Our Town, New York City Premiere
Pictured are Anne Manson, conductor, J.D. McClatchey, NR, cast members Alex Shrader, Jennifer Zetlan, and Alex Mansoori. Photo by Peter Schaaf
Musical America: ''A New Opera Destined to Survive
... Juilliard's production ideally catches the deceptive simplicity of the piece. Edward Berkeley's direction is an artfully realized blend of imagined ritual and down-home realism, exactly right for this understated drama and perfectly complemented by the distantly remembered aura of small-town New England conjured up by John Kasarda's austere sets. The pin-point clarity and expressive power of Jennifer Zetlan's shining soprano made her a particularly appealing Emily and a vocal talent to watch, while Alek Shrader's evenly produced tenor and disarming presence suited George Gibbs, Emily's childhood sweetheart, to the ground.'' more>