Gregory Sullivan Isaacs of “Theater Jones” calls it “an evocative, moody production of one of the most beautiful operas ever written, performed with a consistent degree of musical excellence that few other opera houses could match.” Read Gregory’s review here.
But I regret to report that not everyone was quite so enchanted with the opening performance on Friday night. Classical Music Critic Scott Cantrell of “The Dallas Morning News” praised the “visually stunning” production and lighting design and Myrto Papatanasiu’s “amazing vocal technique,” however, he wrote that Bliss Hebert’s stage direction at times “gilds an already sentimental lily.” D Magazine “Front Row” critic Wayne Lee Gay thought our production hovered “tantalizingly close to greatness” but thought the elaborate sets and costumes at times overwhelmed the characters.
Read Scott’s review here, and Wayne’s review here.
Over at “The Flash List,” Sherri Tilley wrote: “This is it. If you’ve been waiting for a truly great classic opera with fantastically talented performers, passionate romance, soundtrack-worthy music, fanciful period costumes, and wildly impressive set design, this is it.” And that’s just in her first paragraph. Read the rest of Sherri’s review here.
David Weuste of “Everyday Opera” concluded his review by writing “Traviata can be a tad ridiculous in its storyline and plot, but on Friday night, Papatanasiu made it come to life. Accompanied by towering sets, the wonderfully over-the-top costuming, the dancers, and many other fine voices, Papatanasiu helped put La Traviata in the running for the best production of the Dallas Opera season.” Read David’s compete review here.
More coming…(Photo courtesy of Karen Almond, Dallas Opera)
UPDATE: Paul Kroeger of The Daily Campus (SMU) and Pegasus News called the opera “thrillingly and appropriately sentimental,” a production “not to be missed.” Read Paul’s review here.
Calling it a perfect fit for the opera novice, “Sulphur Springs News-Telegram” Arts Editor Terry Mathews admitted being swept off her feet by Traviata on Opening Night. She writes, “Everything about this production is magnificent. It’s everything opera should be.” Read Terry’s review here.
MORE CRITICAL ACCLAIM: “One of the best (productions) in years,” writes Marilee Vergati of “Dallas Dance Examiner,” check out her review right here. And at “DFW Renaissance,” Dean Cassella says “the national premiere of a new prima donna, well, that’s something worth writing home about.” Read Dean’s review here.
Suzanne Calvin, Manager/Director Media and PR