I was looking forward to seeing this Othello. At times the singing and staging were very powerful, worth of Met Opéra. Sonya Yoncheva was equally amazing throughout all 4 acts and major attraction for me. Tenor Stuart Skelton was a big disappointment and spoiled all the experience. His voice was cracking at high notes especially in the first half. He was better in the third act during more mellow area, but overall his performance left me disappointed. The fact that Otello was white, took away the major element of the story and made references to Othello’s black face joke. I gave it 3 stars because 2.5 was not an option. I hope Aida that I’m goong to see in 3 weeks will be better.

I do love the story of Othello but like all Shakespeare it’s just too long. While everyone was in good voice the set did not keep you engaged and it was hard to stay engaged when Iago went on and on. Perhaps I am on opera go-er who loves huge stage productions as my favorites are Madame Butterfly and Turandeau and of course La Boheme. I suspect these are a bit more commercial but certainly keeps you engaged . The orchestra was wonderful so only positive feedback there - it was the production. I will not recommend this one to my other opera friends. This is all personal opinion and it didn’t help that I was under the weather but I feel so many others near me felt the same. Next up Falstaff...quite different but another first for us. Sometimes you attend what you know and maybe I should stick to that philosophy.