Winter Opera’s ‘Magic Flute’ Delivers Elegance, Humor and Timeless Charm

Winter Opera’s ‘Magic Flute’ Delivers Elegance, Humor and Timeless Charm

By CB Adams Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” balances fairy-tale whimsy with deeper allegory, and Winter Opera’s production embraces that duality with refreshing sincerity. Without gimmicks, forced interpretations... Details
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2025 New Works Collective: Innovation, Inclusion, and the Future of Opera

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2025 New Works Collective: Innovation, Inclusion, and the Future of Opera

By CB Adams To discuss Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ New Works Collective in 2025 is to engage with a program that is, at once,... Details
Winter Opera’s 18th Season Sets Sail With a Buoyant ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’

Winter Opera’s 18th Season Sets Sail With a Buoyant ‘H.M.S. Pinafore’

By CB Adams Timing, as they say, is everything. And Winter Opera’s sprightly production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “H.M.S. Pinafore” succeeds thanks to all sorts... Details
The Beauty of Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Into the Woods’ Is No Fairytale

The Beauty of Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Into the Woods’ Is No Fairytale

By CB AdamsUnion Avenue Opera’s production of “Into The Woods,” stage directed by Jennifer Wintzer, is a rich tapestry. From the set design through the... Details
Union Avenue Opera’s Pared Down ‘Aida’ Soars on Vocal Performances

Union Avenue Opera’s Pared Down ‘Aida’ Soars on Vocal Performances

By CB Adams Union Avenue Opera’s concert version of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Aida” seems to have taken its cue from George Bernard Shaw when he wrote:... Details
Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Carmen’ Delivers Compelling Moments Tempered by Contemporary Issues

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Carmen’ Delivers Compelling Moments Tempered by Contemporary Issues

By CB Adams Poor Carmen. As the protagonist in George Bizet’s 1875 opera, she’s sometimes reduced to being the poster person for critical analysis of... Details
Opera Theatre’s ‘Galileo Galilei’ Mixes Brilliance With Bafflement

Opera Theatre’s ‘Galileo Galilei’ Mixes Brilliance With Bafflement

By CB Adams I won’t bury the lede: I wanted to like Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ production of “Galileo Galilei” more than I did.... Details
Opera Theatre Renders A Beautifully Heartfelt ‘La Boheme’

Opera Theatre Renders A Beautifully Heartfelt ‘La Boheme’

By CB Adams I shouldn’t admit this, but during the intermission at opening night of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ production of “La Bohème,” I... Details
Opera Theatre’s ‘Barber of Seville’ Dazzles With Spirited Melodies and Comedic Brilliance

Opera Theatre’s ‘Barber of Seville’ Dazzles With Spirited Melodies and Comedic Brilliance

By CB Adams The poppy, exuberant experience of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’s production of “The Barber of Seville” begins well before the opening notes... Details
New Works Collective Delivers Three Outstanding Short Operas for All

New Works Collective Delivers Three Outstanding Short Operas for All

By CB Adams During one of the two intermissions in Opera Theatre of St. Louis’s third annual, three-pronged New Works Collective, I pondered aesthetics. Can... Details