Apr 10

Visually Heavy, Emotionally Weightless: “Carousel”

The cast of “Carousel.” Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Presented by Boston Lyric Opera
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Adapted from Ferenc Molnár ‘s 1909 play Liliom
Directed by Anne Bogart
Conducted by David Angus
Set design by Sara Brown
Costume design by Haydee Zelideth
Choreography by Shura Baryshnikov
Featuring: Brandie Sutton, Edward Nelson, Jamie Barton, Anya Matanovic, Omar Najmi, Markel Reed, Sarah Heltzel, Lee Pelton, Abigail Marie Curran

April 4th – 13th
Emerson Colonial Theatre
106 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116
Tickets here

Content advisory: contains themes and images of domestic violence and emotional abuse.

Running Time: 3 hours with 1 intermission

Review by Maegan Bergeron-Clearwood

BOSTON — Rodgers’ and Hammerstein’s Carousel haunts the musical theatre canon. It is undeniably contentious, an exploration of domestic violence that is either unflinchingly raw or insurmountably problematic, depending on who you ask. It also has an undeniable legacy, containing an atmospheric whimsy, masterful score, and dramaturgical strangeness that bring audiences and artists back time and time again. Continue reading

Nov 03

Overall A Charming Opera:The Barber of Seville

Photo credit: Longwood Opera; a touching moment on the balcony.

by Giacomo Rossini
Jeffrey Brody – musical director, J. Scott Brumit – stage director

presented by Longwood Opera

Fully staged, in English
Christ Episcopal Church
1132 Highland Ave.
Needham, MA
Friday, November 2, 8 PM and Sunday, November 4, 2:30 PM

Longwood Opera Facebook Page

Review by Kitty Drexel

(Needham)The Barber of Seville was made famous in popular culture by the Bugs Bunny cartoon, “The Rabbit of Seville,” in which Bugs violently shaves a reluctant Elmer Fudd. The beautiful music by Giacomo Rossini could charm the pants off of anyone with ears. It is the timeless warmth and wit of Rossini’s opera that would bring you to watch Longwood Opera’s production of Barber but it is the individual performances of the cast that would keep you in your seat.   Continue reading