Excellent Artistic Interpretation
Antoine de Saint-Exupery's classic book (which I have reviewed) has spawned many adaptations, including a Lerner & Lowe musical, a claymation version, a short-lived animated series, and finally the opera by Rachel Portman. Portman's opera, in my opinion, is the best adaptation. It translates Saint-Exupery's heartfelt classic effortlessly, with ethereal music, imaginative staging, and great performances. Joesph McManners does an outstanding job as the Little Prince, and Teddy Tahu Rhodes' resonant voice brings the pilot/narrator part to life admirably. Lesley Garrett does a great job in the crucial part of the fox, and the parts of the king, the accountant, the vain man, the drunkard, etc. are similarly well-performed and well-imagined. "The Little Prince" is introduction to opera/musical thatre for children, or anyone! It keeps one's attention, is charming, and has themes that everyone can understand.