In February 2025 at Vancouver Opera comes a work of stunning emotional breadth from “the Mozart of the 21st century”. Though it draws inspiration from the heart-wrenching true story of an Iranian refugee bureaucratically marooned in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport for 16 years, Jonathan Dove’s empathic Flight pulls off an improbable feat: it’s a wildly engaging, melodically-accessible comedic romp, a triumph of pathos, and an absolute must-see. Called the greatest new work of the past 30 years, this production is led by the beloved Vancouver creative team of director Morris Panych and set designer Ken MacDonald, while Dove’s propulsive music is steered by the baton of Leslie Dala.
“As the pregnant Minskwoman, Allyson McHardy begins as unsympathetic: she refuses to fly to Minsk with her husband for no obvious reason, and appears selfish and self-indulgent when she later tries to explain her feelings about being pregnant. Yet McHardy, with her warm and chocolaty mezzo, so easily inhabits the role, she makes it clear that it is fear, not lack of love, driving her hesitation. We are fully on her side by time she finishes.”
(Opera Canada, Robin J. Miller, Feb 24, 2020)
DATE: 8 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025, 12:00 am
LOCATION: Vancouver Opera