El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego

Last weekend I headed to my local movie theater to see the Metropolitan Opera's live HD broadcast of El Último Sueño de Frida y Diego (The Last Dream of Frida and Diego). To be honest though, I'm not really an opera gal. I've been to one other opera in my life: in the early 90s, I saw Tosca at the Royal Albert Hall in London (in a Royal Box no less, but that's a story for another day!). Anyway, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I ended up really enjoying it.

I originally learned about it from a friend who got a sneak preview of the Museum of Modern Art's companion exhibition, Frida and Diego: The Last Dream. MoMA and The Met partnered on this exhibition, using the same designer responsible for the opera's sets and costumes (which I loved!).

But I digress... the story takes place on Mexico's Day of the Dead. Diego Rivera asks La Catrina, the keeper of the dead, for permission to bring Frida Kahlo back to the world of the living for one day. This is especially ironic given the historical facts around Frida and Diego's turbulent relationship. Frida agrees, but there will be consequences...

The sets and costumes were surreal, quirky and creative, which worked perfectly for the story. For example, the 'dead' were played by break dancers who wore skeleton-like costumes and could move their bodies in only a manner that a skeleton could move. It was very well done! La Catrina's costume was equally intriguing and equaled the commanding presence her voice carried on stage.

During the intermission interviews (a perk of watching the HD Live version), the composer talked about how the music needed to reflect the same surreal quality as the costumes and set. She shared that space for the orchestra at the Met is limited, so some instruments had to be sacrificed to make room for a marimba. Good choice. The marimba added a distinctive percussion sound, especially powerful during the scenes involving death and the spirit world.

I haven't mentioned this yet, but it goes without saying that the singing was excellent across the board. Interestingly, it was in Spanish, which is not a common language for an opera. Thankfully, the live version I saw at the theater had sub-titles!

I've always been drawn to Frida Kahlo's artwork, so that was probably what attracted me to this opera in the first place. I'm really glad I went. If you appreciate Frida Kahlo's artwork, I suspect you'll find plenty to enjoy here as well.

And the MoMA exhibition runs a few more months; I hope to visit my friend and see the Frida and Diego art exhibit in NYC!

June's Best Destinations

Stockholm, Sweden Endless Summer Days June is one of the best times to visit Stockholm. The city comes alive with long daylight hours, outdoor cafés and locals celebrating the arrival of summer after a long winter. Wander the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, explore the city's islands by ferry or simply enjoy the parks and waterfront promenades that make Stockholm one of Europe's most beautiful capitals.

Detroit, Michigan Motor City Summer June is a wonderful time to visit Detroit. Warm weather brings outdoor festivals, riverfront activities and plenty of opportunities to explore the city's vibrant food, music and arts scene before the humidity of summer sets in. Spend a day at the Detroit Riverwalk, visit world-class museums or catch a Tigers game while enjoying some of the best weather of the year.

Portland, Oregon Nature Next Door Portland in June - perfection! The city enjoys warm, sunny days that are perfect for exploring its parks, gardens and vibrant neighborhoods, while nearby waterfalls, forests and the Oregon coast are all within easy reach. Whether you're strolling through the International Rose Test Garden, browsing Powell's Books or sampling food-cart cuisine, Portland offers a little something for everyone.

Ljubljana, Slovenia Endless Summer Days June is a wonderful time to visit Ljubljana, Slovenia's charming and walkable capital. Outdoor cafés spill onto the banks of the Ljubljanica River, the city's markets and festivals are in full swing and long daylight hours make it easy to explore. Climb to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views, then spend the afternoon wandering the colorful old town and riverside promenades.

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