Thomas Russell

Review: TOSCA, Royal Opera House
by Franco Milazzo - Jul 2, 2024

Fronted by some fresh faces, Jonathan Kent’s cinematic take on the Puccini masterwork Tosca returns for its seventeenth run at Covent Garden. 

TOSCA Comes to the Royal Opera House This July
by Stephi Wild - Jun 6, 2024

This July, The Royal Opera will present Jonathan Kent’s classic production of Puccini’s Tosca. The composers most dramatically charged work; this timeless staging receives its 15th revival since its premiere in 2006 with two leading international casts. 

Review: TURANDOT at LA Opera
by Andrew Child - May 22, 2024

A sharp blade wielded threateningly, forced perspective creating looming palatial walls, the rotting heads of failed suitors, and a princess literally shrouded in mystery quickly orient us within Puccini’s iconic fairytale.

LA Opera to Present World Premiere Of Joel Thompson's FIRE AND BLUE SKY
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 9, 2024

LA Opera will present the world premiere of a major new commission: the orchestral song cycle Fire and Blue Sky by Emmy-winning composer Joel Thompson and librettist Imani Tolliver. Learn how to purchase tickets !

Photos: Babes With Blades Theatre Company's World Premiere THE S PARADOX Opens Tomorrow
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 12, 2024

Babes With Blades Theatre Company’s 2024 season opens with The S Paradox, written by Joining Sword & Pen International Playwright Competition (JS&P) and Margaret W. Martin Award Winner Jillian Leff, directed by Morgan Manasa with fight direction by Samantha Kaufman at The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St. See photos from the production.

Video: Watch 'Nume custode e vindice' from Verdi's AIDA at Lyric Opera of Chicago
by Joshua Wright - Apr 2, 2024

Watch as inn Act One of Verdi's AIDA, the high priest Ramfis (Önay Köse in his Lyric debut) calls on the gods to protect Egypt as they prepare for battle in Lyric Opera's production of the beloved opera. Check out the video!

Video: Russell Thomas Performs 'Celeste Aida' from Verdi's AIDA at Lyric Opera of Chicago
by Joshua Wright - Mar 27, 2024

Get a first listen to the beginning of Act One, where Verdi gives Radamès (sung here by Lyric favorite Russell Thomas) one of the most challenging and iconic tenor arias in the repertoire — 'Celeste Aida.' Hear this hope-filled aria in Verdi's AIDA, onstage through April 7. 

Video: Watch 'Triumphal March' from Verdi's AIDA at Lyric Opera of Chicago
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 24, 2024

For the first time in more than a decade, Verdi’s romantic and political drama Aida has returned to Lyric Opera of Chicago through April 7, 2024. Watch footage from the production's 'Triumphal March' here!

Shereen Pimentel and Brenton Ryan To Lead WEST SIDE STORY At Houston Grand Opera; Full Season Announced
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 21, 2024

Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2024-25 season, which includes a concert presentation of the Broadway masterpiece, West Side Story, led by Broadway's Shereen Pimentel and tenor Brenton Ryan.

Patti LuPone, Jeanine Tesori's BLUE & More Set for Lyric Opera of Chicago 2024/25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 12, 2024

Lyric Opera of Chicago has revealed its 2024/25 Season. See the full season lineup and learn how to purchase tickets!

Video: Watch a Trailer for Lyric Opera of Chicago's Production of Verdi's AIDA
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 10, 2024

For the first time in more than a decade, Verdi’s romantic and political drama Aida returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago, March 9 to April 7, 2024. Watch footage from the production here!

Photos: First Look At AIDA At Lyric Opera of Chicago
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 9, 2024

For the first time in more than a decade, Verdi’s romantic and political drama Aida returns to Lyric Opera of Chicago, March 9 to April 7, 2024. See photos from the production.

Tickets Now On Sale For Babes With Blades' THE S PARADOX
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 7, 2024

Tickets are now on sale for Babes With Blades Theatre Company's 2024 season opener The S paradox. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets!

Video: Enrique Mazzola on the Epic Music of Verdi's AIDA
by Robert Diamond - Mar 5, 2024

'There is only AIDA that is like AIDA.' From epic choral scenes to intimate duets, Music Director Enrique Mazzola shares why Giuseppe Verdi's opera is unlike any other. See the Maestro conduct his first-ever AIDA, opening March 9 at Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Five New Productions Announced For Canadian Opera Company's 2024/2025 Season
by Joshua Wright - Feb 22, 2024

The Canadian Opera Company announced its 2024/2025 season with exciting programming comprised almost entirely of new-to-Toronto productions including the first-ever COC staging of Verdi’s Nabucco, the world premiere of a new production of Gounod’s Faust, and the Toronto premiere of La Reine-garçon, a new creation from Canadians Julien Bilodeau and Michel Marc Bouchard.

GROUNDED by Jeanine Tesori to Open The Metropolitan Opera's 2024â€"25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 21, 2024

The Metropolitan Opera has unveiled the 2024–25 season lineup. Learn about the operas being presented and see how to purchase tickets.

San Francisco Opera Announces 2024â€"25 Season Including CARMEN, LA BOHÈME and More
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 21, 2024

The 2024–25 Season includes six mainstage opera productions along with concert presentations including a one-night-only performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony on October 26, honoring the work's 200th anniversary and, in the summer of 2025, a special Pride Concert celebrating San Francisco's LGBTQIA+ community.

Babes With Blades Announces Cast And Creative Team For The World Premiere Of THE S PARADOX, April 7 - May 18
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 30, 2024

Babes With Blades Theatre Company presents the world premiere of The S Paradox, written by Jillian Leff and directed by Morgan Manasa. Join them at The Factory Theater from April 7 to May 18. Press Night is on Saturday, April 20 at 8 p.m.

TOSCA Returns to the Royal Opera House in February
by Stephi Wild - Jan 16, 2024

This February, The Royal Opera’s Tosca returns to Covent Garden. Jonathan Kent’s staging receives its 14th revival since its premiere in 2006 and this year will showcase debut performances from several artists new to the Royal Opera House stage.   

PAGLIACCI, THE MAGIC FLUTE & More Set for Seattle Opera 2024/25 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 10, 2024

Seattle Opera has unveiled its 2024/25 season. Learn about the productions and see how to purchase tickets!