Archibald shines in COC's whimsical, physical Vixen

Review

While the direction was creative and clear for the most part, I felt the show was trying to tackle too many struggles in a way that I think somewhat detracted from what I assume the primary allegory is: the need for feminism.

Thrilling debuts and stellar alumni in the COC's Don Giovanni

Review

The set and design were a technical marvel. The massive stage was filled with a giant cube, with morphing walls and configurations set on a revolve. There seemed to be an endless amount of staircases.

High notes and deep emotion: don't miss FGO's I pagliacci

Review

Together, Pulliam and Brown form a powerhouse duo, breathing life into the timeless narrative of I pagliacci.

López sings a nuanced Violetta in FGO's Traviata

Review

Cecilia Violetta López's portrayal of Violetta Valéry was a _tour de force_. Her nuanced performance effortlessly traversed the character's emotional complexity, delivering a portrayal that was both vulnerable and powerful.

Vancouver Opera's glittery Magic Flute

Review

Vocally breathtaking, with phenomenal control, [MacKinnon] would effortlessly float high notes above the orchestra, and then tackle larger passages with incredible vocal strength and size. An absolute force of nature who brought the house down.

A clarifying and revelatory evening with Schubert and Jonas Kaufmann

Review

The tenor's wrenching interpretations of the cycle's 14 songs while performing strenuous physical movement left no doubt that he was as wholly committed to the rigors of Doppelgänger as he was to the rueful Schwanengesang.

Julia Bullock: A miraculous evening from Schubert to Nina Simone

Review

Eschewing any trace of strained posturing or winking high-art condescension she embellished each group of songs with a musical aura; a subtle shift in posture, a theatrical gaze reflecting her oneness with the music and a spot-on sense of purpose.

The Flying Dutchman sets sail at Lyric Opera of Chicago

Review

It remains essential to engage in a nuanced conversation about the intricate legacy of the man behind the music. The Flying Dutchman, with its timeless themes of love, redemption, and eternal yearning continues to captivate audiences, even as we grapple with the enduring shadows of Wagner's beliefs.

Karen Chia-Ling Ho's 'star-making' performance in BLO's thoughtful Madama Butterfly

Review

It is effectively trading one overdone opera death for another, but I think this decision to change who dies at the end of the story is still one of the most brilliant aspects of the production.

An absolute triumph of comedy: DMMO's Love for Three Oranges

Review

Every scene was controlled chaos, and despite the insanity onstage, I couldn't look away.