reviews
“By all rights, the Tennessee Williams play ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ is one of the most emotional works in theater. Add to it the music of André Previn, and the resulting opera becomes one of the most dramatic musical productions of the last century. This opera is no cakewalk . . . [it] involves emotional involvement, intellect and physical fitness. It also demands complete understanding of both the pathos of Williams and the intent of Previn to mirror that pathos. These demands were achieved in the Wesleyan production.
Steven Kaup took on the Stanley Kowalski role. His voice matched Previn’s demands well. Just as well done were his stage actions, bold and husky to fit the caricature. Sapphire Munford held the crowd’s attention in the role of Stella Kowalski. Munford’s strong point is her vocal instrument, well suited to her handling of the physical role. The evening’s kudos go to Icy Rene Simpson, who portrayed DuBois. Previn grew the musical angst for this role throughout the three acts. Simpson complied with the demands extremely well. Given her forceful evocation in both song and word . . . she has the vocal capabilities to match the demands.
The staging direction of Dawn Pawlewski Krogh deserves high praise. [William] Wyman also contributed handsomely to the production . . .”––“Talented Wesleyan Troupe Conquers Demanding Previn Opera,” John Cutler, Lincoln Journal-Star, March 31, 2007
"The pivotal role of Captain von Trapp was admirably sung by Kirk Monismith, who is Christopher-Plummer handsome . . . Of particular note, singing the roles of Liesl and Frederich are NWU music students Melissa Casper and Brandon Fisher. Their presence leads the children; their voices wowed the crowd. The dream role of Maria was won by theater major Caroline Eckman, who injects her nun-turned nanny with some fresh energy and kinetic surprises. She connects well with the cast around her, moving the production forward. Music and theater students combined to create the Abbey choir Their a cappella chorus provided the right touch for setting the stage, which shifted smoothly from mountaintop to sauctuary to garden plaza to stately front hall."––:Wesleyan presents classic 'Sound of Music'," Amy Lamphere, Lincoln Journal-Star, February 18, 2005
“[Beggar’s Opera] is a fiery and animated production replete with excellence throughout . . . a splendid cast that quite ably combines acting and singing . . . Along with strong, energetic, well-presented performances from [Benjamin] Bear, [Tara] Harman and [Anna] Lackaff, Mitch Raftery is very entertaining in several roles . . . ‘The Beggar’s Opera’ is a lusty, bawdy braggadocio that isn’t afraid to enjoy life. And it ain’t your typical opera.”––Larry L. Kubert, Lincoln Journal-Star
“The combination [of orchestra and singing talent] created a production that combines Broadway impact and ‘Amahl’ intimacy. Nicole Carpenter plays a perfect Consul’s secretary . . . which Carpenter fashions out to be one of those people you do NOT want to deal with in an office—the foreign-government paperwork machine who is oblivious to humanity. This show is worth it just to see and hear Steven C. Rich in the magician’s role. Rich’s vocal instrument is well-suited to the role. The right elements came together to make ‘The Consul’ production an excellent offering. It’s a must-see this weekend.”––John Cutler, Lincoln Journal-Star
“If for no other reason, opera lovers should catch Laci Sievers’ performance of the aria ‘O mio babbino caro” in the Nebraska Wesleyan University production of Puccini’s ‘Gianni Schicchi.’ The NWU student nailed the opera’s most recognizable work during Friday night’s performance in O’Donnell Auditorium. Her rendition was poignant and left many in the . . . audience nodding their heads in appreciation. Sievers’ work, was just one of the many highlights during the school’s opera twin bill . . .”–Jeff Korbelik, Lincoln Journal-Star
" . . . the true highlight of the show are the marvelous vocal interpretations . . . especially pleasing is Derek Parks' Sir Roderick Murgatroyd . . . Nor can the compelling performance by agile Steven Rich ad Richard Dauntless, Ruthven/Robin's foster brother, be overlooked. The Wesleyan production of Ruddigore has plenty of good singing and lots of fribolous, silly action . . . what Gilbert and Sullivan are all about."––Larry Kubert, Lincoln Journal-Star
