Author Archives: Andy Manshel

‘Stonewall’ Review: Celebrating a Gay-Rights Milestone Onstage

Iain Bell’s new work at the New York City Opera only occasionally succeeds at evoking the spirit of rebellion. Jordan Weatherston Pitts (center) with the company of New York City Opera’s ‘Stonewall.’ Photo: Sarah Shatz By Heidi Waleson July 2, 2019 1:27 pm ET New York Iain Bell’s opera “Stonewall,” presented by the New York …

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A Thought on the Oberlin Verdict and Race

One thing to note about the Gibson’s verdict, the Lorain County jury was apparently all white. Also, according to press reports, four black potential jurors were struck by the judge and the plaintiff’s attorneys. From a legal strategic prospective, why didn’t the College settle the case then and there? But it is also interesting to …

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Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Review: Wrenching Drama and Vicious Satire

The world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s searing “Fire Shut Up In My Bones”; a remarkably modern production of Monteverdi’s “The Coronation of Poppea”; a generic take on Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” Davóne Tines as Charles Blow in ‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones’ Photo: Eric Woolsey By Heidi Waleson June 25, 2019 2:43 pm ET Webster Groves, …

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MICHAEL JAFFEE (1938 – 2019) #michaeljaffee

I was deeply sorry to read of the passing of Michael Jaffee. Michael was one of the most interesting and generous people I have had the privilege of knowing. He invited me to join the board of Chamber Music America, which he founded, on which I served with great pleasure for a decade. Not having …

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