Review: Springfield Symphony Orchestra , "Mambo Kings"

Symphony Hall, Springfield, MA

www.springfieldsymphony.org

November 10, 2025

by Paul Jenney

The chill outside was no match for the heat inside Symphony Hall, where the Mambo Kings turned up the temperature and had the audience feeling the rhythm. For 30-years, the quintet has been touring the world, blending Afro-Latin fusion with traditional songs, their own bold arrangements, and even a fiery reimagining of the Beatles.

Conductor Herb Smith was a commanding presence as he shared stories behind the music, seamlessly uniting the Mambo Kings and the Symphony in a powerful opening set. Then soprano Camile Zamora swept onto the stage, instantly capturing the crowd with her passionate rendition of “Besame Mucho.” For those who didn’t understand a word of Spanish, her emotion made every note clear. Her voice soared above the strings and bass, and not even the muscular tuba could compete with her range.

Richard Delaney (also musical arranger) on piano and John Viavattine on saxophone and flute kept the momentum alive, their musical dialogue with Smith and Zamora lighting up the stage. The driving percussion of Wilfredo Colon on drums and Tony Padilla on congas added an irresistible pulse, though bassist Hector Diaz’s grooves were sometimes lost in the mix.

After intermission, the group kicked things off with their dynamic take on “Day Tripper,” pulling the crowd right back in. Zamora's soaring vocals carried through a set of high-energy songs that had some audience members dancing. The singer was truly amazing with her outfit changes, emotive energy and interplays where she explained the songs that were important to her. One young boy leaned over the balcony, completely spellbound by the music below. 

The first English-language song of the night, “One Note Samba,” showed Zamora’s playful side as she winked and smiled at the audience. The energy built to a roaring finale with “Oye Como Va,” the Carlos Santana hit that had everyone clapping and singing along. The conductor led the crowd into participating with the same enthusiasm he brings to his students at Eastman’s Community Music School.

The evening closed with “Lágrimas Negras,” a soulful performance that sent the audience back into the cold night air. Hearts full, spirits lifted, and the warmth of the music still lingering.

Review: The Bushnell, "Hamilton"

The Bushnell, Hartford, CT

www.bushnell.org
through November 16, 2025
by Suzanne Wells

The Bushnell presents “Hamilton”—book, lyrics, and music by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

This production brilliantly reframes modern American politics through the compelling story of Alexander Hamilton, drawing connections to today’s most pressing social issues. For those drawn to rooting for the underdog, captivated by battles, strategies, extortion, and duels, or intrigued by romantic entanglements and jealous revenge, “Hamilton” delivers on all fronts.

Set against the backdrop of late 1700's New York Harbor, Hamilton—a poor immigrant—joins forces with notable revolutionaries to win independence from England and lay the foundation for the United States government. The production’s use of contemporary language and an innovative blend of rap, hip-hop, and emotional music creates a striking reminder that little has changed over two centuries. The marginalized still struggle for justice, women continue to fight for recognition, backroom deals determine fates, and genius is frequently celebrated only after death.

Tyler Fountleroy commands the stage as Hamilton, captivating the audience with his electrifying energy, impressive vocal range, and unwavering stamina. Jimmie “JJ” Jeter brings depth and intensity to Burr, delivering a memorable performance in “The Room Where It Happens,” while A.D. Weaver’s portrayal of Washington is particularly stirring in “One Last Time.” Marja Harmon dazzles as Angelica; her rendition of “Satisfied” leaves the audience eager for more. Though the dynamic musical arrangements occasionally overshadow the lyrics—making it a challenge to catch every plot twist or double entendre—the emotional impact remains strong.

Lauren Mariasoosay’s portrayal of Eliza is unforgettable. She evolves from a spirited young woman to a devoted wife and mother, transforming into a figure marked by heartbreak and, in the end, radiant forgiveness. Mariasoosay’s understated yet profoundly moving performance resonates with quiet strength, leaving a lasting impression.

The show is not without levity—Matt Bittner’s foppishly charming King George III in “You’ll Be Back” and Christian Magby’s delightfully ridiculous Thomas Jefferson in “What’d I Miss” offer new perspectives of the typically dignified historical figures.
Andy Blankenbuehler’s choreography, featuring captivating pop-and-lock and slow-motion sequences, enhanced by a rotating stage, is mesmerizing. At times, the ensemble’s energy and movement are so riveting that it becomes difficult to focus on anything else, including the lyrics.

“Hamilton” captivates audiences with its complex plot, impressive vocal performances, and remarkable choreography, making it a show worth seeing more than once.

REVIEW: Majestic Theater, “Steel Magnolias”

Majestic Theater, West Springfield, MA  
www.majestictheater.com
through November 30, 2025
by Paul Jenney

The stage of the Majestic is transformed into a cozy Southern hairdressing salon, a world where women get pampered, laugh, argue, and swap secrets about friends, family, health, relationships, and anything else making the rounds in town that day.

Our story unfolds inside Truvy’s salon. Portrayed by a perky Elaine Hom, Truvy has just hired a new stylist, Annelle (Kait Rankins), who is shy, polite, and harboring a mysterious past. Meanwhile, Shelby is getting married later that day. She and her mother, M’Lynn, arrive for wedding-day hairdos. M’Lynn is the classic over-involved parent, managing every detail with love and just a little too much control, to Shelby’s visible irritation.

Soon, the salon regulars begin arriving, from cheerful Clairee, who laughs easily and seems to know everything about everyone, to the sharp-tongued Ouiser, who never misses a chance to fire off a one-liner. Their banter touches all the familiar salon staples: reckless hobbies of husbands, like shooting off guns for fun (Ryan Hickey’s sound design created

great atmosphere), questionable romance choices, and health struggles that test even the toughest spirits. Through it all, these women handle life with grit, love, and humor.

Angela Dias’s Ouiser relishes every caustic comment, and laughter follows her wherever she goes. MaConnia Chesser’s Clairee delivers her lines with impeccable timing and understated wit.

The second act becomes more poignant as Shelby’s health crisis takes center stage. The tears shared among these women, along with their unwavering solidarity, make the story’s emotional impact hit home. Both Raya Malcom (Shelby) and Cate Damon (M’Lynn) nailed their roles here.

Anyone who has ever sat in a salon chair or worked at one will instantly recognize the rhythm of these conversations, the way secrets slip out, and the unique sense of community found among hair dryers and curlers. Inspired by the real-life story of his sister, Susan, who died of complications from diabetes, playwright Robert Harling captures women’s voices, vulnerabilities, and humor with striking authenticity.

In today’s world of cell phones, laptops, and fewer genuine spaces to connect, it was fun — and touching — to watch women gather, support, challenge, and care for one another. The audience laughed, cried, and felt everything in between.

Perhaps that small-town world never really existed quite as perfectly as we imagined, but for a few hours, it was wonderful to believe it did.

 

REVIEW: Springfield Chamber Players, "All about the Bass"

Springfield Chamber Players,
Springfield, MA
https://www.springfieldsymphonymusicians.com/
October 26, 2025
by Michael J. Moran

Today’s concert opened this ensemble’s second season at its comfortable venue, 52 Sumner, at 52 Sumner Avenue in Springfield, with warm acoustics and ample free parking. The aptly titled program featured Alexander Svensen, Assistant Principal bassist of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, who also plays bass in the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and elsewhere across the northeastern United States.   

The concert began with three waltzes for “solo double bass” (another name for the bass, as Svensen quipped, because it’s “twice as good” as other instruments) by Italian composer and bass player Domenico Dragonetti. Nicknamed “Il Drago,” his virtuosity so impressed his contemporaries, including Beethoven, that the bass soon became more prominent in many orchestral scores. Svensen played these waltzes with an easy swing, drawing on his jazz background.   

Next came Scotia Aerin Switzer’s 2014 “Five Miniatures for Solo Bassoon,” arranged for bass by Svensen and Switzer. The low-lying sonority of these quirky pieces translates well to the bass, and Svensen tossed off their technical challenges with aplomb.

Introducing Johann Sebastian Bach’s 1720 second suite for solo cello, Svensen noted that in its higher “singing bel canto voice,” the bass can sound very much like a cello, while also retaining the deep resonant power of its lower tones. An imposing “Prelude” was followed by five short movements in French dance tempos: a stately “Allemande,” a fleet “Courante,” a ravishing “Sarabande,” in which time almost stopped, two graceful “Minuets,” and a lively “Gigue."

Svensen was next joined by violinist Romina Kostare, also an SSO and HSO member, in seven of the “44 Duos for Two Violins,” written by Hungarian composer Bela Bartok in 1933 as teaching exercises for children. Kostare’s nimble violin contrasted sharply with Svensen’s hefty bass in these appealingly varied selections, all based on eastern European folk tunes.

Photo by Angela Park

The program ended with Russian composer Alexander Muravyev’s 2014 “Alice in Wonderland – Suite for Double Bass Solo.” Alternating chipper narration by Patrick Berry of six scenes from Lewis Carroll’s book with Svensen’s playful accounts of Muravyev’s colorful depictions, the piece was played in memory of local arts impresario Mark Auerbach, without whom Svensen said “the Springfield Chamber Players would not exist.” Images of a smiling Auerbach and of John Tenniel’s original book illustrations were projected behind the stage.

This entertaining and enlightening program by the charismatic Svensen and friends sets a high standard for this resourceful ensemble’s new season

Review: Goodspeed Musicals, "The Great Emu War"

Terris Theatre, Chester, CT

www.goodspeed.org
through October 26, 2025
by Suzanne Wells

The Terris Theatre presents “The Great Emu War,” a farcical story from the point of view of the Emus. Based on a true story, the “Great Emu War” of 1932 saw a flock of 20,000 towering, long-legged emus migrate into Western Australia, decimating its wheat crops. The government, ruffled by this invasion, deployed its military - armed with machine guns - to eradicate the nuisance. Imagine “The Roadrunner” cartoon with a National Geographic twist, for a sense of this comical, wildly dramatic, and occasionally risqué play.

Brimming with clever pop culture and political references, the show keeps the audience cackling, while lively songs, energetic choreography, and a dash of Hamlet-style revenge ensures that there is something for every member of the flock to enjoy.

Photo by Diane Sobolewski

Claire Saunders stars as Edith, a spirited and self-reliant young emu determined to make her own way. Rather than waiting to defend her nest, Edith uses clever tactics to outwit her adversaries. Saunders skillfully captures the struggles of a teenager frustrated by her father's overprotective wing, while also portraying a female boldly exploring her independence and sexuality. While Saunders' impressive vocal range is occasionally showy for Edith’s story line, it is a delight to experience.

Taylor Matthew’s performance as Major Meredith delivers entertaining over-the-top drama, reminiscent of William Shatner and Alan Rickman. Embracing his inner villain, Matthew makes Major Meredith a man you love to hate - a gun-toting, bird-fearing protagonist whose comedic timing and expressive reactions perfectly depict the chaos of facing a flock of determined, unyielding emus.

The music, composed by Paul Hodge and skillfully directed by Angie Benson, features an array of infectious show tunes that anchor the story. Highlights include the charming “Backwards,” which portrays the quirky, zigzagging lifestyle of the Emu, and the spirited “Love Doesn’t Start with a Bang,” marking the beginning of a heartfelt romance. The score also delivers emotional depth with ballads like “Fly Solo,” sharing thoughtful fatherly wisdom, and “Stand Still,” capturing the bittersweet transition from youthful exuberance to adult responsibility. Rounding out the lineup is “Boom," a playful boom-chicka-boom number bringing a cheeky twist that ironically suits the Emu-themed narrative.

“The Great Emu War” is a surprisingly entertaining, “booming” good production.

REVIEW: Hartford Stage, “Rope”

Hartford Stage, Hartford, CT.
www.hartfordstage.org
by Jarice Hanson
through November 2

The World Premiere of “Rope” at Hartford Stage is scintillatingly suspenseful and murderously macabre. It’s theatrically perfect.

 

The theatre commissioned noted playwright, Jeffrey Hatcher, to adapt this version of a 1929 three-act play by Patrick Hamilton, called “Rope’s End". Audiences may be more familiar with the film, “Rope” adapted by Alfred Hitchcock in 1948. Hatcher’s version, however, builds on the tension integral to the plot. At the end of the show, it seems that the audience had been collectively holding their breath until the final moment. This production is a triumph of structure and stagecraft.

 

Under the direction of Melia Bensussen, a top-notch cast mined the material for every nuance and subtle twist of the murder mystery which is at the heart of the story. Daniel Neale’s interpretation of Brandon, the mastermind of what he claims is the “perfect murder,” is a slick, smarmy operator who orchestrates an intricate plan to murder one of his former college friends. He engages his partner, Lewis, played by the enigmatic Ephraim Birney, to actually do the deed.

 T. Charles Erickson

Please note that none of the above are spoilers. Literally, in the first three or so minutes of the play, the audience is immediately brought up to speed on the murder. What follows is the mystery.

When family and friends of the deceased come to a dinner party, a “cat and mouse” dance begins as the diners’ cluster around the chest that is the tomb of the dearly departed. Mark Benninghofen as Rupert Cadell, the boys’ former teacher, depicts one of the more important characters. This is a master performance by Benninghofen.

The rest of the cast includes James Riordan as the victim’s father; Fiona Robberson as Meriel, the deceased’s fiancé; and Nick Saxton as Kenneth, an unsuspecting friend. The actors work beautifully together, and every word is clear and understandable.

 

The outstanding, elegant set by Riw Rakkulchon is brooding and dark; a perfect setting for people who come and go, as well as confide and confess. Mary Louise Geiger’s lighting design provides an eerie glow to the stage. Jane Shaw’s sound design and original music shows how tension can evolve with subtle musical cues and percussion. Risa Ando’s costume design is historically accurate and provides visual references to each actor’s character.

Weaving these stage elements together is the truly outstanding script penned by Hatcher.  He understands the conventions of a typical murder mystery, and with Bensussen's direction adds enough visual clues to make the act of watching the play, engaging and suspenseful.

 

This is an early Halloween gift to audiences, and Hartford Stage has opened its season with a masterful play. 

 

REVIEW: Hartford Symphony Orchestra, "Beethoven & Sibelius"

Bushnell, Belding Theater, Hartford, CT
www.hartfordsymphony.org

October 17-19, 2025
by Michael J. Moran

For the second weekend of the HSO’s 2025-2026 “Masterworks” series, guest conductor Viswa Subbaraman and piano soloist Drew Petersen, both making distinguished HSO debuts, presented a well-balanced program of music by three diverse composers..

The concert opened with a radiant account of the rarely heard 1903 “Helios Overture,” by Danish composer Carl Nielsen. Named after the Greek god of the sun and written during a stay in Athens, Nielsen wrote this description in the score: “Silence and darkness – then the sun climbs in joyous paean of praise – wanders its golden path – sinks tranquilly into the sea.” The HSO and Subbaraman

photo courtesy of Drew Petersen

portrayed this atmospheric day in the sun with power and sensitivity.   

Petersen next soloed in a commanding rendition of the third piano concerto, completed in 1803, by Ludwig van Beethoven. From a forceful opening “Allegro con brio” and a rapturous “Largo,” which Richard Rodda’s program notes aptly call “an extended song – a marvelous juxtaposition of hymnal tranquility and operatic love scene,” to a vigorous “Rondo: Allegro,” ending in a burst of major-key energy, the charismatic pianist played this masterpiece of Beethoven’s early maturity with technical finesse and emotional depth. Orchestra and conductor offered resourceful support.    

A standing ovation called the 2018 Avery Fisher Career Grant recipient back to the stage for an exquisitely sensuous reading of Claude Debussy’s familiar 1905 “Clair de Lune” (“Moonlight”), holding the audience in silent thrall for five minutes.

The program closed with a thrilling performance of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’s longest and best known symphony, his second, written in 1901-1902. Subbaraman’s long experience conducting operas served him especially well in this dramatic work. A buoyant opening “Allegretto,” a tempestuous “Tempo Andante, ma rubato,” an exuberant “Vivacissimo” (“as fast as possible”), with a pastoral slow interlude, and an alternately somber and joyous “Allegretto moderato” finale, closing with a triumphant brass chorale, brought the audience to its feet. Both this conductor and this pianist would clearly be welcome return visitors to Hartford. 

The HSO’s next Masterworks program (November 14-16) will feature HSO Assistant Conductor Adam Kerry Boyles leading music by Antonin Dvorak and Sergei Rachmaninoff, with cellist Tommy Mesa in Dvorak’s cello concerto.