© Sahy Ratia / Laurence Brownlee
Lawrence Brownlee was due to perform the title role in the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées' revival of Robinson Crusoe this December. He has withdrawn and will be replaced by the energetic young Madagascan tenor, Sahy Ratia.
As part of its 'Fééries Montaigne' series, the theatre will revive Robinson Crusoe, rarely performed work from Offenbach's repertoire, from 3 to 14 December. The Parisian theatre initially cast Lawrence Brownlee in the title role to rediscover the work. However, due to 'personal reasons', the American tenor has been forced to withdraw from the production – he is scheduled to perform in a new production of Les Puritains (which is known for its vocal demands) at the Metropolitan Opera in New York at the end of December. The Théâtre des Champs-Elysées has therefore recast the title role and announced in a press release that it has entrusted the role of Robinson to the young Madagascan tenor Sahy Ratia.
Let's hope that Ratia proves to be a wise choice. In addition to his energy on stage, the young tenor has a fondness for the French repertoire and a particular taste for opéra-comique, the genre in which he claims he can best express his enthusiasm and acting talents. And after distinguishing himself in the rare Giuditta at the Opéra national du Rhin last May, he will once again contribute to the revival of a rarely performed work with Robinson Crusoe.
For the record, this new production of Robinson Crusoe is already arousing considerable curiosity: Marc Minkowski, musical director, will be leading his ensemble Les Musiciens du Louvre, and Laurent Pelly, stage director, will be reuniting with Minkowski after their successful collaboration on Offenbach's works. On stage, alongside Ratia, we can look forward to seeing Julie Fuchs as Edwige, a regular collaborator of Pelly's, as well as several regulars at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, including Laurent Naouri as Sir William Crusoe, Marc Mauillon as Toby, Rodolphe Briand as Jim Cocks, Adèle Charvet and Emma Fekete.
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