Rating: NR
Genre: Theater [nf]
Release Date: 06/30/2009
SubTitles: Italian/English/Ger/French/Espanol
Dubbed: Italian
Sound: 2/DTS
Run Time: 126 Minutes
Distributor/Studio: Deutsche Grammophon

New York's Metropolitan Opera mounted this interpretation of Giuseppe Verdi's 1893 commedia lirica Falstaff in 1992, which drew broad critical acclaim for Paul Plishka's lead portrayal of the titular Shakespearean figure. The composer adapted it from two of Shakespeare's plays - The Merry Wives of Windsor and Henry IV; it checked in as his final opera, and only one of two comedies that he authored. This production features Bruno Pola, Frank Lopardo and Piero de Palma in the supporting cast, with production and set design by Franco Zeffirelli and James Levine conducting the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus.

~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide

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Cast:
Paul Plishka - Sir John Falstaff
Bruno Pola - Ford
Frank Lopardo - Fenton
Piero De Palma - Dr. Cajus
Anthony Laciura - Bardolfo
James Courtney - Pistola
Mirella Freni - Mrs. Alice Ford
Barbara Bonney - Nannetta
Marilyn Horne - Mrs. Quickly
Susan Graham - Mrs. Meg Page
Carole Wright - L'Otessa
Tim Willson - L'Oste

Production:
Raymond Hughes - Chorus Master
James Levine - Conductor
Peter Gelb - Executive Producer
Gil Wechsler - Lighting
James Levine - Musical Direction/Supervision
Brian Large - Voice Director
Paul Mills - Stage Director

Falstaff
    Donald Gramm / 1976
Giuseppe Verdi: Falstaff - Terfel/Frittoli
    Bryn Terfel / 1999