Johannes Schaaf's production of NOZZE DI FIGARO premiered at Covent Garden in 1987 Figaro - Claudio Desderi Countess - Carol Vaness Susanna - Marie McLaughlin Count - Thomas Allen Antonio - Federico Davia conductor - Bernard Haitink
@drtmuir Allen is such a great actor, I love how (in real life) he is a kind-hearted, almost shy person, but he knows how to come across as a douchebag as Count Almaviva- especially in the MET version, where he looks imperious, aristocratic and even mean. I find the ROH version more fun, warmer though. Mind you, Kathy Battle was sublime, but she has no humor, no lightness compared to Marie McLaughlin or even Mirella Freni.
Have you noticed the explosive chemistry between Thomas Allen and Carol Vaness, as scene partners? I love how they get it on - compared to the Salzburg version with the Russian singer, Allen is definitely more "chaste" with her, hehe. :)
@drtmuir I agree with you, although (regarding the MET production) it was a real treat for me to see my two favorites together, Ruggero Raimondi AND Thomas Allen- explosive!!! You're right to call the ROH production a party- you get the sense that they don't just play a role, they're having fun doing it as well. Something I didn't sense with the MET production, for some reason.
Perhaps the director tried to reflect the "spirt of the times" to some extent. After all, this was a period of great social upheaval with servants increasingly standing up to their masters. So making Figaro less charming and more aggressive does make sense in such a context.
My answer doesn't want to come appear for some reason (damn you RU-vid), but just type "Thomas Allen, In touch with life" (the name of the documentary) and you will see it. Enjoy!
I was thinking of that, it,s funny because Carol Vaness is the total opposite of his wife, physically (voluptuous brunette to a tall, blond, very English lady). ;)
