The read
It runs long at 4h 5m.
Synopsis
David McVicar’s inventive hit production of Handel’s most popular opera sets the story of Caesar’s conquest of Egypt—and of its queen, Cleopatra—in the era of British 19th-century imperialism while also including elements of Baroque theater and Bollywood movies. David Daniels in the title role and Natalie Dessay as Cleopatra lead the cast. Christophe Dumaux is Ptolemy, Cleopatra’s brother, and Alice Coote and Patricia Bardon star as Sesto and Cornelia, son and widow of Caesar’s opponent Pompey. Early music specialist Harry Bicket conducts and plays harpsichord continuo.
Ratings
IMDb8.4/10
Key crew
- Georg Friedrich HändelOriginal Music Composer
- Nicola Francesco HaymWriter
- Gary HalvorsonDirector
Cast
- David DanielsGiulio Cesare
- Alice CooteSesto
- Natalie DessayCleopatra
- Christophe DumauxTolomeo
- Patricia BardonCornelia
- Guido LoconsoloAchilla
- Rachid Ben AbdeslamNireno
- John MooreCurio
Themes
opera live performance