Ep 5. Marnie

In this episode of Great Performances, viewers are transported to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City for a stunning production of Marnie. Composer Nico Muhly's richly evocative music is paired with a hauntingly beautiful libretto by Craig Lucas in this adaptation of Winston Graham's novel, which tells the story of a young woman named Marnie who is haunted by her troubled past.

As the curtain rises, audiences are immediately drawn into Marnie's world, where she is a thief, liar, and con artist, constantly on the run from her own demons. But when she is caught and blackmailed into marrying a wealthy businessman, Mark, her carefully constructed facade begins to crumble. As the couple struggles to come to terms with Marnie's past and present, their relationship is put to the test in ways they could never have imagined.

One of the most memorable aspects of this production is the stunning visuals. The set, designed by Julian Crouch, is a constantly shifting backdrop of projections, from abstract shapes to cityscapes to hypnotic patterns that reflect Marnie's fragmented psyche. The lighting, designed by Peter Mumford, is similarly dynamic, shifting from warm and intimate to harsh and foreboding in the blink of an eye.

But the real star of the show is the music. Muhly's score is lush and evocative, blending elements of classical music with soaring, cinematic themes and haunting, ethereal melodies. The vocal performances, led by mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard as Marnie and baritone Christopher Maltman as Mark, are also exceptional, conveying a wide range of emotions from love and longing to fear and despair.

Throughout the performance, viewers are treated to a vivid and thought-provoking exploration of themes such as identity, trauma, and the power of forgiveness. Marnie herself is a fascinating and complex character, and the opera does an excellent job of delving into her psyche and exploring the reasons behind her actions. The relationship between Marnie and Mark is similarly complex, and the opera offers a nuanced and deeply affecting portrayal of their struggles to understand and accept each other.

All in all, this episode of Great Performances is a must-see for any opera lover or anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and stunning visuals. Marnie is a haunting, beautiful, and deeply affecting work of art that will stay with you long after the final notes have faded away.