Past Production Reviews
5In a feature for OpEd News, Rowan Wolf praised the production’s commitment to the veteran community and to the healing power of the arts in addressing urgent social crises, writing, “I was impressed by the breath-taking sweep of what Anima Mundi Productions is doing with The Canticle of the Black Madonna. It is clear that the aim here is healing, and that for all involved there is a deep sincerity in the loving approach they are taking, and their commitment to art as a vehicle of healing… The Canticle of the Black Madonna is an inspiration whether you are a veteran, related to one, or you are of the general community. There are many things to learn, and many wounds to heal, and The Canticle is a deeply touching vehicle of that communication and healing.”
While pondering the serious nature of the opera in a review written for Northwest Reverb, James Bash singled out the strong lead performances of Michael Mayes and Lindsey Cafferky and echoed other critics’ praise for the choral passages as prepared by chorus master Ethan Sperry and led by music director Ryan Heller. Bash wrote that “The style of music for the Black Madonna, angels, and the chorus seemed inspired by the music of the Renaissance and Baroque with the Black Madonna getting several ornamented phrases. The passages for Adam, Mara, and Paul had a contemporary and slightly dissonant feel that conveyed the many turbulent parts of the story very well. The most moving segment came when Adam revealed what had happened to him and his contingent in Afghanistan.”
Angela Allen, opera critic for Oregon ArtsWatch, called Tango of the White Gardenia “A triumph,” writing: Its messages are loud and clear and humane, and the art is fine enough to carry them. We need compassion, not competition when it comes to relationships. Not only can Tango of the White Gardenia turn people onto the sometimes-alienating ancient art form of opera, it also suggests that we can become better people.
