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 Unforgettably beautiful music and lyrics Nov 14, 2008
What a strange array of reviews on this amazing little opera. Those who did not like it must have a screw loose. I have watched it at least 5 times since I bought it and shared it with all I know. The music is outstanding, and the lyrics bring tears to your eyes, especially in the scene with the Fox. My favorite vocal and character performances are the Pilot, the Little Prince, the Fox, and the Lamplighter. I do not believe anyone could come up with music and lyrics that more accurately capture the intent of the book. All life's lessons are included. I fully expect Tim Burton to attempt his movie version of this, as it is a perfect vehicle for his imagination and particularly his production talents. This was clearly a stage production put to film, so don't be hard on the lack of special effects and production values. The music, characters, and story more than make up for it. It is a classic as far as I am concerned. Be sure and buy the soundtrack, too, because once you see the movie, listening to the soundtrack brings back every vision from the story.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 Fun to watch once; Wonderful baritone Jan 18, 2008
This isn't an opera that you'd watch once a month, but it's entertaining enough to watch once. The cast has wonderful singers who are certainly well-known to opera lovers. The lead role of the pilot is sung by Teddy Tadu Rhodes, who is perfectly cast for both his sweet baritone and his good looks.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Excellent Artistic Interpretation Nov 08, 2007
Antoine de Saint-Exupery's classic book (which I have reviewed) has spawned many adaptations, including a Lerner & Lowe musical, a claymation version, a short-lived animated series, and finally the opera by Rachel Portman. Portman's opera, in my opinion, is the best adaptation. It translates Saint-Exupery's heartfelt classic effortlessly, with ethereal music, imaginative staging, and great performances. Joesph McManners does an outstanding job as the Little Prince, and Teddy Tahu Rhodes' resonant voice brings the pilot/narrator part to life admirably. Lesley Garrett does a great job in the crucial part of the fox, and the parts of the king, the accountant, the vain man, the drunkard, etc. are similarly well-performed and well-imagined. "The Little Prince" is introduction to opera/musical thatre for children, or anyone! It keeps one's attention, is charming, and has themes that everyone can understand.
4 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Oh my Lord, DON'T!!!! Sep 28, 2007
This was one of the biggest wastes of money I have made in a long time. I had to turn it off it was so awful. I have no idea how it could have received the reviews that it did. If you want to see justice done to this story, get the french version with Daniel Levoie. Even if you don't understand French, this version is so magnificent you don't have to. TRUST ME. I still don't understand how people said these great things about this DVD. It hurt my ears and was some of the worst acting I've ever seen, not to mention the horrid music. JUST DON'T.
4 of 6 found the following review helpful:
The Little Prince - BBC Opera Jan 09, 2007
I did not like it at all. It is dificult to listen to, has little kid-interest, and completely leaves out the profound text that has made the
original book translation in English one of those rare 'children's books' that has a vast depth of meaning one can appreciate as they grow older.
It was colorful, loud, oversung operatically...which turns kids off. I gave my copy to the library, which I doubt will become well-received by
children, there. I also bought the new translation of the book, and found the language to be harsh in comparison to the first English translation. I am a grandfather, a former teacher, and would not recomend this new edition of the book, either.
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