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REVIEW: Boston Lyric Opera celebrated Morris Robinson and a revered love story with Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning ‘Aida’

Posted on November 20, 2024 by The Sleepless Critic

For one night only, a revered love story caught between impossible choices took shape set in a war-torn country.

With over 200 artists involved including the Back Bay Chorale as well as Boston Lyric Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) presented Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning Italian opera, Aida for one gala benefit performance during Veteran’s Day weekend on Sunday, November 10 at 3PM at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. All funds raised benefited Boston Lyric Opera’s education, youth and community programs. Part of BLO’s You’ll Never Walk Alone themed season, this epic production ran 2 hours and 50 minutes including one 20-minute intermission. Click here for more information.

David Angus conducts the BLO Orchestra and BLO Chorus (Brett Hodgdon, Chorus Director) including members of Back Bay Chorale) Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Prior to the start of the production, the Boston Lyric Opera celebrated a milestone for renowned bass-baritone opera singer Morris Robinson. Twenty-five years ago to the day on November 10, 1999, Robinson debuted onstage in the role of the King for Boston Lyric Opera’s Aida. Not only was he named the 2024 Artistic Honoree, but Mayor Wu named November 10^th Morris Robinson Day. The honor was presented to him by his mentor Sharon Daniels. Once a Boston University college football player, a clearly moved Robinson delivered an inspiring and relatable speech about career pivoting and the stellar chance he received from Boston Lyric Opera.

Morris Robinson as Ramfis in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Robinson’s charismatic presence as well as his rich, deep and commanding vocals as Ramfis in the following production depicts why Morris has had a lasting presence with Boston Lyric Opera.

Having never seen Aida performed as an opera but twice before as the Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical, it was amazing to see Verdi’s version which is the foundation in which this story was told. With the Boston Lyric Opera orchestra center stage and the chorus situated behind them, Aida was treated as a gala event enlivened by Aja M. Jackson’s atmospheric lighting in pinks, reds, blues, and gold backdrop weaving in images and symbols from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Jackson’s lighting had an encompassing effect creating a semi-panoramic view of images of multicolored Egyptian animals moving along the back of the theatre.

BLO Music Director David Angus leads the BLO Orchestra in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

With trumpet accompaniment from the balconies, BLO conductor David Angus with Annie Rabbat, Brett Hodgdon, and Back Bay Chorale Music Director Stephen Spinelli navigates this complex orchestration of music to enrich this bold and compelling love story. Even with a brief pause during the production, Boston Lyric Opera handled the situation efficiently.

A fictional tale surrounding historical events, Aida explores a number of conflicted characters deliberating on love and loyalty during the Egyptian and Ethiopian war. Tenor Diego Torre delivers an impassioned performance as Radamès, an Egyptian commander in love with soprano Michelle Johnson as Ethiopian slave Aida while Aida’s father Amonasro, portrayed by baritone Brian Major, is a war prisoner. Mezzo-soprano Alice Chung delivers a multifaceted performance as resourceful Egyptian princess Amneris who wonders what it will take to win the love of Radamès .

Diego Torre as Radamès in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Adorned in gala attire rather than costumes, the cast’s powerhouse vocals exude despair, passion and desperation into characters facing impossible choices. Decked out in coat and tails, Torres evokes sympathy through his torment and soaring vocals as commander Radamès torn between his love for Aida and loyalty to his people. In a distinctive multicolored gown, Michelle Johnson illustrates the gravity of Aida’s rage, passion and despair over her decisions, torn between her secret love for Radamès and her own people. Johnson as Aida is bold, charming, and audacious while always carrying a heavy heart.

Michelle Johnson (l.) as Aida and Alice Chung as Amneris in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

However, Alice Chung as shrewd and privileged Amneris has plans of her own and strategizes how to get what she wants. With dynamic range in a jeweled accented gown, Chung brings her own psychological warfare in a stunning duet with Johnson. Their intense and melodic vocals deliver gravitas in a suspenseful stand off as romantic rivals. Chung is confident and manipulative catching Aida at her most vulnerable, but also brings sympathy to her character in the looming fear of losing what she holds most dear.

(L.-r.) Stefan Egerstrom (King of Egypt), Brian Major (Amonasro) and Morris Robinson (Ramfis) in Boston Lyric Opera’s AID

Johnson’s Aida also shares a powerful scene with Major as Amonasro. Major is eloquent and stealthily convincing in a pivotal scene in which Aida is faced with the consequences of her decisions. This weighty exchange is filled with raw emotion and distress as she is backed into a corner.

The riveting harmonies, the fervent declarations, and the deeply romantic lyrical context of this production demonstrate why Boston Lyric Opera has returned to this memorable show over the years since first performing Aida at the Hatch Shell in 1981. Its rich exploration of passion, torment, war, and loss always has something new to say in a classic tale where love transcends everything.

Cast members and BLO Chorus (with members of Back Bay Chorale) in Boston Lyric Opera’s AIDA – Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) presented Verdi and Ghislanzoni’s stunning Italian opera, Aida for one gala benefit performance during Veteran’s Day weekend on Sunday, November 10 at 3PM at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. All funds raised benefited Boston Lyric Opera’s education, youth and community programs. Click here for more information.

Award-winning journalist JC Monahan discusses her part in Urban Improv’s funniest fundraiser, ‘Banned in Boston’

Posted on April 3, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Photo courtesy of Urban Improv

What is it like to perform at Urban Improv’s annual fundraiser, comedy, and music revue Banned in Boston? For the last five years, Emmy award-winning journalist and Chronicle host JC Monahan has taken the stage to support Urban Improv’s dedication to youth empowerment each year while leaving seriousness at the door. Sometimes the backstage antics are as hilarious as what is happening onstage.

Urban Improv is celebrating its 25^th anniversary and presenting Banned in Boston, an evening of delicious food from top restaurants such as Mei Mei, Island Creek Oyster Bar, Eastern Standard, and East Coast Grill, improve featuring guests from business to politics to media personalities, and much more on Friday, April 7 at House of Blues in Boston, Massachusetts at 6 p.m. This is a 21+ event. Hosted by WGBH’s Jim Braude and Margery Eagan, click here for this year’s featured guests and tickets.

As the guest list grows longer each year, this exciting, highly-anticipated event get sillier and more inventive. Anything can happen. Emmy award-winning journalist JC Monahan talks about her experiences.

Onstage at Banned in Boston – Governor Charlie Baker and musician Sally Taylor

Jeanne Denizard: Last year, I interviewed returning musician, Sally Taylor. Sally said she had a blast at Banned in Boston.

JC Monahan: She participates every year and is such a big supporter. I think a lot of the fun happens backstage, but we also have fun onstage too. It’s a chance to connect with so many other people in Boston behind the scenes talking and getting to know each other, laughing at the costumes we’re wearing and the lines that we’re saying, and it’s a blast seeing some of these people put into crazy situations. For example, one of my all-time favorite memories is Aerosmith’s Tom Hamilton, dressed in this fantastic blue prom dress, as one of Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters. Tom has achieved so much in his life and it’s so great he is totally willing to get onstage and be silly all for Urban Improv.

JD: He’s local too.

JCM: We have amazing people right in our backyard and it’s fantastic they all get onstage for this cause. We’re all from different walks of life contributing in our own way in our personal lives, but we are also contributing together onstage. I am as much a fan as I am a participant. Sally Taylor is so sweet, so down to earth, and so talented. I’ve become good friends with WGBH’s Jared Bowen and that is completely through Banned in Boston. Emily Rooney is hysterical and Matt Siegel, who I only hear on Matty in the Morning. I usually don’t get to see him face to face. It’s a little reunion every year.

Urban Improv presents their annual fundraiser, Banned in Boston Photo courtesy of Lisa Kessler/Urban Improv

JD: This year, Banned in Boston is hosted by WGBH’s Margery Eagan and Jim Braude.

JCM: They are two of my favorites and I listen to them all the time. Jim usually gives me a hard time which is perfect. It’s a great night and I love everything about it.

JD: It’s such a great cause. Urban Improv helps youth cope with real life challenges such as bullying and violence through topical improvisation.

JCM: Exactly, you’re there to support the arts in many ways, but you are also using the arts in such a constructive way to help kids learn to communicate. We can all benefit from being better communicators. I love that they are starting young and reaching kids who may not know how to solve a problem. Maybe Urban Improv will be that change in their life that sets them on a new path. How can you not want to be behind that?

JD: These kids may lack the guidance and are not in an environment where they can get it.

JCM: Exactly, it takes all of us. Urban Improv steps in and reaches those kids. If I can help keep that program going in a very small way, I’ll be there. I’ve participated for four or five years, but I feel like I’ve been there since the beginning since they make you feel like part of a family. It is a very inviting, warm, environment and it allows you to be even sillier that you would be.

JD: Oh, I know! The funny things I have heard.

JCM: When you have the congressmen get up onstage and act silly, the Governor, and the people I know through charity events as well, it’s just fun for everybody. One of the funnier ones is Sonia Chang-Diaz who was funny as Miley Cyrus one year. Banned in Boston oftentimes have a ringer who is an actual actress or actor that will blow us all away. Kathy St. George will be there this year and she’ll be amazing.

JD: You need a few to keep people guessing. Are any of your characters created with you in mind?

JCM: No, I think they work hard to keep us outside our comfort zone. Politicians don’t play politicians most of the time, though last year I did get to play a reporter a little on the nose. Then, years ago, I was a bratty yoga devotee. I’m all for putting me in the most uncomfortable, craziest role because it’s much easier than something that’s close to who you actually are. I’d rather play Miley Cyrus than have to play myself.

JD: Do you have certain people that you click with better onstage?

JCM: Anyone who is all in is the person I want to work with and I don’t think there has been anybody who hasn’t been all in. Lisa Pierpont is always all in. She came one year in a big, long wig. If you take yourself too seriously, this might not be the place for you. The list of people who have said yes are ready to be silly, ridiculous, and get people to laugh and enjoy themselves because we want people to come back year after year and continue to support Urban Improv.

JD: I know it is an improv show, but do you do any preparation for it?

JCM: We get the script less than a week before the show, but they do give you a costume comment. One year I played a judge, so I overnight shipped a graduation gown on Amazon for the show. I played the yoga devotee and they said to please come in yoga clothes. You have no rehearsal time and we walk onstage with our scripts. We are pretty much a mess, and that is the fun of it.

JC Monahan during an improv sketch at Banned in Boston as a judge with cast Photo courtesy of Lisa Kessler/Urban Improv

JD: What kind of surprises stick out for you over the years?

JCM: You don’t know what character you are playing opposite until you get there, so it’s always fun to see who got what character. A couple of years ago, the chefs in Boston made this awesome music video. Nobody knew they had done it and it wasn’t part of the program. That took some coordination, preparation, and effort for people that are super busy, but it was hysterical. This year’s Banned in Boston’s theme is offense, misdeeds, and comedic infractions.

JD: That sounds dangerous.

JCM: Yes, you never know. When I see the script in my inbox, it’s Christmas morning for me. You find out where they put you, the songs we sing at the beginning and the end and coming up with new lyrics to fit the always Boston-centric theme. Anybody from this area will get the jokes. The jokes are always about Boston accents, Boston parking, Boston drivers, Boston politics. Nothing will be missed and the audience will get it all.

JD: You talked a lot about what you look forward to each year and what drives you to return. What do you think is the best reason people should see Banned in Boston?

JCM: There are a lot of wonderful Boston fundraisers, so it’s hard to capture people’s attention, time, and money, and Banned in Boston has found a really unique way to do it that captures the spirit of what Urban Improv is. It has great food, great drinks, and a fantastic space at House of Blues in Boston. There’s no better mix than that.

Youth improv work in action Photo courtesy of Urban Improv

Click here for more information and tickets to this hilarious, one night only event starting at Lansdowne Pub for a cocktail reception at 9 Lansdowne Street on Friday, April 7 at 6 p.m. Banned in Boston at House of Blues, located at 15 Lansdowne Street, kicks off at 7:45 p.m. Click here for more on Urban Improv and its mission.

Zumix will celebrate 25th anniversary on grand scale with ‘Boston DJs with Zumix’ benefit

Posted on March 21, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Music lovers unite! Zumix, East Boston’s non-profit organization geared toward empowering youth through music, has saved the best for last. Featuring 20 Boston DJs past and present, live performances, special guest sets, silent auction, and much more, Zumix brings their 25^th anniversary year to a grand close with ‘Boston DJs for Zumix’ on Friday, March 31 at 8 p.m. This sensational benefit will be held at Zumix, 260 Sumner Street, East Boston, Massachusetts. Click here for tickets and more information.

New radio station 94.9 FM Zumix Radio Photo courtesy of Zumix

After streaming online for 10 years, the evening benefit will also celebrate their new, growing community station, 94.9 FM Zumix, a station that serves a bilingual audience and features a wide range of programming. All proceeds of ‘Boston DJs for Zumix’ support Zumix’s dynamic, free teen music programs in songwriting, community radio, creative technology, instrument instruction, and performance. Click here to make a donation.

Youth DJ on the mic Photo courtesy of Zumix

The featured DJs are as follows: Adam 12, Akrobatik, Baltazar, DJ Bean, Jim Braude, Julie Devereaux, Fast Freddy, Mike Gioscia, Lori Grande, Merilee Kelly, George Knight, Carolyn Kruse, John Laurenti, Dana Marshall, Jess Phaneuf, Matt Phipps, Morning Guy Tai, Nancy Quill, Neal Robert, Nomadik, and Zumix DJs.

Zumix accepting an award from Michelle Obama Photo courtesy of Zumix

Winner of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Programs Award from the White House and providing music lessons and other technology to lower income families, Zumix’s mission is to empower youth to express themselves through music and make positive changes throughout their community and the world. At first started as a songwriting program, Zumix students enjoy in-school and after school events throughout the year. Songwriting, radio, audio technology, and performance are among the renowned programs offered by Zumix for youth ages 7 through 18 and over 1,000 students attend classes.

Annual Walk for Music community event Photo courtesy of Zumix

For tickets to ‘Boston DJs for Zumix,’ click here or call (617) 568-9777. Click here for more information on their upcoming concerts, events, and festivals. Follow Zumix on Facebook and Twitter.