Review Quotations
In presenting this difficult and massive opera, Wichita Grand Opera did itself proud… I think that this will probably be the only time in my life that I will get to see a traditional William Tell, performed as the libretto demands, given the narcissistic willfulness of so many contemporary directors… And you know what? It worked! The traditional production made the action intelligible and did not leave the audience wondering just what the hell the director was thinking… the stage direction [sic] credited to Chuck Hudson was straight forward, the chorus moved well and realistically, and for the most part the singers were well directed and believable.
To produce Guillaume Tell is an ambitious undertaking for even the largest of opera companies, yet the forces of Wichita Grand Opera did themselves proud with this performance of Rossini's last and perhaps greatest opera…The audience appeared quite enthralled by this profound work, applauding generously after scenes and arias, and greeting the conclusion of the stirring finale with unrestrained enthusiasm.
The Wichita Grand Opera offered us a rare and invaluable treat with its production of Rossini’s William Tell…[and] deserves hearty congratulations for their successful production.
American tenor MICHAEL SPYRES sings Arnold in Rossini's GUILLAUME TELL next month at Wichita Grand Opera. Also in the cast for the February 22 opening of Chuck Hudson's staging are Lucas Meachem (Tell) and Zvetelina Vassileva (Mathilde); Nayden Todorov conducts.
Chuck Hudson, said to be one of the most exciting stage directors today, will direct the premiere.