Viva la Mamma! closes the Lyon Opera season with a joyous outburst of laughter

With “masterly” direction the premiere of Laurent Pelly’s new production of Donizetti’s opera-about-opera Viva la Mamma! captivated audiences in Lyon, creating a sparkling end to the season and attracting universal acclaim. 

“Theatre in the theatre is a specialty of Laurent Pelly, who directs with an undisguised jubilation this hilarious and brilliant farce……he gently mocks the characters, without falling into caricature, giving depth and humanity to those who live only for the public.. “

Set in a dilapidated theatre transformed into a car-park, Pelly and his designer Chantal Thomas capture perfectly the essence of a small provincial town that has disregarded its heritage and past splendour, with ghost-like characters appearing as the scene gradually comes to life. 

The cast features Laurent Naouri as Mamma Agata, Patrizia Ciofi as the Prima Donna, and Charles Rice as Procolo. Conducted by Lorenzo Viotti, performances continue throughout July.  

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