A ‘Moby-Dick’-inspired opera opens at the Met

Leonard Foglia directed an opera adaptation of Moby-Dick, initially daunted by the novel's length and complexity. Librettist Gene Scheer condensed the 600-page novel into a 64-page libretto, retaining much of Melville's original language. The opera omits the land-based opening chapters, focusing solely on the Pequod. The narrator, renamed Greenhorn, undergoes a transformation, with the famous "Call me Ishmael" line appearing at the opera's conclusion. Tenor Stephen Costello portrays Greenhorn, highlighting his character arc from novice to seasoned sailor. The Met production features a strong cast, including Brandon Jovanovich as Ahab and Janai Brugger as Pip. The opera's success stems from its adaptation, score, and innovative staging with multimedia effects. Critics praised the production's visual spectacle, particularly the use of projections and a climbing wall. The physical production demands significant athleticism from the singers, enhancing the dramatic intensity. The opera, a successful commission, received acclaim from audiences, critics, and scholars alike.