Author Archives

University administrator and teacher by day, theater and arts critic by night.

So a Fool Returns to His Philly — Don Pasquale at AVA (for Parterre Box)

Don Pasquale is Jawn Pasquale in this delightful production at the Academy of Vocal Arts.

That Some Like It Hot fizzles rather than sizzles is not only a disappointment, but also a bit of surprise.

Soprano Lydia Grindatto confirmed her promise with a charismatic, thoroughly inhabited Violetta.

This is likely the best Giargiari Bel Canto competition year in my experience, evidenced in several important ways.

Stuffed with Stoppardian cleverness, there’s far too much in LEOPOLDSTADT to register with specificity.

In bel canto opera, virtuosic singing IS the drama. Accept that, and O22’s OTELLO pays off thrillingly.

In THE RAVEN, Festival O’s characteristic imagination and audacity remain front and center.

This superb production of a Tennessee Williams’ rarity illuminates by lightening the playwright’s life and work.

No roller coaster has generated more stomach-churning highs and lows than the musical Dear Evan Hansen.

A lovingly restored version of Strauss’s opera reveals that sometimes cuts are for the best.