Mark Bretz:
"Union Avenue Opera’s artistic director Scott Schoonover elicits a handsome rendering of Verdi’s intricate and intriguing score from his Union Avenue orchestra. The orchestra’s rich and resonant sound supports fine singing by the show’s primary performers, most notably Andrew Cummings, whose powerful baritone as Renato provides this production with its most glorious moments...Courtney Mills has a lush and luxurious voice that strongly shapes Amelia’s character...Rachael Holzhausen adds a delightful spark to the proceedings as the sprightly page Oscar, bringing vibrancy and exhilaration to her too few scenes...Denise Knowlton is convincing in both her singing and acting as the mysterious conjurer Ulrica."Sarah Bryan Miller:
"[Courtney Mills' voice] is a voice to be reckoned with, shot through with silver along with plenty of steel, and big enough to effortlessly fill the auditorium on a pianissimo...Mezzo-soprano Denise Knowlton, as the witch Ulrica, is another one with great potential. A strong actor with a big, warm voice, she commanded the stage in her scenes...Baritone Andrew Cummings, tall and sexy, was one of the most appealing characters on stage...As the page, Oscar, soprano Rachael Holzhausen was cute, perky and hit all her high notes...Among the supporting roles, bass Todd von Felker as Tom stood out as a sardonic, observant conspirator. Tom W. Sitzler, a sailor who comes to Ulrica for advice, made the most of his small role."Un ballo in Maschera continues its run this weekend: July 6 & 7. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church at 733 N. Union Blvd. All performances begin at 8pm. Production sung in Italian with Projected English Supertitles. Tickets start at $32 and are available online at www.unionavenueopera.org or by calling the box office Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at 314-361-2881. Student Rush tickets are available for $15 at the door with a valid student ID (cash only).
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