La Vie Parisienne (1991)
2h 39m
Running Time
December 1, 1991Release Date
La Vie Parisienne (1991)
2h 39m
Running Time
December 1, 1991Release Date
Plot.
This 1991 production by the Lyon National Opera presents a welcome opportunity to revel in a uniquely Gallic confection rarely seen outside France. It's also a chance to enjoy one of Offenbach's most inventive, melodic scores in which the starring musical role and many of the best tunes go to the orchestra, here conducted by Jean-Yves Ossonce. This is no accident: the operetta was originally created for a company of actors who relied on pastiche and the composer's help to get them through their "numbers". Not so these singers, of course. As Metella, the languorous courtesan who is responsible for the unravelling debacle, Helene Delavault is in meltingly good voice for her show-stopping rondeau, "A minuit sonnant commence la fete". Her sparring suitors Gardefeu (Jean-Francois Sivadier) and, particularly, Bobinet (Jacques Verzier) combine marvellous visual comedy with fluid singing and there is some dazzling vocal work from the supporting cast. It's a long piece, but hugely enjoyable.
Where to Watch.
No streaming offers found
Cast & Crew.

Hélène Delavault
Métella

Jean-François Sivadier
Raoul de Gardefeu

Jacques Verzier
Bobinet

Jean-Yves Chatelais
Baron de Gondremarck

Claire Wauthion
Baronne de Gondremarck

Isabelle Mazin
Gabrielle

Pierre Berriau
Prosper

Caroline Chaniolleau
Leonie

Alain Hocine
Frick

Nathalie Joly
Pauline

Ivan Merat-Barboff
Gontran

Pierre-François Pistorio
Le brésilien

Jean-Yves Ossonce
Conductor

Jacques Offenbach
Original Music Composer

Daniel Vogel
Cinematographer

Pierre Cavassilas
Director
Details.
This Movie Is About.
opera live performance