Are Horror Genre fans of The Fly, Opera Fans too? “Help Me!”

I love the old black and white horror classics. What I didn’t expect was the Vincent Price classic, The Fly, transformed into an… opera? Actually, it’s based on the David Cronenberg version, which included poor special effects and gore.

(AP) - There is much to admire in the operatic version of "The Fly." The 1950s-style set of the mad scientist's laboratory, with plenty of twinkling lights and screens, is compelling. The libretto is witty and interesting. The performances of the three primary singers are heartfelt. The debate over abortion is attention-grabbing, as is the male nudity. The music is accessible, melodic and lush, with pulsating chords and strings that shimmer eerily. But the arias fail to soar. Brundle (is) the mad scientist whose genes are accidentally combined with those of a housefly when he transports himself in a telepod. Brundle (sings) standing fully naked and even while climbing upside down, maintaining a burnished baritone. (A body double performs the gymnastics.)

Here’s how one review by Andrew Kasch at dreadcentral.com, puts it:

All right, you uncultured fiends, bust out your Playbills and clove cigarettes. Dread Central is taking you to the opera. I don’t think opera-goers are usually warned about sex and violence before the start of a show, but such is the case with The Fly Opera.

I hope the opera is better than the Cronenberg film.