Review Quotations
Swords Clash and Drama Abounds in The North Carolina Opera's Delightful Production of Verdi's "Il Trovatore" Chuck Hudson’s direction…ensure[s] that the audience follows every swerve and curve of this winding, enthralling tale… Hudson’s direction keeps everyone moving smoothly, even in action-rich scenes, allowing the story to unleash its gripping, enveloping effect to the fullest degree… Because the audience is so frequently and believably transported, watching this opera feels like going on an eventful, pulse-pounding journey.
North Carolina Opera’s ‘Il trovatore’ finds strength in casting and conviction. This was a superior production of Il trovatore, another gem from one of Southeast’s best and most successful opera companies…Happily, director Chuck Hudson allowed Azucena the dignity of appearing as a traumatized mother rather than a freakish, wild-haired crone, as seen in some productions.
NC Opera’s Il Trovatore Journeys Through a Broad Spectrum of Music and Emotions. From the very first notes of North Carolina Opera‘s Sunday afternoon performance at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the orchestra, guided by conductor James Meena and director Chuck Hudson, set the tone for a promising performance with great musicality… From the metallic thrill of the anvil chorus to the heart-stopping final moments, North Carolina Opera’s Il Trovatore was a brilliant emotional journey met with raucous applause from a grateful audience. As the curtain fell and the audience remained on their feet clapping for a few moments, I felt a sense of awe and a surge of excited anticipation for the North Carolina Opera’s upcoming season.