urbanSTL

I suppose this is pretty good news. So the Kiel Opera would be used as a theatrical venue. Isn't that what the Fox Theater is? Not to be a downer, but why do we need two? What are the similarities/dissimilarities?

I work in the theatre business professionally as a scenic designer. I go to Chicago for most of my theatre work, but also work here in town and occasionally NYC. There are SO MANY different types of theatre. But it all breaks down to two basic types: Musical theatre and non-musical theatre. Although the Fox has an outstanding reputation, people in the business consider musical Broadway and touring shows as the "sell-out" end of the theatrical spectrum. I do not mean that in a negative way, they have their place, but the main purpose for a producer to fund these large shows is to make money. I have seen shows on Broadway that have SO much scenery and spectacle that you might as well go see a movie. Personally, that defeats the purpose of live theatre. But again, it has it's place and there are many amazing things it has to offer. The other end of the spectrum (independent not for prophet companies) uses theatre as an artistic expression where it is more about the vision or an artistic collaborative group (Director and Designers and Acting company).



Having said that, the size and layout of Kiel does not support smaller artistically driven shows. However, the article states that there are 4 adjoining smaller theatres attached which could allow resident theatres to produce their work simultaneously with a large touring show. There is as much variety in theatre as there is in movies. And St. Louis does not get half of the touring shows that are out there. Therefore, another venue in town simply adds much needed variety to a relatively secluded local audience.



Another thought, if Kiel were ever to be used as it was originally intended, it would house a year-round OPERA company. The facility has, afterall been compared side by side to the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC, one of the best in the world.But you can't pull a large scale opera company out of thin air. And the folks at Opera Theatre of St. Louis is not interested in moving into such a facility or becoming year round.



Regarding the political jab, It was just a little joke not intended to insult, or even worth remarking on. I agree, not what this forum is about. Just a joke.

Thanks for the great explanation, Magnatron...

No problem

What's the story with Opera Theater St. Louis? Where are they based?

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

DeBaliviere wrote:What's the story with Opera Theater St. Louis? Where are they based?

St. Louis.





Duh!

Yuk-yuk. Just wasn't sure if they perform out of Webster U., somewhere in Grand Center, etc.

They just built a new building on Webster University's Campus and perform out of the Loretto-Hilton Theater.

They're season runs from May through July. They share the same shop facilities as the Rep, but have a brand new building on campus for Administration and rehearsals. The new building is really boosting their reputation with top of the line commodities. I worked in the Props dept. a few years ago (I went to Webster) and may be designing for them in the near future. But in the 7 years I have been away, they have grown tremendously. They really produce top notch stuff, with some of the countries best singers as well as nationally and internationally recognized directors, designers and conductors. St. Louis Symphony orchestra provides the orchstration. A lot of other cities are following in OTSL's footsteps as far as broadening their audiences by performing Operas in english. They also try to have a world premiere of a new opera each season. In my personal opinion, the only drawback is a very short season.

If they are only doing the operas in English, I would actually consider that a drawback. Plus I can't remember the last time they did anything like The Magic Flute or something more classical. I'm not against showing different things and more contemporary hits but you gotta throw the classics in more often. Most Contemporary Opera Houses have translations going on at the same time, but I find translations of operas to comprable to trasnlations of poetry... often good but always at least slightly inferior to the original in terms of rhythm, musicality, and all of the things that go into lyrics balanced against retaining literal meaning. Translation is a tricky business. I prefer to hear the German or Italian and follow a literal translation along with.

If they are only doing the operas in English, I would actually consider that a drawback. Plus I can't remember the last time they did anything like The Magic Flute or something more classical.

They just did the Magic Flute a few years ago. This last season they did Hansel and Greteland Barber of Seville, two classics, as well as two contemporaries.

They do four operas a season, usually 2 classics, a romantic, and a contemporary. For example, the 2007 season is Guillbert and Sullivan's The Mikado, Verdi's La Traviata, Bellini's I Puritani, and a world premiere of David Carlson's Anna Karenina. To a certain extent, I agree about the tranlsations losing certain aspects, but at the same time, There is not a large enough audience base here to support that. I am not saying St. Louis audiences are not intellectual, but what they are doing is making it something that can be accessible to a wider range of people, thus ideally expanding a knowledge of the artform to future generations. Also, there is a difference between an Opera Theatre Festival and an Opera Company. Opera Theatre reaches out to most everyone as I explained. Opera in it's original format is accessible in most cases to a higher society, or individuals with a seasoned taste, experience, and knowledge of opera (Season Ticket holders to the MET) Needless to say some companies try to be both.

I've learned a lot. I work at WGHS and I didn't even know Webster U had the STL Opera Co there. Much less that STL had an Opera company.

trent wrote:I've learned a lot. I work at WGHS and I didn't even know Webster U had the STL Opera Co there. Much less that STL had an Opera company.

Can anyone think of another city whose cultural assets are so spread out? Most cities seem to have their museums and performing arts venues downtown. Webster U. is a great asset to STL, but I'd love to have its theater downtown instead of in the burbs.

I know. Especially considering that there is a dormant OPERA HOUSE downtown...

An exercise: Examine the Board of Directors of OTSL and determine how many of them are members, former members or relatives of former members of Civic Progress. Then determine how many members of Civic Progress were members of Kiel Partners. Then talk amongst yourselves.

I love to see Webster get a MetroLink stop...along with Kirkwood. I think that would really help connect the University with the rest of the city. Right now it's very secluded.

I've learned a lot. I work at WGHS and I didn't even know Webster U had the STL Opera Co there. Much less that STL had an Opera company.

Not just an Opera Company. It really is considered world-class by Opera Buffs. I would go check them out this season. You will be impressed.



http://www.opera-stl.org/Default.aspx

stlmike wrote:Especially considering that there is a dormant OPERA HOUSE downtown...

Driving by tonight, I noticed lights on the east and north side of the 2nd and 3rd floors. Anyone know of current activity?

A phantom, perhaps?

most likely a phantom

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

Magnatron wrote:This strand is eerily quiet.... Why do I have the feeling that absolutely nothing is happening with the Opera House?

Because nothing is happening with the Opera House.

Are they still scared because Larry Rice still claims he has "dibs" on the place, just like the federal building next door?

^ Doubt it. I think he's too busy with another facility he's pining for.

innov8ion wrote:^ Doubt it. I think he's too busy with another facility he's pining for.

?

Which property?