Elektra

By Richard Strauss
Lyric Opera

This was a reasonable opening, but it won't be the highlight of the season. In fact, so far it is my least favorite for a few reasons.

First, there is the one-dimensionality of the story. Elektra is a story of revenge...and that is...pretty much it. Elektra's father was killed and she wants to avenge his death. Done. Okay, it is slightly more nuanced, but there really is no more story.

Second, it is thankfully short. But, remember the Batman movies and the feeling you have turned into a vampire, because there is no hint of daylight? Well, there is no hint of daylight here. The photo above, this is all we saw, all we looked at for the entire length of the opera. The lighting was blue, very blue - just like that. It was crumbly, sad, a little goofy and weird.

Third, the casting. Christine Goerke delivered a solid performance. And, she was surrounded by, hate to say it, mediocre talent. Fortunately, this is almost a one-woman show, so it's not a major problem. But, it was a minor one.

Now, let's talk about opening night. Once again. It's crazy. Lyric's lobby is not the right space for a party of this size. Think elbows in your face all night long. I love the festive air and the dresses and the tuxes, but the space and the strange fight for food - well, it is just comical almost.

So, this opera, as mentioned, is short. Minute per dollar, it's not a fantastic bargain. In years past, Lyric feeds its hungry patrons on opening night before and between acts. This is a one-act opera, so they were like - we'll save a little money between acts two and three, but what do we do to give people what they came for? I know, we'll give them food before and after the opera, giving us this awkward feeling afterwards of "What is this?" and "How long do we stay?" I remember popcorn afterwards and a ton of meat (no vegetarian chose that menu) before the show.

The entire experience is so strange and such a mixture of high class and an elbow-pushing fight for food in a cramped space - that it is like a must-attend event every year - just for the spectacle, in every sense of the word, for me. And, then - in classy fashion we get to dismantle and steal the flowers at the end. And, well, that's just plain, old-fashioned fun.

I already can't wait for next season's opening night. I have a feeling I'll be there. I wonder what I'll wear...