Critics on 'Lakmé' Artists

Sarah Bryan Miller of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Chris Gibson of BroadwayWorld.com and Missy Miller of KDHX have offered their critiques on the artists involved in Union Avenue Opera's Lakmé:

Patricia Johnson

"As the Brahmin priestess Lakmé, soprano Patricia Johnson looked beautiful in her midriff-baring costumes, and sounded lovely when she floated her voice." —SBM

"Patricia Johnson does stong work as Lakmé, and her coloratura soprano is perfectly suited to the material. Her version of 'The Bell Song' during the second act is splendidly realized, but it's her pairing with Crystal Philippi as Mallika, on the familiar 'Flower Song' that really sparkles." —CG

Roderick George

"Roderick George displays a pleasing tenor as Gérald." —CG

"Tenor Roderick George was sympathetic as Gérald, the British officer who loves [Lakmé]. He has a big voice and high notes that won't quit." —SBM

On Johnson & George:

"Both Johnson and George deliver performances with ultimate precision, hitting the center of each note with ease. As the courtship between Lakmé and Gérald crescendos, so does the vocal intensity of both performers." —MM

David Dillard

"David Dillard is a powerful Nilakantha, and his bass thunders as he vows and seeks his revenge." —CG

Crystal Philippi

"Also noteworthy is Crystal Philippi, who plays Lakmé's servant, Mallika. Philippi does an excellent job of blending her rich, lower tones with the upper register of Johnson, particularly when performing Delibes' infamous 'Flower Duet,' as made popular by British Airways in the late 1980s." —MM

Nathan Wentworth

"Baritone Nathan Wentworth, Gérald's friend Frédéric, has a luscious tone." —SBM

Jon Garrett

"Tenor Jon Garrett was touchingly sweet and sang beautifully as Hadji." —SBM

Debra Hillabrand

"Mezzo-soprano Debra Hillabrand was a delight as the governess" —SBM

Kostis Protopapas, conductor

"Kostis Protopapas does an impeccable job conducting the orchestra for this tuneful and moving piece." —CG

"Conductor Kostis Protopapas showed a fine command of the score and maintained balance between stage and pit." —SBM

"[Kostis Protopapas's] standing ovation during Saturday evening's performance was well deserved." —MM

Scott Schoonover, stage director

"Regular conductor Schoonover moves over to handle the stage direction, and does solid work with a more formalized approach." —CG

Patrick Huber, set design

"Patrick Huber's changeable set conjures up the locale in colorful fashion." —CG

"While my ears were ringing with delight, my eyes were wide with wonder; thanks to the colorful set created by Patrick Huber. Taking place in Raj, India, Huber does an excellent job of bringing the small space to life, using a variety of colors, textures and layers to create height and depth on stage." —MM

Felia Davenport, costume design

"Felia Davenport's costumes neatly capture the feel of these competing cultures." —CG

"Complementing Huber's dynamic set, costume designer Felia Davenport carefully dresses characters in period attire with colorful silk saris for Hindu characters, army coats for the British officers, and traditional floral dresses and ribbon trimmed hats for the officers' female counterparts." —MM

Lakmé continues its run tonight and tomorrow (August 28 & 29). Performances begin at 8pm. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church located at 733 Union Blvd in St. Louis. Sung in French with projected English supertitles. To purchase tickets or learn more about this production, please visit the Union Avenue Opera Website or call 314. 361.2881