Rigoletto ranks among Verdi’s most popular and recognizable works. Opera fans may be attracted by its stunning score and classic Verdi themes such as doomed love affairs and father-daughter relationships. However, the opera has even wider 
fame. Its arias “La donna e mobile” and “Caro nome” have permeated pop culture, from a Doritos Super Bowl ad to a segment on Sesame Street (Renee Fleming sang the song “12345” to the melody of “Caro nome”). This month, Chicagoans can experience this work in two vastly different settings.
The Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Rigoletto opens on Feb. 25 and runs throughout March. This production presents the piece in its traditional time period and setting, sixteenth century Mantua. In contrast, New York’s Metropolitan Opera will broadcast its newly commissioned production, set in 1960s Las Vegas, as part of the Met: Live in HD series.
While opera purists prefer traditional productions, the Met’s Rigoletto is emblematic of the prevalent trend of modernizing operas to reach new audiences. Director Michael Mayer promises that his Las Vegas setting is “timeless and universal”, but Rigoletto seems to be enduring the test of time just fine.
For a complete schedule of the Met: Live in HD season, visit www.FathomEvents.com. Information on the Lyric’s Rigoletto and the remainder of its season is online at www.lyricopera.org.
