By Warwick Thompson [Bloomberg.com, 12 January 2007]
Jan. 12 (Bloomberg) — Donizetti’s “La Fille du Regiment” has a poorly motivated plot, flimsy characterization and plenty of rum-ti-tum accompaniments. It also needs a tenor who can pump out nine top Cs at the drop of a hat, and a high soprano who doesn’t mind taking the odd pratfall. No wonder it hasn’t been heard at London’s Royal Opera House in 40 years.