music by Laurent Petitgirard, libretto by Eric Nonn
The plot begins with Joseph in the sideshow, and continues through his years at the London Hospital (as most incarnations seem to do). Joseph, in this production is played by a woman. Yes, you read that right! The actress is a contralto - the lowest vocal range for a woman, comparable to the tenor range for a man. This isn't entirely out of line, as Joseph himself was very small, and was said to have a light, high pitched voice, so a woman in this role could actually be quite effective. Also, one can hardly tell by appearance that the character is played by a woman, as the actress wears a rubber suit and head piece. The effect is quite overwhelming. Dr. Treves is once again portrayed is rather insensitive and coldhearted - it is he who demands the sideshow be shut down, and it isn't until Act Three that he even discovers Joseph is intelligent. A new character is introduced into the mix here - a nurse named Mary (the requisite beautiful soprano), who cares for Joseph and comes to love him. (note to directors once again - I wouldn't mind that role either! That wasn't intended to sound vain...). Finally, I suppose I ought to mention the rather notable parody of the many incarnations of Mrs. Kendal, from whom this character is no doubt derived. In this case, she is referred to as 'La Colorature', and asks Joseph to marry her, though she is more interested in the publicity she would get for this than in Joseph himself He turns her down.
I highly recommend a visit to the operas webpage, as it is very informative. I recently re-discovered this page, as it disappeared! I was so happy to find it again! It features a plot synopsis, cast lists, a number of great production photos, and reviews. It ought to be noted though that, as this is a french opera, only one of the reviews is in english (the page itself is in english), and it is well worth a read. The rest are in french, and if you are truly desperate, I can attempt to translate them - but don't expect that overnight! Sounds clips are also available online. Make sure before listening to 'La Colorature' s solo that your speakers are not turned up high - it's a bit shocking.
I've recently noted that the website has been updated with pictures from the production in Nice (to the unfortunate exclusion of any previous production photos, though the photo included below is from the Prague production). The changes made between Prague and Nice were very slight, but I'd have to say I prefer tthe original designs to the modifications. The makeup design for Joseph seems somehow bulkier than the original version, and to me the head looks strangely like a helmet made of oatmeal. Previously, the nurse Mary looked sweet and innocent. While she's still very lovely, I have to wonder why she's now running about with her hair loose around her shoulders in what looks like a white nightgown with a slit all the way up the side of her leg! Hmm, something tells me this was not quite the accepted uniform for a Victorian nurse...
