Irkutsk is one of the most important cultural centers of Siberia, where theatrical traditions are strong. It is enough to say that the first institution of this kind appeared there in the middle of the 19th century. In addition, in the vicinity of the city, the famous Soviet playwright A. Vampilov was born , a monument to which is decorated with one of the squares of Irkutsk. Another outstanding actor and director - N.P. Okhlopkov - was also a native of these places and did much to enhance the cultural life of the region.
In 1940, the Gorky Theater of Musical Comedy toured the city . Irkutsk cordially received guests, and at the request of the audience a few months later there appeared its own theater of this kind.
History (until the 1990s)
It so happened that immediately after the founding of the Irkutsk Musical Theater (BMI), its actors had to go to the hospitals and military units with patronage concerts , as the war began. These years were marked by the creation of the anti-fascist satirical play “Under the Sky of Prague”, sponsored by composer S. Zaslavsky and playwright P. Malyarevsky. Along with local actors in the theater during the Second World War, artists of the Kiev Opera House and other artists from different cities of the country who were evacuated to Irkutsk took an active part.
In the first post-war decade, BMI began to put mostly classics, including works by such operetta masters as I. Strauss, I. Kalman, F. Lehar, J. Offenbach.
In 1959, the Musical Theater (Irkutsk) was headed by N. Zagursky, and the next five-year period was marked by the appearance of several ballet performances in the repertoire. The tragic year for BMI was 1972, when the fire caused great damage to the stage and the auditorium. However, a few months later the theater building was completely reconstructed, and the performance “Moscow - Paris - Moscow” was presented to the audience at its opening.
In the 70-80s, BMI toured extensively throughout the country and earned laudatory reviews from metropolitan and Leningrad critics.
The history of the theater in the 1990s
As you know, the last years of the 20th century were not the best for cultural institutions in our country. However, ITM was able to overcome the financial crisis with honor and on its stage the premieres of the performances “Juno and Avos”, “Jesus Christ - a superstar”, etc., which have been successfully continued today, took place. The repertoire of the theater during these years was replenished with several interesting children's productions (“Bremen Town Musicians”, “Fly-Tsokotuha”, etc.).
History (21st Century)
In 2001, the Musical Theater (Irkutsk) celebrated its 60th anniversary, and in honor of this event he was named after N. Zagursky. The early 2000s were also marked by several interesting premieres. In particular, such performances as “Silva”, “My Fair Lady”, “The Man from La Mancha” and “Cinderella” were staged.
From 2006 to 2009, BMI was left without a chief director, as N. Pecherskaya, who occupied this post, left Irkutsk and moved to Moscow. Despite this, the premieres of the ballets The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet, the operetta The Bat and several interesting musical performances that were put on by the invited directors took place.
The Musical Theater (Irkutsk) experienced a real triumph in 2010, when it was awarded the honorary title “National Treasure of Russia”, and its director received the Vivat Maestro Prize. Moreover, the performance “Count of Luxembourg” was nominated for the Golden Award mask ”, and the anniversary celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of BMI were marked by a large gala concert. The next season of 2012-2013 pleased fans of classical musical productions. So, the musical“ Duel ”, the ballet“ Garnet Bracelet ”, and musical drama were presented to the audience. " luda son, "comedy" Charlie's Aunt "and others.
Musical Theater (Irkutsk): troupe
The traditions of the masters of the scene of BMI of the past years are continued by the actors and actresses who serve there today. Members of the BMI troupe are People's Artists of Russia N. Maltsev, N. Khokholkov, V. Yakovlev, Honored Artists N. Danilina, E. Bondarenko, L. Polyakova and many others. There are many young actors and actresses, most of whom are graduates of the Irkutsk Theater School. Participants of the ballet, orchestra and choir also deserve great praise.
Repertoire of the Musical Theater (Irkutsk)
Today, residents of the city have the opportunity to see both the performances that have become classics and the latest. The repertoire, which is represented by the Musical Theater (Irkutsk), includes the operettas White Acacia and Engagement at Lanterns, the operas Juno and Avos, Carmen, musicals Cyrano de Bergerac and Krechinsky’s Wedding, as well as ballets like “Casanova” and “The Nutcracker”, children's performances and musical performances of “Hanuma”, “How to keep her husband”, “Talents and fans”, etc. In addition, premieres are often held. For example, of the latest innovations presented to the audience by the Zagursky Musical Theater (Irkutsk), “Crezy Dance” and “Sevastopol Waltz” deserve special mention.
Repertoire Reviews
As they say, how many people have the same opinions. Therefore, regarding the repertoire, which presents the audience with the Zagursky Musical Theater (Irkutsk), one can hear a variety of reviews. So older viewers are usually delighted with the play “Juno and Avos”, although many note the inconsistency of the main characters with their characters by age. But the “Bat” by I. Kalman among many theatergoers with experience evokes negative emotions, since there are many, as they say, “brothel scenes”. The same goes for “The Delights of Treason.” But the new production of “Crezy Dance” with incendiary dances earned extremely rave reviews from most viewers.
Address and how to get
Irkutsk Musical Theater is located at ul. Sedova, 29, near the Central Park of Culture and Rest of Irkutsk. Getting there is pretty simple. To do this, you can use the bus route number 5, trolley bus number 5 or minibus number 9.
Once in Irkutsk, be sure to visit the local Musical Theater, where you can see performances that are in no way inferior to the productions in the capital's stage.