Halévy
Directing	Director	Alain Françon Pierre Cavassilas
Department	Role	Name

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