Opera review: Who knew hell could be so much fun?

Standouts among this superflux of gods and action are Jupiter, lustily sung by the redoubtable Joshua Jeremiah, who also brings his assured vocalism and physicality to the role, commanding, as Jupiter should, the stage and attention.

Jacques Offenbach’s opera “Orphée aux enfers” is full of irreverent chatter and absurd story turns, but the cast and crew who are readying to stage the 19th century work are dealing with a plot twist that didn’t come with the script.

Is “Orphee aux Enfers” the funniest opera of all time? Opera Company of Middlebury Artistic Director Doug Anderson thinks it is.

On Sunday, Nov. 7, Town Hall Theater and Opera Company of Middlebury present a preview showcase performance of “Aliceheimer’s,” the new chamber opera by composer Erik Nielsen and artist, writer and anthropologist Dana Walrath.

Opera Company of Middlebury mastered the genre in last week’s production of Tchaikovsky’s “Maid of Orleans,” with spectacle, soaring melodies and powerhouse voices.

Opera Company of Middlebury is rehearsing now for the opening of “The Maid of Orleans” on Oct. 1, at Town Hall Theater.

Tchaikovsky called it “my masterpiece,” and yet his opera about Joan of Arc has virtually disappeared since its debut in 1881.Why?“Epic is the best word for this score,” explained Opera Company of Middlebury’s music director Michael Sakir. “This is balls … (read more)

The Opera Company of Middlebury will host a conversation with Middlebury College history professor Louisa Burnham on Friday, Sept. 17, from 4-5 p.m., in Unity Hall, at the Congregational Church, 30 North Pleasant Street in Middlebury.Burnham has explored … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — The production that Opera News called “Extraordinary…eye-popping…delightful” is back for an encore. Opera Company of Middlebury is proud to announce a new screening of their revolutionary filmed production of “Candide” at Town Hall Theater on … (read more)

I have just emerged from a screening of Opera Company of Middlebury’s (OCM) brilliant retelling of Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide.” The signature tune from the overture filling my head, I cannot get over the feeling of giddiness from two hours of sustained … (read more)

The Opera Company of Middlebury proudly presents an imaginative retelling of Bernstein’s comic operetta “Candide,” streaming online June 15-30. Although the production contains traditional theatrical elements, it also embraces the magic of 21st century te … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — It’s been a challenging year for the Opera Company of Middlebury. Two major productions were planned for its 17th season: Tchaikovsky’s rarity “The Maid of Orleans,” an epic based on the life of Joan of Arc, and Leonard Bernstein’s glittering … (read more)

As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, Opera Company of Middlebury has suspended its fall production of “Candide,” opting instead for a new online production. For the health and wellbeing of all concerned, OCM has rescheduled its live production of “Candid … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — Town Hall Theater in Middlebury has canceled performances for the foreseeable future, with the hopes of restarting shows at some point. One show that will definitely not happen as scheduled is the Opera Company of Middlebury production of “Th … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — Late in the game I got tapped to write a preview of Opera Company of Middlebury’s new production of Puccini’s “Tosca,” which plays at Middlebury’s Town Hall Theater this week. As a substitute critic who knows something about theater but reall … (read more)