The Critics on "Ariadne auf Naxos"

Winter Opera Saint Louis' production of Ariadne auf Naxos opened last night. Here's a sample of what Sarah Bryan Miller of the Post-Dispatch and Chuck Lavazzi of KDHX had to say about the production:

Sarah Bryan Miller:

"Soprano Meredith Hoffmann-Thomson's Prima Donna/Ariadne has the goods for this demanding role, with a big, soaring voice that never stinted with the high notes. ... Sarah Heltzel, the Composer, has a gorgeous instrument and was a believably angst-ridden young man. Soprano Mary Thorne brought the requisite knowing sexiness, effortless coloratura runs and solid acting skills to the role of Zerbinetta."

Chuck Lavazzi:

"Comedy is king in this 'Ariadne'. Soprano Mary Thorne wowed the crowd with her coloratura fireworks and was convincingly seductive in her scenes with the terribly serious young Composer, a 'pants' role sung with appropriate intensity by mezzo Sarah Heltzel.

Now in its fifth season and with a new home at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts on the campus of Chaminade Preparatory School, Winter Opera stands poised to be an important player in the growing opera scene locally. If this production is any indication, we can expect great things from them."

Winter Opera Saint Louis' final performance of Ariadne auf Naxos takes place tomorrow Sunday, January 29 at 3pm at the St. Louis Woman’s Club located at 4600 Lindell Boulevard (map). The production is sung in German with projected English supertitles. Tickets for performances and the post-performance dinner may be purchased by calling Winter Opera Saint Louis at 314-865-0038 or online at http://winteroperastl.tix.com/ For further information on the company, its future performances and special events, visit winteroperastl.org.