Media Reviews

• Event Name: Boston Opera Collaborative presents The Crucible
  Article: High craft, dramatic heat spark ‘Crucible’
  Boston.com - Nov 17, 2009
  By Matthew Guerrieri

  Consciences are, appropriately, stripped bare in Boston Opera Collaborative’s fine new production of “The Crucible.’’ After all, Robert...
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  Consciences are, appropriately, stripped bare in Boston Opera Collaborative’s fine new production of “The Crucible.’’ After all, Robert Ward’s 1961 operatic adaptation of Arthur Miller’s play is all about witchcraft: Puritan Salem torn by reckless accusations, the flawed-but-noble farmer John Proctor and his wife snared in the irrational mania. What good would common sense do?
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• Event Name: Boston Opera Collaborative presents The Crucible
  Article: The Crucible
  Boston Theatre Review - Nov 17, 2009
  By JJK

  The Crucible is the definition of the quintessential witch hunt play (if such a thing as a quintessential witch hunt play exists). From young girls...
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  The Crucible is the definition of the quintessential witch hunt play (if such a thing as a quintessential witch hunt play exists). From young girls running wild through the forest, to secret love affairs gone wrong and the ever powerful church looming in the background, it’s all the best parts of opera poured into one show. Robert Ward’s musical interpretation is full and lush and is a perfect match to the story line. It’s even more impressive to take on the show in New England and so close to Salem, because the residents here have that extra bit of knowledge of the area and the history of the play. As I told my companion, in Opera, the music itself shapes everything, and with Ward’s treatment, you could literally sit with your eyes closed and understand exactly what was happening just by hearing it.
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• Event Name: Boston Opera Collaborative presents The Crucible
  "Highly recommended"
  Review posted by: Sam G.R. from Cambridge, MA USA, Nov 16, 2009
  

  I saw the production on Sunday, and was blown away! I don't know a whole lot about opera, but I really enjoyed both the staging and the music. Director Roxanna Myhrum did a terrific job working with... Expand

  I saw the production on Sunday, and was blown away! I don't know a whole lot about opera, but I really enjoyed both the staging and the music. Director Roxanna Myhrum did a terrific job working with an unconventional space and allowing it to shine through and enhance the production. The image of grim-visaged puritans marching through the aisle of a high-vaulted gothic church interior is a stark one, and will stick with the viewer! Miller's familiar story is genuinely affecting, and the cast did a great job, both musically and dramatically, in bringing out the complexities and ambiguities in their characters. I was particularly impressed with Margaret Felice's sympathetic and eerie portrayal of Abigail Williams. And kudos to the set-designer and make-up designer for risky choices that paid off impressively. Altogether, not a show to miss. Collapse

• Event Name: Boston Opera Collaborative presents The Crucible
  "outstanding performance!"
  Review posted by: Betty C, from Newton MA, Nov 15, 2009
  

  Boston Opera Collaborative offered an excellent performance of this intriguing opera. The singing, the orchestra, the staging all enhanced the presentation of this thought-provoking and timely work.... Expand

  Boston Opera Collaborative offered an excellent performance of this intriguing opera. The singing, the orchestra, the staging all enhanced the presentation of this thought-provoking and timely work. The libretto is faithful to Arther Miller's play, and the drama is intensified by the music. Excellent performances by all. Highly recommended! Collapse