Stravinsky: The Rake’s Progress (La Monnaie)

Laura Claycomb (Anne Trulove); Andrew Kennedy (Tom Rakewell); William Shimell (Nick Shadow); Julianne Young (Mother Goose); Dagmar Peckova (Baba the Turk);

Stravinsky’s masterwork The Rake’s Progress, created for La Fenice in Venice in 1951, is based on a libretto by W. H. Auden and Chester Kallman, inspired by a series of 18th century prints by William Hogarth. This amazing production from La Monnaie De Munt jazzifies the setting by replacing Hogarth’s sin city, London, with 1950s Las Vegas, turning it into a glittering, cinematic gallery of tableaux vivants inspired by the early days of television. Staged by one of the most visionary theatre directors of our age, the Québécois Robert Lepage, the neo-classical morality tale truly becomes a grand spectacle. Lepage’s visual imagination works its magic superbly, while Kazushi Ono’s energetic musical direction drives the sparkling ensemble to exhilarating heights. Recorded in High Definition and true surround sound.

Reviews
“Lepage has forged a reputation as one of the most visionary theatre directors of our age…The Rake’s Progress is heading our way, and it promises to be ahighlight of the 2007/8 season.” (The Sunday Times)

“Doubtless Kazushi Ono must take credit for some slickly cinematic pacing. This is a show to be seen and, down to the witty, period and silent menu screens, a model of its kind.” (Gramophone)

Extra features
Interview with stage director Robert Lepage. Behind the scenes and rehearsal footage. Photo gallery. Cast gallery. Illustrated Synopsis.

Laura Claycomb (Anne Trulove); Andrew Kennedy (Tom Rakewell); William Shimell (Nick Shadow); Julianne Young (Mother Goose); Dagmar Peckova (Baba the Turk);