Royal Opera House Runs Performance About Anna Nicole Smith

The idea of an opera based on the late American actress Anna Nicole Smith- one of the largest sex symbols of our generation whose antics had made her the joke of the Hollywood, seems like a poor idea for doing something unique. And that coming from a major group like Covent Garden's Royal Opera House, makes one question the reason behind such a selection for the show protagonist.

However, when the opera titled 'Anna Nicole' finally premiered at the Royal Opera in front of a full capacity crowd, the show ended up to be a highly fascinating, extremely entertaining affair, illustrating the life story of the controversial celebrity in a very touching way. The idea which raised many an eyebrows, proved to be an all out winner for the Covent Garden.

It was observed that the Anna Nicole-based opera, an idea which seemed a complete mismatch on first sight, actually was a perfect one from a technical standpoint. Anna Nicole's life had many collaborative art forms in it and that is what opera is all about.

Songwriter Mark-Anthony Turnage's jazz-influenced modern songs gave the show a rhythm tic, but frequently wild score, perfectly resembling the story of Anna Nicole. Librettist Richard Thomas- the other half of the musical creators, also made a clever use of his libretto skills, which mixed in with Turnage's work. The conductor Antonio Pappano, who is also a jazz admirer just like Turnage, coaxed a thrilling, but delicate sound from the orchestra.

The principal character is played by Eva-Maria Westbroek, whose first on-stage sight makes the crowd think that it is the real Anna Nicole on whom they have set their eyes. The blond haired Westbroek's role is peppered with melodic dialogues, and decorated with Anna Nicole-like loss of mastery over her emotions. Her performance in the opera should be considered nothing less than brilliant and commanding.

Turnage and Thomas' choices of operatic characters were well-admired by the singers as well as the cast of the opera, evident by the boisterous standing ovation that the audience gave to the cast at the end of the show.

By: Arthur Vanderblum

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