Winter Opera’s Captivating ‘Manon Lescaut’ Filled with Passionate Memories

Winter Opera’s Captivating ‘Manon Lescaut’ Filled with Passionate Memories

By C.B. Adams Giacomo Puccini’s first outstanding success was “Manon Lescaut,” the musical setting of Abbé Prévost’s renowned (and banned in France) novel’s tale of... Details
Winter Opera Heats Up the Season with a Solid ‘Don Giovanni’

Winter Opera Heats Up the Season with a Solid ‘Don Giovanni’

By CB Adams Waiting for Winter Opera’s production of “Don Giovanni,” I was reminded of the forward to Milton Cross’ “Complete Stories of the Great... Details
Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Don Pasquale’ Is a Frothy, Summery Treat

Union Avenue Opera’s ‘Don Pasquale’ Is a Frothy, Summery Treat

By CB Adams As if to serve as a counterpoint to Union Avenue Opera’s (UAO) festival-opening but decidedly heavy “Turn Of the Screw,” the company... Details
Union Avenue Delivers a Powerfully Haunting ‘Turn of the Screw’

Union Avenue Delivers a Powerfully Haunting ‘Turn of the Screw’

By CB Adams Benjamin Britten said that “Composing is like driving down a foggy road.” He could just as easily been describing the experience of... Details
Opera Theatre’s ‘Treemonisha’ Is A Transformative Triumph

Opera Theatre’s ‘Treemonisha’ Is A Transformative Triumph

By CB Adams Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ season opener of a reimagined-yet-respectful version of Scott Joplin’s Treemonisha by composer Damien Sneed and librettist Karen... Details
Spirited ‘Finale’ Excels At Examining Creative Process in WEPG’s Premiere

Spirited ‘Finale’ Excels At Examining Creative Process in WEPG’s Premiere

By Lynn VenhausInspired by real 19th century artists, “Finale” examines the creative process of renowned Italian composer Gioachino Rossini with a nimble cast of four... Details
The Black Rep and Stages St. Louis Tie with 7 Wins at St. Louis Theater Circle

The Black Rep and Stages St. Louis Tie with 7 Wins at St. Louis Theater Circle

By Lynn VenhausStages St. Louis' "In the Heights," a jubilant celebration of culture, community, and connection, won six awards, including Outstanding Musical Production, Music Director,... Details
St Louis Theater Circle Awards Announces Nominations for 2022

St Louis Theater Circle Awards Announces Nominations for 2022

ST. LOUIS THEATER CIRCLE AWARDS RETURN FOR IN-PERSON GALA APRIL 3, 2023 TO HONOR OUTSTANDING WORK IN LOCAL PROFESSIONAL THEATER IN 2022 The Muny leads... Details
Winter Opera Brews Up a Bewitching ‘Macbeth’

Winter Opera Brews Up a Bewitching ‘Macbeth’

By CB Adams In his recent review in New York magazine of the Metropolitan Opera’s production of “Fedora,” Justin Davidson snarked, “’Fedora is an opera... Details
Winter Opera’s ‘La Rondine’ Takes Flight At Kirkwood PAC

Winter Opera’s ‘La Rondine’ Takes Flight At Kirkwood PAC

By C.B. Adams I have an acquaintance for whom the terms Puccini and opera are synonymous. For him, opera and the Italians define the artform.... Details