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Orfeo
Lyric @ Illinois | KCPA Tryon Festival Theatre


"Because this opera is written in a Renaissance/Baroque style and employs neo-platonic allegorical personas, such as Music and Mercy, it might seem antiquated to a modern audience. But, such is the power of Monteverdi's music, and the splendid staging of this production that the opening night performance had strong emotional power. All aspects, singing, dancing, instrumental episodes, scenic design and lighting, united to bring out the still vital forces in this masterwork."

"Music director Andrea Solya's conducting drew a well-coordinated performance from the chorus, the pit orchestra, the string players on stage and the quartet of trombones from the balcony. Dawn Harris' direction maintained a lively flow of action, and Rachel Rizzuto's choreography gave delight to the eye. The costumes designed by Khetag Tsabolov, in rustic Bulgarian style, combined the realistic and picturesque. Brian Sidney Bembridge's scenic design created splendid vistas, especially the green world at the end of the opera. The lighting design by Sarah Goldstein aptly underlined the dramatic crises of the story. Others who contributed to such an accomplished production were sound designer Lizi Shaul, media designer Lili Federico and stage manager Jessica Reddig."

John Frayne, The News Gazette
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Dracula A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really
Illinois Theatre | Krannert Center at the Virginia


"Between acts, I migrated seats — an underutilized perk of general admission — to better appreciate the technical wizardry at work. Fallon Podrazik’s dual-revolve set design propels the action with mechanical precision, while Sarah Goldstein’s lighting renders the gore and pathos in stark relief. Daniella Brown’s sound, a throbbing techno-gothic pulse, melds seamlessly with Danielle Johnson’s projections to create some of the evening’s most electric moments. Vi Manova’s costumes nod to Victorian propriety while sidestepping period fetishism — from Renfield’s artfully distressed straightjacket to Mina’s verdant ensembles and Van Helsing’s utilitarian garb."

Amy Penne, Smile Politely
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