Remember “Romeo and Juliet”? Two star-crossed lovers from enemy families, who are determined that their love shall conquer all? The pretty speeches, the swooning, the beautiful and gentle girl and the tender, adoring boy? Gaetano Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor” is what happens when “Romeo and Juliet” gets stabby. It’s got the forbidden love, and it’s got the determination for love to conquer all, but it chucks the gentle girl and tender boy in favor of some blood and mayhem. It’s playing at the Metropolitan Opera! (On the Upper West Side, between West 62nd and 65th Streets, and Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues.)
Love, Jealousy, and Song
Even folks who aren’t usually opera goers have heard of “Lucia di Lammermoor”. Fans of the movie “The Fifth Element” have heard Lucia di Lammermoor’s beautiful aria “Il Dolce Suono” sung by the blue alien Diva. That little bit of trivia isn’t the only compelling reason for going to this exciting, emotional opera. The story itself is dynamic and just a bit violent.
The family of Lammermoor Castle, Enrico Ashton and his sister Lucia, have fallen on hard times. Their family fortunes aren’t looking good, and their only hope is Lucia’s arranged marriage to Lord Arturo. Lucia has other plans. She is in love with Edgardo di Ravenswood, leader of her family’s political enemies, and Edgardo returns her love. They intend to wed each other despite their families’ troubles.
Bloody Madness
You can imagine how that ends up. This opera has what many call the best “mad scene” on stage, and a respectable amount of blood to go with it. There’s jealousy, heartbreak, and plenty of death, all sung with tremendous skill.
Seastreak encourages all star-crossed lovers to reconsider their hasty actions, and take a ride on one of our ferries instead. Romance your love while looking out over the water, and maybe spend the day in Atlantic Highlands or Manhattan.
Sea you soon!
The Seastreak Family
Filed Under: Lucia di Lammermoor, Uncategorized