REVIEWS

Light Opera of New Jersey Goes Batty for Die Fledermaus

–Patricia K. Johnson, Discover Jersey Arts Culture Vultures, Read full article here

Light Opera of New Jersey… a dazzling production of Die Fledermaus.

The audience was completely enraptured by each scene, not just as bystanders watching an opera but as participants fully delving into the story, the characters, and the overall operatic experience.

–Opera Culture Magazine

SCINTILLATING, AFFECTING, RELEVANT “RAGTIME” AN ENGAGING LESSON FOR OUR TIME.

In the 20 years I have been reviewing productions by the Light Opera of New Jersey, the troupe has never disappointed me. Their production of Ragtime: The Musical is the finest theatrical production I have seen all year.

–Ruth Ross, NJ Arts Maven Read full review here

The Light Opera of NJ’s ‘Ragtime’ is a stunning, stirring and sensational event !

It is the best thing we have seen since the LONJ’s ‘Hunchback’ a year ago.

–Rick Busciglio, New Jersey Footlights

This musical has passion, combined with an excellent story and beautiful vocals and acting- buy your tickets now before the show closes next Sunday, July 22nd. It really is Broadway in South Orange. –Sarah Gordin, onstageblog.com Read full review here

The LONJ production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, directed by Jeffrey Fiorello with musical direction by Stephen Fox and choreography by Michael Scannelli is a spectacular DON’T MISS event. –Rick Busciglio, NJ Footlights

There are no plans to take this production to Broadway, so get on over to SOPAC to see The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This splendid piece of musical theater is worth every penny of the ticket you buy. –Ruth Ross, NJ Arts Maven Read full review here

… Light Opera of New Jersey [presented] Gaetano Donizetti’s two- act comic opera The Daughter of the Regiment. It is the second production of its 23rd Season of operetta and musical theatre. This is a marvelous, fun event presented in English; ”fun” is clearly the correct word to describe this screwball musical eye and ear treat. During the entire two-hour presentation last night (the first of only two!) it was difficult to determine who was having more fun…the marvelous cast or the audience with their energetic applause and laughter. –Rick Busciglio, NJ Footlights writing a guest review in NJ Arts Maven  Read full review here

Director Jeffrey Fiorello’s large cast gives the audience a performance of hair-raising chills, spectacular music and non-stop dramatic action. There is so much that is outstanding about this production it is difficult to know where to begin… Given this spectacular limited-run production by Light Opera of New Jersey at SOPAC, you’d better hurry to make reservations because it’s bound to be sold out long before the last performance. The subject is not for the faint-hearted, but for something completely different from the all-too-usual fluff, make an appointment to see Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and be fleet about it! — Ruth Ross NJ Arts Maven Read full review here

… Light Opera of New Jersey [presented] Gaetano Donizetti’s two- act comic opera The Daughter of the Regiment. It is the second production of its 23rd Season of operetta and musical theatre. This is a marvelous, fun event presented in English; ”fun” is clearly the correct word to describe this screwball musical eye and ear treat. During the entire two-hour presentation last night (the first of only two!) it was difficult to determine who was having more fun…the marvelous cast or the audience with their energetic applause and laughter. –Rick Busciglio, NJ Footlights writing a guest review in NJ Arts Maven  Read full review here

Director Jeffrey Fiorello’s large cast gives the audience a performance of hair-raising chills, spectacular music and non-stop dramatic action. There is so much that is outstanding about this production it is difficult to know where to begin… Given this spectacular limited-run production by Light Opera of New Jersey at SOPAC, you’d better hurry to make reservations because it’s bound to be sold out long before the last performance. The subject is not for the faint-hearted, but for something completely different from the all-too-usual fluff, make an appointment to see Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street and be fleet about it! — Ruth Ross NJ Arts Maven Read full review here

…on Saturday night. We had SUCH a great time and loved the performance!

The quality of the musicians, set, costumes and overall professionalism of the whole production was so impressive and well executed. The performance itself was such a delight – I loved how every performer really embraced their role in all its silly, schmaltzy hilarity and really gave all they had. There was never a dull moment and it was just sheer fun and joy!  -V. Paik, Clifton, NJ

We are constantly amazed by the exceptional quality of the theater talent, both acting and vocal, that resides here in the Garden State (yes, I have said this before, but it demands repeating). This Saturday night, we had the opportunity to hear and see some of the outstanding classical vocal talent performing in our area.

The program was a double bill The Telephone and The Old Maid & The Thief, both by Gian Carlo Menotti. Menotti, may be best known for his classic Christmas opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. The venue was a church, St. Mark’s, in the community of Basking Ridge. St. Mark’s is the home of the Light Opera Company of New Jersey. -Rick Busciglio, New Jersey Footlights

…on Saturday night. We had SUCH a great time and loved the performance!

The quality of the musicians, set, costumes and overall professionalism of the whole production was so impressive and well executed. The performance itself was such a delight – I loved how every performer really embraced their role in all its silly, schmaltzy hilarity and really gave all they had. There was never a dull moment and it was just sheer fun and joy!  -V. Paik, Clifton, NJ

We are constantly amazed by the exceptional quality of the theater talent, both acting and vocal, that resides here in the Garden State (yes, I have said this before, but it demands repeating). This Saturday night, we had the opportunity to hear and see some of the outstanding classical vocal talent performing in our area.

The program was a double bill The Telephone and The Old Maid and The Thief, both by Gian Carlo Menotti. Menotti, may be best known for his classic Christmas opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. The venue was a church, St. Mark’s, in the community of Basking Ridge. St. Mark’s is the home of the Light Opera Company of New Jersey. -Rick Busciglio, New Jersey Footlights

I had the pleasure of attending (and reviewing) the final performance of the Light Opera of New Jersey’s summer production, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Sunday afternoon, July 17, and although the run is over, I write this a week later to inform my readers of the existence and consistently superb work of this esteemed company so you will go the next time you see a post on this blog. — Ruth Ross NJ Arts Maven   Read full review here.

Director Jeffrey Fiorello has assembled a group of singer/actors in a production of A Little Night Music that surpasses one I saw several years ago in Philadelphia and is equal to the 2009 Broadway revival . . . If you’ve never attended a production by the Light Opera of New Jersey, this summer production (the last of the season) is an ideal introduction to the vocal magic performed by the troupe on a regular basis. -Ruth Ross, NJ Arts Maven Read full review here

This Light Opera of New Jersey production is an absolute joy for both the eye and the ear. A truly first class musical event! -Rick Busciglio, New Jersey Footlights

I had the pleasure of attending (and reviewing) the final performance of the Light Opera of New Jersey’s summer production, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Sunday afternoon, July 17, and although the run is over, I write this a week later to inform my readers of the existence and consistently superb work of this esteemed company so you will go the next time you see a post on this blog. — Ruth Ross NJ Arts Maven   Read full review here.

Director Jeffrey Fiorello has assembled a group of singer/actors in a production of A Little Night Music that surpasses one I saw several years ago in Philadelphia and is equal to the 2009 Broadway revival . . . If you’ve never attended a production by the Light Opera of New Jersey, this summer production (the last of the season) is an ideal introduction to the vocal magic performed by the troupe on a regular basis. -Ruth Ross, NJ Arts Maven Read full review here

This Light Opera of New Jersey production is an absolute joy for both the eye and the ear. A truly first class musical event! -Rick Busciglio, Northern New Jersey Theater Examiner

Amazing, amazing AMAZING LAST NIGHT! I laughed so hard and smiled like a little child the whole time! Wow. The costumes, dancing, music, talent..you name it! We have the plays in the park in Edison but to be honest, this was far more wonderful. I am telling everyone I know to go! – Anonymous Audience Member at opening night

Theater under the stars—al fresco, if you will—has its charms, especially if the air temperature is moderate, the humidity low and the moon full. Add energetic dancing, glorious voices and luscious costumes—well, who could ask for more on a summer’s eve?

The wattage emanating from the Light Opera of New Jersey’s production of Thoroughly Modern Millie at Pleasant Valley Park in Basking Ridge is bright enough to compete with the starry skies above. Director/Producer Bill Corson has assembled a stellar cast to tell the story of Millie Dillmount, newly arrived in 1920s New York City from Kansas to seek her fortune, with plans to marry her boss for a thoroughly modern reason, wealth, not love. Of course, her best-laid plans go awry when she meets Jimmy Smith, Circle Line tour guide/theater usher, who sweeps her off her feet with a kiss, appears to betray her and then saves their romance with some startling revelations. Along the way, Millie meets a bevy of would-be actresses, a celebrity singer, an insurance executive and his office manager, and uncovers a plot to kidnap girls to be sold into white slavery.

…This sparkling production onstage in Basking Ridge is a feast for the eye and ears, perfect for the whole family. -Ruth Ross, NU Arts Maven  Read full review here.

Spent a delightful Friday evening in Basking Ridge NJ, seeing Light Opera of New Jersey’s production of The Gondoliers. I love intelligent inventiveness that works, and that was evident in the choice of instruments/instrumentation for a small ensemble accompaniment, in the staging and choreography that gave really good movement to the show in what is actually a rather tight space for that number of people without their looking cramped (love clever things like that), and the costumes, which were excellent in both acts. The chorus and small-vocal-ensemble work was excellent, good clear diction, clean phrasing, the more remarkable because the MD was at the piano and conducting only here and there with one hand. Casting was good throughout, no weak links even in the smaller vocal-cameo roles. Bill and Lauran Corson and their excellent MD, Lois Buesser, have a lot to be proud of in this group and this production, and I was very glad I went! -Andrea Stryer-Rodda, principal accompanist for the New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players

We are constantly amazed by the exceptional quality of the theater talent that resides here in the Garden State. This Thursday evening, we had the opportunity to hear and see some of the outstanding classical vocal talent performing in our area. The venue was a church, St. Mark’s, in the community of Basking Ridge. St. Mark’s is the home of the Light Opera Company of New Jersey. Until several seasons ago it was known as the Ridge Light Opera Company. The company was founded 20 years ago by the husband and wife team of William and Lauran Corson. Bill is the lead producer/director with Lauran serving as the Artistic Director. Lauran is a soprano with impressive credits having sung professionally throughout the country in both opera and musical theater.

The production is Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Gondoliers,or the King of Barataria noted for not only being the most tuneful but also having the most dancing of all their works. Unlike many of the plots in opera or operetta, The Gondoliers has a surprisingly complex plot that at times seems to be a case for Miss Marple to sort out. Fortunately, a detailed synopsis is provided in the program right down to revealing the ‘surprise’ resolution. Don’t let that concern you, the joy is in the performances of the very impressive leads… -Rick Busciglio, New Jersey Footlights