Froemke, who has previously filmed at the opera house, claims that she was given no limits by the opera company in filming the documentary.[2] The documentary captures the challenges of creating the new production, including a complex 90,000 pounds (41,000 kg) set designed by Carl Fillion of Ex Machina (Robert Lepage's production company).[2][3] The opera house had expected the set to weigh only 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg),[4] so it's only when the set was finally delivered that need to reinforce the floor of the stage's left wing (by adding beams under it) became known. Among the mishaps covered in the documentary are the failure of the set to work properly at the premiere of the firstRing opera,Das Rheingold, andDeborah Voigt in the role ofBrünnhilde falling and sliding down the set upon her entrance at the premiere ofDie Walküre.[3] The documentary covers other challenges faced, including the Metropolitan Opera's music director being forced to step down asconductor before the last two productions premiered and the need for tenorJay Hunter Morris to step into the title role ofSiegfried just three days before its premiere.[3]
The film avoids making Lepage or Metropolitan Opera general managerPeter Gelb scapegoats for the challenges.[2][4]James R. Oestreich ofThe New York Times claims that "the tone is basically adulatory, apart from a few skeptical notes sounded by ticket buyers and audience members", and notes that Gelb and Lepage "cut heroic figures in an epic adventure."[2] David Patrick Stearns ofThe Philadelphia Inquirer was "charmed" by Voigt in the film.[4]
The soundtrack ofWagner's Dream incorporates Wagner's music.[2] Oestreich particularly praises the use of the music from the descent to Nibelheim from the end of scene 2 ofDas Rheingold to accompany the production's move from Quebec to New York.[2]
David Patrick Stearns ofThe Philadelphia Inquirer stated that "the film is destined to be one of the classic documentaries about opera."[4] James R. Oestreich ofThe New York Times felt it was "a bit long" but "beautifully made".[2] Ronnie Scheib ofVariety called it "a highly entertaining outing for operaphiles and operaphobes alike".[3] John Terauds ofToronto.com stated that "It's a high-stakes gamble that Susan Froemke has captured [it] in all of its breast-plate-and-spear glory in a two-hour documentary that has as many hair-raising, stomach-churning moments as a ride on Wonderland's new Leviathan."[5] Tom Huizenga ofNPR called it a "meticulously unpacked if ultimately unmemorable diary of the company's high-stakes production".[6] Steve Smith ofTime Out New York says "To its credit, Wagner's Dream includes revealing footage ofPromethean labors undertaken by cast and crew, misfires included."[7]
