Testimonials

Comments on La Boheme, April 2008, emailed after the performance

On a personal matter, I've been trying to get an e-mail off to you about La Bohème... We enjoyed that performance more than the one we saw at the Met. We absolutely loved the small theater and proximity to the cast whose voices and acting were outstanding. If Opera on the James can attract that caliber we'll be going to lots of operas in Lynchburg. We are so glad we attended that performance.
     -B.G., Lynchburg

I have been around musical theater my entire life and have been involved in production for about 15 years.  However, this is this first opera I have ever seen or been a part of.  I wish I could have been exposed to one sooner.  ... The story of La Bohème is nice, a basic story of love and loss.  Yet, the production was moving and extremely emotional.  Thus, focusing only on the story you will only have a 'nice' experience, but focusing on the production, acting, and delivery will create a lasting, moving, and memorable experience. Learning that the content of communication delves deeper than words is a vital lesson that many people need to learn, but it can only be taught through experience.  Opera productions, especially those like the LaBohème production we just did, seem to me to be a great way to provide this experience.
     -S.C., Lynchburg - More, and a picture

Comments on Romeo et Juliette , November 2007, emailed after the performance

WOW! Romeo & Juliet was Superb in every way! Big Kudos! The artists, musicians, dancers were extraordinary!~! Magnificent!~! Lynchburg's Opera ON THE James is truly becoming a legend,,,,,thanks to you and all who work so hard to make this possible.........Professional and Top Drawer!~!
     -C.M., Lynchburg

BRAVO!  The problem is that it will be hard for me to describe (to those who missed the performance) just how great it was!  I hope the experience was good for all involved.  I know it's been good for our kids.   Thanks so much for getting everyone on board. They audience certainly seemed to enjoy it.  And wow, what a diverse range of ages.
     -J.M., Lynchburg

--a big thank you to everyone of Opera on the James. As an undergraduate student I never thought that I would have the chance to say that I was in three professional operas before graduating and having a main role in the opera that I loved the most Romeo and Juliet. The experiencing of working with Opera on the James has inspired me greatly because this is what I want to do in the future. I just want to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be in the productions and thank you to all that helped contributed to make it a great success.
     -D.T, Lynchburg

Comments on Tragedy of Carmen, April 2007, emailed after the performance

Congratulations on a wonderful opening last evening.  Please give my compliments to the cast.  I can't say enough about their talents, as well as the music, the set...and of course, the direction.  It was certainly not a typical Thursday in Lynchburg, Virginia! In my travels this morning I have told everyone if they don't already have tickets for The Tragedy of Carmen, they will be missing a real treat.
     -J.B., Lynchburg

I just wanted to tell you that we thoroughly enjoyed tonight’s performance of Carmen. I’m still singing! I look forward to future fun with the opera! Thank you for bringing it to Lynchburg!
     -S.T-E., Lynchburg

Comments on Cosi Fan Tutte. October 2006, emailed after the performances:

I do not know how to express how delighted I and my colleagues and students were with the performance yesterday . . . First of all, that it was beautiful and exciting goes almost with out saying.   But beyond that, I was on the front row and saw every little detail of the performance and was WOWed not only by the incredible quality of performances from every cast and crew member, but impressed beyond expression with the degree of professionalism in every person who set foot on stage in the whole performance. From the opening chords of the fine, fine orchestra down to the working of the scene changes, every moment was elegantly executed. The voices were exquisite, of course, and the costumes and set design way beyond what we here in Lynchburg are used to. At dinner afterwards, with colleagues in the arts and students who were bowled over, the question of the creator of the BRILLIANT adaptation came up--.. So witty and so appropriate--Franklin the passionless rationalist . . . perfect!!! What a "gasssssss," as they say in other realms of performance. The time flew by and we have probably created 6 opera lovers in the now college age generation!  I saw an opera lover friend there, a young man,  who spent his college years ushering at the MET --his comment: the quality of this performance was equal to jsut about anything (other than Pavarotti) they did at the MET !  Once in a great while something is produced (or most often, imported) here that takes audience members out of Lynchburg, and this did it for everyone there---and it is what keeps us coming back for MORE. BRAVO, BRAVISSIMO!
     -K.G., Lynchburg

Comments on Pagliacci. April 2006, emailed after the performances:

I have already told several people how thrilled my wife and I were with Pagliacci. Great second act! Excellent crowd scene! Emotional high! Bravo! Bravo!
     -R.I., Huddleston

What a Lynchburg first you accomplished with the excellent production of Pagliacci! You and the avid opera fans who worked so hard to make every aspect of the opera -- from its direction to the superb singers to the staging to the lovely orchestra -- such a huge success are to be congratulated and warmly thanked. I, along with the enthusiastic audience, look forward to Cosi!
     -J.S. Lynchburg

A real triumph -- one of those glorious theatrical moements when last minute problems resolve themselves into magic, everyone rises to and above the occasion, and when all involved can pat themselves on the back and feel proud of what they’ve done.
     -E.L., Lexington

Pagliacci was wonderful! Simply great performance!
     -T.D., Evington

A wonderful event!
     -S.S., Lynchburg

Thanks for a wonderful performance!
     -E.L., Lynchburg

I couldn’t believe I was in Lynchburg -- but the town really does offer more all the time. Try to do at least one or two a year.
     -M.H., Lynchburg

Great performance! We loved it all!
     -G.P., Lynchburg

Excellent production! Pulled off without a hitch! Bravo!
     -R.R, Keswick

I very much enjoyed Pagliacci and look forward to seeing more operas under the fine direction of Craig Fields.
     -C.S., Roanoke

Comments on Three Terrrific Tenors. November 2005, emailed after the performance

I will recommend future Opera on the James events to my friends at every opportunity
     -N.O., Forest

Great opera!
     -S.C., Lynchburg

An afternoon of pure delight!
     -A.W., Lynchburg