New York, Jul 15: American television audiences will see something unique this week—filmed live in the streets and palaces of an Italian city: Verdi's “Rigoletto” with Placido Domingo, singing right where the story is set.
When the plot says “midnight”—he's there at midnight, performing from the city of Mantua for TV.
When the story is set outdoors—Domingo is sweating in 90-degree heat. Still singing.
On Friday, PBS's “Great Performances” series will broadcast this Italian television production of Verdi's masterpiece that first aired last September in Europe.
The 70-year-old star tenor sings the leading baritone role - a devastatingly dramatic court jester who drops his mask to reveal what Domingo calls “a hunchback filled with vengeance, and sadness.”
The orchestra is conducted by Zubin Mehta. AP
