Category — Rolanda

http://www.andante.com/article/article.cfm?id=26019

The most highly anticipated performance of the opera season, “Dr. Atomic”, can only be described as a flop. There has never been an opera with a topic such as this. It was unheard of until this point to have an opera based on a historical topic of this nature and for a libretto to be created for an opera instead of vice versa. [Read more →]

            After a grueling five week long tour promoting her new book “Goldengrove” it is understandable that Ms. Francine Prose would want to take a break and do a reading of another one of her pieces. The short story that Ms. Prose read, entitled “Hansel and Gretel” is very amusing and fantastical story. The main character, Polly, is in a very bizarre situation, to say the least. It is surprising that it was actually based on a situation that the author was in. The title and the beginning of the story do not seem to match. It is not until later that the audience understands the connection to the children’s story of “Hansel and Gretel”. [Read more →]

Ari Folman’s film Waltz with Bashir is a bizarre and intriguing animated film regarding certain events that occurred during Folman’s life. The movie opens with the scene of menacing dogs, foaming at the mouth, running through the streets of an undisclosed city. This perplexing scene is just enough to spark the viewer’s interest. The film draws on the life of the director and the events that occur are so unreal, that it would be hard for anyone to fabricate them if they tried. While there are many humorous and dreamlike moments, the topic however, is very serious. The film deals with the idea that war really does have an adverse effect on those who are directly touched by it whether they know it or not. [Read more →]

South Pacific is the classic romance tale. It is both triumphant and tragic. It seamlessly blends cultural differences, the stresses of war, and racism into a boundless love story. The main characters, Nellie and Emile, face the trials and tribulations of every relationship, while Lieutenant Joe Cable struggles to accept and understand the feelings in his heart. [Read more →]

Rome was like no place that I’d ever seen and even though it sounds cliché it really was more striking than any pictures or descriptions that anyone could imagine. It is not at all what people imagine it to be. There are no people running around in togas singing “O Sole Mio”. Each day was filled with endless amazement and jaw-dropping wonders of the ancient world. I was stunned by the shear volume of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Last Judgment. [Read more →]

In Conflict is Yvonne Latty’s depiction of the Iraqi War’s untold stories. It is filled with compelling and heartbreaking accounts of real Iraqi War veteran’s experiences. The monologues that are delivered by the actors are a highlight of the show. The set was a distraction and did not enhance the play whatsoever. The play was highlighted by a very poignant moment at the end that brings the show full circle and is touching and emotional. [Read more →]

Irena’s Vow is the compelling true story of a young woman who survived the horrors of Nazi Germany. The heroine of the story Irena Gut, is just a young girl when she has to suffer through the ordeal of the Hitler’s reign. The play blends comedy with a very grave and solemn topic to effectively relay a story that is both gripping and exciting. The story is enhanced by the set and the performance of the main character but, it is hindered by the performances of others. [Read more →]