Magic Flute * * * *

We just got back from a delightful production by Boston Lyric Opera -- "Magic Flute". This was a family version, fully staged in one hour, with English subtitles scrolling on two small screens and a live orchestra. The hall was full of kids, who clapped and yelled, sometimes, over enthusiastically, bravo!

The decorations and the costumes we really great, and the dragon head was just spectacular. Mozart music is always nice, and the singing was good too. Gwyneth actually was able to follow along reading the subtitles for the most part, though, as usual, she knew the story by heart by the time we entered the concert hall.

Gwyneth liked Papageno character and signing, and I --- the Queen of the Night.

Jewels *

When I was buying the Boston Ballet subscription, the girl at the counter highly recommended "Jewels" ballet with lavish costumes and wonderful music. Well, never listen to the girl at the counter!

Even though it is a George Balanchine’s ballet, it was too long, too boring and the costumes were not that great. "Jewels" -- a full length ballet with three parts: Emeralds, Rubies and Diamonds. I normally really enjoy Balanchine but, I think, many aspects of Balanchine style were missing.

First, the “Emeralds” were listless and it was hard to tell what musical point the pas de trois was even trying to make. My daughter had a hard time staying focused and considering the uninspiring costumes, I am surprised she was able to sit through it.

Last ones, "Diamonds" had a little bit more life in them, and the solo's kept some of Gwyneth's attention. A friend of Gwyneth, another 5 year old, just fell asleep...

And the only part that stood out was the middle "Rubies" -- snapper music, bright red costumes; a lot more contrasting movements so the choreography stood out more. That was the one part that Gwyneth's remembered and liked.

All in all, this is not a ballet for a 5 year old, or for a 35 for that matter.