I love the opera and I love Joan Sutherland. This production was fun, but it could have been even better. My main problem was not with the production itself but with the DVD, the presentation doesn't do this production justice and the picture quality is often blurry. At least the sound was decent. I can't fault the music, which is amazing, or the great characters and involving story. The costumes and sets are good enough, and the orchestra and conducting are stylish and precise. Joan Sutherland herself is past prime, with some flat notes and some notes that are omitted or shortened, however her colouratura still dazzles and her comic timing is superb. Of the supporting cast, best of all is Heather Begg, who is very amusing and appropriately stuffy. And Anson Austin sings and acts convincingly, even making it through the fun-to- hear-but-nightmare-to-sing "aria with nine high Cs" with few major glitches. Gregory Yurisich is fun but not crusty enough. All in all, fun but not as good as it could have been. 8/10 Bethany Cox
