They Are The Champions: DF Covers AVA’s Giargiari Competition 2022
This is likely the best Giargiari Bel Canto competition year in my experience, evidenced in several important ways.
REVIEW: A Divided Duty: Rossini’s Otello at O22 (for Parterre Box)
In bel canto opera, virtuosic singing IS the drama. Accept that, and O22’s OTELLO pays off thrillingly.
Two Characters in Search of Anagnorisis: DF Reviews for Parterre Box
This superb production of a Tennessee Williams’ rarity illuminates by lightening the playwright’s life and work.
My Blue Evan — DF Reviews Dear Evan Hansen (for Parterre Box)
No roller coaster has generated more stomach-churning highs and lows than the musical Dear Evan Hansen.
Either Less or More: Into the Woods at the Arden Theatre (for Parterre Box)
An elegantly streamlined makes the best case for the show I’ve yet seen.
Grand Passion: Rigoletto at Opera Philadelphia (for Parterre Box)
The collective audience sigh of joy that greeted the opening chords signaled success from the start.
Shining Hours: Kevin Puts’ New Opera at the Philadelphia Orchestra (for Parterre Box)
Dramaturgically, The Hours is a mixed bag: I wouldn’t discard it, but I would want to fix it. But simply as an evening of gorgeous music, it’s cordon bleu.
A Philly That Is Ready for the Race: Opera Philadelphia Announces the 2022-23 Season (for Parterre Box)
I felt a surge of joy learning the Festival O will return in September.
Doing Something Right: DF reviews Eugene Onegin at Academy of Vocal Arts (for Parterre Box)
Two young casts due justice to Tchaikovsky’s opera — and bring honor to the Academy of Vocal Arts.
I Want Your Rex: DF reviews Oedipus Rex + Lilacs at Opera Philadelphia (for Parterre Box)
Opera Philadelphia returns to the stage with an honorable, if not entirely convincing, mixed program.
reclining standards 