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Operatic journeys: MassOpera presents Freedom Ride

Operatic journeys: MassOpera presents Freedom Ride

"I hope that the audience members will see themselves in the characters on stage, that they will be moved and inspired by the stories those characters tell, and will come away reflecting on how those stories relate to our world today."

Jenna Simeonov
This Medium packs a punch

This Medium packs a punch

The amount of emotion and energy she put into her character's maniacal laughter, fear, abusive pummellings and Jekyll-and Hyde remonstrations of poor pitiful Toby were awful to observe – and I mean that as a compliment.

Neil Weisensel
#TheStories, part 14

#TheStories, part 14

"I haven't told people about this, and those I have, I have been very cryptic about names. This is because this man's wife is very prominent in my business, and although a part of me would love to go up to her and tell her exactly what kind of a man her husband is, I am too scared that she would not believe me, and would do her best to make sure I never work again."

Jenna Simeonov
Opera is Alive & Kicking & here are the videos to prove it

Opera is Alive & Kicking & here are the videos to prove it

In Fishenfeld's own enthusiastic words: "American Opera is approachable, relevant, relatable, IN ENGLISH, and made for YOU, the American people!"

Jenna Simeonov
"Incredibly clever" Trittico onstage in Victoria

"Incredibly clever" Trittico onstage in Victoria

Aviva Fortunata as Giorgetta is a standout in Tabarro, with a warm full soprano, and barely-contained frustration and anger at being made to stay on the boat. Her desperation when she tries to leave her estranged husband is palpable as she nearly betrays her plan to escape.

Melissa Ratcliff
The Most Happy Fella: a lesson in unconditional love

The Most Happy Fella: a lesson in unconditional love

Written by Guys and Dolls' Frank Loesser, I expected it to be simple and toe-tapping (don't get me wrong - I love Guys and Dolls!). The two grand pianos that served as Skylark's fearless orchestra, music direction by Carson Schneider, provided a sound not of the fun loving Runyon musical, but a mixture of Rodgers and Hammerstein with a dash of Leoncavello.

Callie Cooper
#TheStories, part 13

#TheStories, part 13

"It seems to be quite a non-standardized industry, so many people think they can dictate how 'the industry' is run, and they can tell that to young, inexperienced, bright-eyed bushy-tailed students, and do whatever they want."

Jenna Simeonov
A Parisian Traviata Spectacle

A Parisian Traviata Spectacle

This production is feast for the eyes and ears. So much to see and listen to, full of emotional highs and lows, and a stage full of amazing talent.

Melissa Ratcliff
Joynt angelic in Canadian debut as Gilda in Edmonton Opera's Rigoletto

Joynt angelic in Canadian debut as Gilda in Edmonton Opera's Rigoletto

With Rigoletto, Edmonton Opera connects with a wide spectrum of themes that most people will identify: the danger of power that goes unchecked, the fear when those closest to you are threatened, and the purity of love and being loved. If you've never seen an opera before, this is a production that will definitely get you hooked.

Oliver Munar
The Bohos come home: AtG's Bohème is back at the (dive) bar

The Bohos come home: AtG's Bohème is back at the (dive) bar

For those paying attention, Ivany's libretto only updates details, the kind that are in place to connect character with audience. If we were to strip away the hipster scarves and references to manscaping and BMV, we're still left with the original personalities from the libretto by Illica and Giacosa.

Jenna Simeonov

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