REVIEW: Touch the Sky: Sky on Swings at O18/Opera Philadelphia (for Parterre Box)
It would be hard to imagine a better metaphor for O18 than this poignant new opera.
The Sun Shines Nellie (Review of Taylor Mac, Part II at PIFA, for Parterre Box)
Warmth, humor, and joyful out-and-proud-ness dominate the mood, yet there is considerable darkness in Mac’s view of both past and present.
Mac & Me (Review of Taylor Mac, Part I at PIFA, for Parterre Box)
A particular tension—between angry political resistance, and gloriously buoyant queerness—fuels TM24’s immense energy.
Tosca, Starring the Philadelphia Orchestra (for Parterre Box)
The “semi-staging” seen here delivers less theater than no staging at all.
BIGGER THAN USUAL: Academy of Vocal Arts 2018 Farewell Concert (for Parterre Box)
The group is among the most distinguished AVA has had in memory.
REVIEW: Medium, Cool: Mahagonny / Medium from Curtis & Opera Philadelphia (for Parterre Box)
The provocative show that director Emma Griffin offers here goes beyond a reimagined staging.
REVIEW: Thank You for Smoking: Opera Philadelphia’s Carmen (for Parterre Box)
How do you like your Carmen? The role – and Bizet’s opera – contain multitudes.
REVIEW: A Sparkling and Poignant La Traviata at AVA
The vocal standards are high, and the pleasure of discovering new talent always exhilarating.
REVIEW: A Quiet Place—Leonard Bernstein’s Chilly Winter Garden
Without its companion pieced, Trouble in Tahiti, this difficult late work feels like half of an opera.
REVIEW: A Transcendent Ariadne auf Naxos at the Academy of Vocal Arts
A terrific evening of music and theater, and a thrilling affirmation of a magnificent work.
reclining standards 