JIM reviews film "AIDA" [ + reports on other "OPERA IN CINEMA" offerings ]

“AIDA” – Part of the “OPERA IN CINEMA” series at Front Row Cinema.

Rating: 9 of 10 stars.

The FRONT ROW CINEMA of Columbia College (on the 8th floor at 1104 S. Wabash) has joined the Emerging Pictures nationwide network to screen the “OPERA IN CINEMA” series.

The first offering was the December, 2006 (2 hour 37 minute) version of “AIDA” performed (for the 1st time in 20 years) at the LA SCALA in Milan, Italy [which is now available on BLU-RAY DVD]. It starred Roberto Alagna, Antonello Ceron, Georgio Giuseppini, Carlo Guelfi, Sae Kyung Kamara, Ildiko Komlosi, Marco Spotti, & black actress-singer VIOLETTA URMANA using her soaring voice to achieve a marvelous success in the title role.

Partly because it was directed by the legendary FRANCO ZEFFIRELLI, the staging & overall production (set in ancient EGYPT) was sumptuous & the whole event a clear “Happening” in Milan. I found the costumes striking, the music sounded glorious backing the excellent singers & dancers, and the Hi-Def filming was super CRISP & CLEAR.

Some of the operas were filmed for television (in Italy & elsewhere), & this is the first time they’re being shown on BIG screens. “LA BOHEME” was screened on 9-23-09. Here are upcoming operas at FILM ROW:

“DAS RHEINGOLD” on 10-12 & (7 PM) & 10-18 (2 PM).

“WALKURE” on 10-23 (7 PM) & 10-25 (2 PM).

“DON GIOVANNI” on 11-4 (7 PM) & 11-07 (2 PM).

“COSI FAN TUTTI” on 11-17 (7 PM) & 11-22 (2 PM).

“CARMEN” on 12-7-09 (broadcast LIVE from La Scala at a time TBD).

“IL TROVATORE” on 12-22 (broadcast LIVE from Barcelona’s Gran Teatre Del Liceu at a time TBD).

“RIGOLETTO” on 1-4-10 (7 PM) & 1-10 (2 PM).

“OTELLO” on 1-19 (7 PM) & 1-24 (2 PM).

“ROMEO ET JULIETTE” on 2-8 (7 PM) & another Feb. date (at 2 PM).

“LA TRAVIATA” in late February at 7 PM on a date TBD + on another Feb. date (at 2 PM).

“DON CARLO” on March 9 (7 PM) & another date in March, 2010.

“IL VIAGGIO A REIMS” on a date in March.

The operas above will range in cost between $ 20-25 each. Questions about the screenings can be directed to Eileen Dominick at 312-369-6709 or to edominick@colum.edu.

Tickets can be purchased by going to:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/15985 .