OPERA REVIEW: The Barber of Seville

If you have not had a chance to see the Metropolitan Operas (that comes direct by satellite from New York) you have missed the cultural events of the year. It is such a brilliant concept. It has been so successful that tickets are almost impossible to purchase a month before the performance. I tried to buy tickets for this show a month ago. Three venues in town were sold out. I was forced to buy a ticket on line from the Silvercity Richmond Hill theatre. Since then two new theatre groups have added the operas to their roster. Check www.cineplex.com on the computer. I was forced to drive one hour to Highway 7 and Yonge and believe me it was worth it all. You see the house orchestra warming up. The camera zones in on the fingers of a clarinetist. You see the trumpeter fingering the notes. There is expectancy in the air as the curtain opens. The cast is always first rate. I have now seen three operas by satellite from New York. It is amazing that 30 countries participate in this cultural wonder.
The close ups give you a look at the opera that is impossible from the auditorium. You see every facial feature. You hear every note crystal clear. I love the fact that the sub titles are at the bottom of the screen. In this way you can read the words and see the picture at the same time. At the opera house I find it difficult to read the words placed at the top of the stage. It is almost impossible to witness the performance and read the words at the same time.
The characters in Barber of Seville were magnificent. Joyce Di Donato was a beautiful Rosina. Her expressions and magnificent voice were always a treat. Count Almaviva was a handsome character and he played the part to perfection. The old Dr Bartolo wanted so much to wed Rosita and tried everything in his power to trick her into marriage. His rotund body and facial expressions were wondrous. Figaro sang every note perfectly. Not only was the cast perfectly chosen for their voices, they were great at the dramatic expression. The staging was very clever.
During intermission you are always treated to an interview with cast members. It is an emotional wondrous experience.
Eugene Onegin will be repeated on Saturday April 7
The Barber of Seville will have an encore presentation on April 21
Puccini’s Il Trittico will be presented for the first time on April 28. It is comprised of three short stories all expressing a different mood.

Film Review: Sharkwater

I always thought that sharks were the enemy of man. I thought they were always dangerous. I found this film to be so educational and was absolutely spectacular to watch. Rob Stewart, the director, was actually born in Toronto. As a young child he loved sharks. He studied biology and photography and made this his career. It is totally amazing to see him swimming underwater and filming the life under the sea. As a photographic wonder the film is superb. But it is much more than that. It is a study in ecology. The capturing of sharks to make shark fin soup is putting the underwater ecology out of sync. Stewart has been committed to catching poachers. He has risked his life in pursuing his dreams. He was put in jail in Costa Rica. He suffered from flesh eating disease. He almost lost his life many times. It is shocking to learn that many of the big poachers are Mafia from the Orient. The shark’s fins are so valuable and they will do anything to get them.
The beauty of the underwater world is in sharp contrast to the plight of the shark and the ongoing commitment of conservationists to save them. What an incredible documentary!

Restaurant Review: Marcello's Pizzeria

Marcello’s Pizzeria 1163 St Clair Ave. W. 416.656.6159

Dear John
Once again you were a superb host and server. I had been raving about the restaurant to my grandson Brad and have promised him this treat for a long time. Neither of us was disappointed. That is why the restaurant is packed by 6:00 p.m. every evening. The Ensalata Marcello’s is the best in town ($8.95) It is enough o serve four people. Brad and I were hungry and demolished it all with great enjoyment. The greens are so varied and fresh. The artichoke hearts and roasted red pepper adds much flavor. The vinaigrette is perfect and I love shaved asiago cheese on top. This salad could almost make a dinner in itself. Add a piece of bread and the tasty olive oil and balsamic vinegar and you are having a party. Pizza is the big item on the menu. We looked around the restaurant and noticed that most of the people were enjoying pizza. You can also order a takeout. I usually have the Vegetale Pizza ($11.95) Brad ordered the Melanzana Pizza.($11.95) The crust was thin and crisp. The eggplant and roasted red peppers were so delicious with the tomato sauce and goat cheese. There are so many items on the list that everyone is guaranteed a pizza of their taste. Just as I was about to order the Linguini di Mare ($15.95) I noticed a special of Grilled Halibut ($21.00) The linguini is a favorite of mine and I was tempted. I have never had fish here and wanted to try it. I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was an enormous thick piece of delicious moist halibut. There was a lovely tomato sauce on top. There were also many perfectly cooked vegetables. I don’t know where I put it all but it was too delicious to leave anything.
If you come at lunch time the Panini is always a good suggestion. Melanzana offers grilled eggplant, goat cheese and roasted red peppers served on Vienna bread.($10.50) There are also veal, ham and chicken selections. The salads are enough for a special lunch. 20 suggestions should satisfy anyone’s urge for a good pizza. I have tried Pasta here on many occasions. It is perfectly cooked and delicious. Agnolotti Alla Gorgonzola serves half moon shaped pasta stuffed with ricotta and spinach in a gorgonzola tomato basil sauce. ($10.95) I salivate just thinking about it. For the very hungry diner there are choices of chicken, seafood and meat. Calamari Alla Griglia offers grilled squid marinated with olive oil, lemon and basil pesto. ($16.95) Pollo Alla Romagna is a breast of free range chicken in a mushroom brandy cream sauce.($16.95)
You won’t have any room for dessert. But just in case the cheesecake and other tortes are there to tempt you. Of course I will be back soon. I adore having dinner with my grandson. We both had a great evening.
Thank you John

Film Review: The Wind that shakes the Barley

History often tells us bloody tales. The long historical battle between England and Ireland takes on a pro Irish perspective in this difficult film. I sobbed. I covered my eyes through many scenes. My stomach was tied in knots. I suppose that was the intention to tell the horror faced by the Irish people fighting for their rights. I would like to think that all British soldiers were not as bad as those painted in this film. They were brutal, coarse and unflinching. One soldier did do a good deed by letting some of the Irish prisoners out of jail. They just all seemed too brutal. The young Irish lads were fighting with limited supplies. They had no uniforms. It was all clandestine. If caught they were tortured and murdered. Their women were also maltreated and often their houses burned. It was all horrible to watch from both sides. At one point it appeared there was a treaty. Everyone rejoiced until they realized that England was only offering concessions but the country was still under the allegiance of England. At this point things turned from bad to worse. It pitted Irish brother against Irish brother. I found much of it unbearable to watch. At the same time I realized that war is brutal and does not make for pleasant viewing. I also understood that the young Irish lads were willing to sacrifice everything to get the freedom for their homeland. Isn’t this a battle that is going on in many places in the world today? If you want to learn more about this crisis from one perspective you might find the film fascinating. I was too upset on too many levels to enjoy this film. It is interesting to note that Ken Loach, the director, is British. He has received a lot of criticism for his approach. The film won the Palm D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.