“COLE SIMPLY COMMANDS THE STAGE” Photos and rave reviews of “Mrs. Dalloway” at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
REVIEW: ORIGINAL MUSICAL “MRS DALLOWAY” PREMIERES AT CSC
by LIZ EICHLER
“Mrs. Dalloway is a must see. Lindsey Augusta Mercer is a force, and in the capable hands of Sara Clark this musical demonstrates how we are as much part of our past as our present and future.”
“Christiana Cole brings their beautiful voice and stature as Mrs. Dalloway. Both singing and speaking, their rich voice is reminiscent of Julie Andrews. I couldn’t take my eyes off their hands, gracefully adding inflection, gently caressing the music. Cole simply commands the stage.”
REVIEW: THE WORLD PREMIERE OF “MRS. DALLOWAY: A NEW MUSICAL”
“Director Sara Clark’s staging of this busy tale is excellently executed. No “park-and-bark” singing on this one: the show offers fluid movement in the way of both deliberate blocking and beautiful choreography by Ashley Goos throughout. With a soundtrack that throws in touches of several genres of music, Ms. Goos’ choreo is able to keep up with the changes easily.”
“And speaking of the music, it is rife with stunning harmonies and intense emotion. Mx. Mercer and their Music Director and Co-Orchestrator Matthew Umphreys ensure the songs match the sentiment of each particular scene impeccably. In addition to Mr. Umphreys’ stellar direction with the vocalists, the live ensemble does a brilliant job with their tasks at hand (including his turn on Piano). Kudos to him and to the rest of the Orchestra: Betty Douglas on Flute; Director of Marketing Jeanna Vella on Clarinet; Emery Hicks on Trumpet; Linsey Rogers on Violin; Julie Lim on Cello; Joel Greenberg on Guitar; Renate Thomas on Bass; and Brian Malone on Drums.”
“In the titular role, Christiana Cole is an absolute paragon. Their voice is strong, clear, and affective; the audience always knows exactly what the Mrs. is feeling. In addition to some impressive pipes, Mx. Cole possesses a hypnotic quality that is hard to shake.”
Christiana Cole 