Raw & exposed: Wozzeck

Raw & exposed: Wozzeck

Certain characters and scenes were exaggerated and grotesque, accentuating Wozzeck's unreliable interpretation of reality. Other moments, however, were unsettling precisely because they felt so realistic. The omnipresent menacing atmosphere was palpable throughout the opera, and McIntyre did not pull any punches when it came to the pivotal murder scene.

Meghan Klinkenborg - Jul 9, 2019
Talent & polish in Heroic Opera's Macbeth

Talent & polish in Heroic Opera's Macbeth

The music throughout was also brilliant. Perri Lo did a masterful job as the music director, especially with the ensemble scenes. Congratulations to everyone involved. Macbeth was a highly memorable top-notch production overflowing with talent and polish.

Kathryn Nickford - Jul 8, 2019
Simple joys in Noye's Fludde

Simple joys in Noye's Fludde

There was a palpable feeling of euphoria when the storm finally clears and Noah and his family realise, they have been spared. Their surprise, relief, and gratitude was genuine and infectious.

Alessia Naccarato - Jul 6, 2019
The ever-relevant classic: ROH's Marriage of Figaro

The ever-relevant classic: ROH's Marriage of Figaro

Somehow, though now over two hundred years old, it maintains a certain freshness. Even a standard production like this 2006 David McVicar classic which this season sees its sixth revival run at the Royal Opera, still feels relevant.

Alessia Naccarato - Jul 3, 2019
Bring your tissues to DMMO's La bohème

Bring your tissues to DMMO's La bohème

The main factor that makes or breaks a production of La bohème is the cast. The six lead characters must have comedic timing, dramatic chops, and believable chemistry. This opera is so popular precisely because all the characters are realistic and likeable.

Meghan Klinkenborg - Jul 1, 2019
Don't let the upbeat tunes deceive you: DMMO's Candide

Don't let the upbeat tunes deceive you: DMMO's Candide

If you're looking for a theatrical farce that will leave you with a lot of questions about the human condition, then look no further than Des Moines Metro Opera's charming production of Candide.

Meghan Klinkenborg - Jul 1, 2019
All that glitters: WTO's magical double-bill

All that glitters: WTO's magical double-bill

Jonathan Knipscher designed glorious costumes across the board - Merlin's sequined suit, sequined tracksuit, sequined capes for the mermaids… Basically a lot of sequins that were complemented by shimmery curtains designed by Julia Noulin-Mérat.

Callie Cooper - Jun 25, 2019
Bon Appetit indeed: don't miss Muse 9's delicious, musical menu

Bon Appetit indeed: don't miss Muse 9's delicious, musical menu

"Julia Child was a woman of vision and passion, who carved her way through male dominated industry with grace and sense of humour. Even living in this modern day society, we as women are often faced with challenges and roadblocks that differ from men."

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 23, 2019
NEMPAC's innocent, affecting, slightly uneven Little Prince

NEMPAC's innocent, affecting, slightly uneven Little Prince

One may ask oneself if the hyper-tonal, rather simplistic harmonic and melodic language of the source is perhaps too accessible for opera, but in my case I am not so certain it could have been done any other way.

Arturo Fernandez - Jun 23, 2019
Talking with singers: Jennifer Zetlan

Talking with singers: Jennifer Zetlan

"I love to tell stories and I love great music, and I can't imagine a better blend of the two! That I get to do it for a living constantly astonishes me, no exaggeration."

Jenna Simeonov - Jun 20, 2019

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