Critics Deem Rufus Wainwright’s Opera, Prima Donna, Too 19th Century

Last year, Rufus Wainwright took a break from pop music, and started writing for the stage. Prima Donna, Wainwright’s first opera, opened last weekend (July 10) at the Manchester International Festival to “mixed” reviews.

Wainwright dressed up like the 19th century Italian composer Verdi, complete with the characteristic beard, top-hat and cane, and though he received much applause at the debut, some of the critics’ initial responses imply that 35 year-old Wainwright doesn’t yet compare with centuries-old opera classics. See some of the reactions below: Read more...