‘Si Se Puede’: Victory Players set to unveil new music exploring Mexican American identity
Updated: Jun. 09, 2023, 9:56 a.m. | Published: Jun. 07, 2023, 5:18 p.m.
By Dennis Hohenberger | Special to The Republican
Consul General of France in Boston visits Holyoke
In the footsteps of history, French consul general visits Holyoke
By Dennis Hohenberger | Special to The Republican, Published: May 19, 2023
70th Annual 2023 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade
Western Mass News Photo Galleries:
By Ryan Trowbridge, Published: Mar. 19, 2023 | Updated: Mar. 19, 2023
Sights from the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade, held on March 19, 2023(Western Mass News)
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
WWLP 22News, Live Broadcast of the 70th Annual Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade,
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
2023 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade: Holyoke contingent will share ‘Treasure of the city’
By Keith O'Connor | Special to The Republican, Updated: Mar. 15, 2023, 8:02 a.m. | Published: Mar. 15, 2023, 8:00 a.m., Masslive.com
“The float is a combination 150th Anniversary Celebration and the efforts of MIFA/ Victory Theatre with a film projector, movie theater seats and various signs on board,” Quesnel said.
Victory Theatre Mural Exhibition at Wistariahurst Museum
Arts Beat with host Donnabelle Casis, on Talk The Talk with Bill Newman & Buz Eisenberg, WHMP radio - 101.5FM/ 1240 & 1400AM, March 10, 2023
Guest Don Sanders of MIFA: Start at 43:00 minute - 53:00 minutes
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Western Mass News, Town by Town: T-birds awards a local school, restored mural at Victory Theater, Aging and Enrichment Center, By Raegan Loughrey and Abigail Murillo Villacorta, Published: Mar. 9, 2023 at 7:59 PM EST
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
This muralist lifted Holyoke’s spirits during World War II; the fight today is to bring his works back to life, By Dennis Hohenberger | Special to The Republican, Updated: Mar. 10, 2023, 11:31 a.m. | Published: Mar. 08, 2023, 6:41 p.m., Masslive.com
Photo Gallery: Victory Theatre restored mural panel on display at Wistariahurst Museum
By Don Treeger | dtreeger@repub.com, Masslive.com, March 8, 2023
Holiday Pub Crawl
Holiday Pub Crawl looks to fundraise for Victory Theatre
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com | Dec. 12, 2022, The Reminder
"Angela Davis, A History of The United States"
US tour of "Angela Davis, a history of the United States" written by Faustine Noguès, Villa Albertine, September 22 - October 1st, 2022
Stagestruck: Angela and Lefty by Chris Rohmann | Sep 19, 2022
Arts Beat: International plays coming to UMass, Mount Holyoke campuses, By
Mark G. Auerbach | Special to The Westfield News, Aug. 22, 2022
MIFA, NEPM and GBH Music announce new digital series of contemporary chamber music inspired by Puerto Rico , New England Public Media Published May 20, 2022
Grease, Holyoke High School
Holyoke High School to present ‘Grease', By Cori Urban, Published: Apr. 19, 2022, Special to The Republican
MIFA Victory Theater continues efforts to bring compelling artistic performances, Lynn Daris, Jan. 18, 2022, The Reminder.
“El Puerto Rico 4: The Rich Port,” is a series of 10 contemporary classical works inspired by Puerto Rico, By Mark G. Auerbach, Jun. 06, 2022, Special to The Westfield News
A Survivor’s Odyssey: The Journey Of Penelope And Circe, This Week In New York, September 21, 2021
White Snake Projects Announces A SURVIVOR'S ODYSSEY - The Third Virtual Opera in Their Pandemic Trilogy, by Chloe Rabinowitz, Jun. 25, 2021, www.broadwayworld.com
Doors Open Holyoke aims to highlight local city landmarks, by Carolyn Noel, Sept. 17, 2021, The Reminder.
Victory Players Residency 2021 Holyoke/Boston
Victory Players Return with El Puerto Rico IV | by Zydalis Bauer | Connecting Point | June 4, 2021
"El Puerto Rico 3 - Identity Duets"
MIFA Victory Theatre and New England Public Media (NEPM) are partnering to present El Puerto Rico 3: Identity Duets to audiences across the region, by Mark G. Auerbach, January 19, 2021, ArtsBeat, The Westfield News
"Death By Life"
White Snake Projects Announces Three Online Events Leading Up to New Virtual Opera ‘Death By Life’, By Chris Ruel, MAR 29, 2021, operawire.com
Death by Life: White Snake Projects Amplifies Incarcerated Artists, by LANA NORRIS, June 1, 2021, icareifyoulisten.com
El Perito Rico 3: Identity Duets
The Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts (MIFA) Victory Theatre and New England Public Media (NEPM) are partnering to present El Puerto Rico 3: Identity Duets, Arts Beat, Westfield News, January 19, 2021, By Mark G. Auerbach
Victory Theatre's 100th Birthday Celebration
Victory Theater celebrates birthday as it prepares to reopen, Feb. 15, 2021, by Miasha Lee, The Reminder.
SVOG Spotlight: Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, by sba.gov
Alice in the Pandemic
Review: ALICE IN THE PANDEMIC at White Snake Projects, by Andrew Child, Oct. 25, 2020, BroadwayWorld.com
A Winter Wonderland Fundraiser ft. dancers Sabi Varga & Emily Entingh
January 17, 2020, The Holyoke Sun
5th Annual Yuletree Jubile
Yuletide Jubilee tradition returns to West Springfield
Nov. 12, 2019 | Danielle Eaton - DanielleE@thereminder.com
West Springfield Channel 15:
DAVID BOWERMAN Paintings, Drawings & Sculptures
Photo of the David Bowerman Paintings, Drawings & Sculptures Exhibition at Wistariahurst Museum by Brendon Holland & Josué Vazquez of Focus Springfield, Springfield Community Access Television.
New exhibit at Wistariahurst Museum, Arts Previews, Daily Hampshire Gazette, November 13, 2019
Holyoke Exhibits/Events: Paintings, Drawings & Sculptures, The Valley Arts Newsletter, November 5, 2019
“NOT FOR SALE” UrbanTheater Company of Chicago
Special offer for PVTN subscribers: Get $5 off your tickets for NOT FOR SALE…, Pioneer Valley Theatre Newsletter, October 17 – November 6, 2019
Stagestruck: Forced to the Border, Valley Advocate, by Chris Rohmann, Oct 1, 2019
MIFA Victory Theatre & Nueva Esperanza Present Chicago’s UrbanTheater Company in “Not For Sale”, Berkshire On Stage, October 3, 2019
Celebrate Holyoke 2019
El Puerto Rico, The Rich Port 2
El Puerto Rico, The Rich Port 2 Concert Held in Holyoke, El Sol Latino July 2019, Volume 15 No. 8, by Manuel Frau Ramos, page 4 & 5.
Holyoke Cultural Council member Mark Dunlap:
WGBY | Public Television for Western New England, Connecting Point, June 6, 2019
2019 Great Holyoke Brick Race
https://www.masslive.com/news/2019/08/seen-celebrate-holyoke-2019.html
Around the World in 80 Days
Holyoke students offered free tickets to ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ – Masslive.com, May 2, 2019, By Dennis Hohenberger
Stagestruck: Around the World in 80 Minutes – The Valley Advocate, Apr 29, 2019, By Chris Rohmann
Photos courtesy of National Players
The National Players Return to Holyoke with “Around the World in 80 Days” – Berkshire On Stage, April 22, 2019
MIFA to presents ‘Around the World in 80 days’ – The Reminder, April 16, 2019, by Sarah Heinonen
Around the World in 80 Days Production Photo
90th Birthday Bash For Holyoke’s Own Legendary Rock Drummer Hal Blaine & Screening of American documentary film “The Wrecking Crew”
Keep In Mind, Hal Blaine, Enfield Press, & Hal Blaine, Arts Beat – The Westfield News, February 20, 2019, By Mark G. Auerbach
Drummer Hal Blaine to be celebrated at Holyoke Community College, Masslive.com, February 8, 2019, By Ray Kelly
Rock drummer, Hal Blaine, celebrates 90th birthday, The Holyoke Sun, February 8, 2019
Jazz Latino on Main Street in Holyoke
Connecting Point | Nov. 29, 2018
“In The Heights”
Stagestruck: Latin Roots, Valley Advocate, November 8, 2019, by Chris Rohmann
Holyoke Community College presents ‘In The Heights’, The Holyoke Sun, October 19, 2018, Arts and Entertainment section, Page 16.
El elenco de la produccion teatral de In The Hieghts en HCC. (Foto suministrada por HCC)
Tickets on sale now for HCC production of Lin-Manuel Miranda musical ‘In the Heights’, EL PUEBLO LATINO – Masslive.com, October 15, 2018, by El Pueblo Latino
Dancing In My Cockroach Killers
Mass Appeal, WWLP 22News, October 12, 2018 Host Danny New featuring MIFA’s Don Sanders with Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre’s Founder and Artistic Director, Rosalba Rolón.
Stagestruck: Valley Variations — Celebrating words and music, autumn and murder, Valley Advocate, by Chris Rohmann – Oct 9, 2018
Stagestruck: Valley Variations — Celebrating words and music, autumn and murder
El Puerto Rico, The Rich Port
WGBY | Public Television for Western New England, Connecting Point, June 7, 2018 Host Carrie Saldo featuring MIFA’s Don Sanders with Victory Players conductor Tian Hui Ng and flutist Giovanni Perez.
El Sol Latino, www.issuu.com/elsollatino, June 2018 | 14.7
The Great Gatsby Comes to Holyoke
Holyoke High students delve into ‘The Great Gatsby’ in advance of national theater group performance, May 2, 2018, by Carolyn Robbins, Special to The Republican, Masslive.com.
‘Great Gatsby’ performance coming to Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke May 5, Mar 28, 2018, by Mike Plaisance, masslive.com.
The National Players are returning to Holyoke to bring The Great Gatsby to life, old sport, April 2, 2018, by Isabella Courchesne, Holyoke High School Herald.
La Gringa
Off-Broadway hit ‘La Gringa’ coming to Holyoke, Sep 15, 2017, By Chris Dondoros, Special to The Republican
La Gringa in Holyoke The Urban Theater Company is visiting Holyoke during the weekend of September 22 to 24. As part of the celebration of The 2nd Annual Taste of South Holyoke Festival, they will present ‘La Gringa’ at El Mercado, 413 Main Street in South Holyoke.
Taste of South Holyoke
2nd Annual Taste of South Holyoke Festival set for Sept. 2 By Mike Plaisance, September 5, 2017, masslive.com
Celebrate Holyoke 2017
Celebrate Holyoke 2017 lineup: FAT, The Sighs and more By Keith O’Connor, Special to The Republican, Aug 21, 2017, masslive.com
413’s Finest Car Meet
Seen@ 413’s Finest Car Meet in Holyoke, August 06, 2017, photos by Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican masslive.com
Grapes of Wrath
Tomorrow @NationalPlayers return to @Holyoke_High to put on “The Grapes of Wrath” – it’s going to be a great show! pic.twitter.com/SfOMH7TVMB — Holyoke High Herald (@hhsherald) May 8, 2017
The Wastelands
Children of the Wild returning to Holyoke to perform walking outdoor opera ‘The Wastelands’, April 20, 2017, By Mike Plaisance, masslive.com
Titicut Follies
Amherst Cinema to screen ‘Titicut Follies,’ host filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, March 29, 2017, By Cori Urban, Special to The Republican/masslive.com
Cinemadope: Banned in the U.S., Documentary about Massachusetts prison for criminally insane turns 50, April 3, 2017, by By Jack Brown, valleyadvocate.com
Stagestruck: Stage on Screen, April 6, 2017, By Chris Rohmann, valleyadvocate.com
Pioneer Valley Early Music Day – Holyoke Pop-up Concert
What a treat to have MiFA here today. #pioneervalley #earlymusicday #holyokema #bnevents pic.twitter.com/umIcW9JTse — Barnes & Noble (@BNHolyoke) September 24, 2016
Kickoff Concert Turlough O’Carolan: A Life in Song
Arts Headliners: ‘Turlough O’Carolan: A Life in Song,’ September 22, 2016, by Dan DeNicola, www.gazettenet.com
MIFA Victory Theatre YouTube channel: Turlough O’Carolan: A Life in Song Kickoff Concert (video 1)
Celebrate Holyoke 2016
by Ellanje Ferguson
Masslive.com: Seen@ Celebrate Holyoke 2016 in Heritage State Park, By Ellanje Ferguson, August 28, 2016
Masslive.com: Slide the City returns to Western Massachusetts for Celebrate Holyoke 2016, By Michelle Williams, August 27, 2016
Brick III – Third Anniversary Party
Frederick Gore Photo
Masslive.com: Seen@ Photos from the 3rd Annual Brick Coworkshop Party in Holyoke, By Frederick Gore, August 14, 2016
BUILD A PARTY, BRICK BY BRICK, Take Magazine, August 9, 2016
The 5th Annual Great Holyoke Brick Race 2016
5th Annual Great Holyoke Brick Race, WWLP 22 News, By Ashley Kohl, April 14, 2016
Amor Fati & Motion Focus Opening Reception & Concert
Love it or leave it, June 3, 2016, By Dan DeNicola, Hampshire Life
The Wastelands Opera
Children of The Wild perform walking outdoor opera in Holyoke (photos, video), April 30, 2016, By Mike Plaisance, massive.com.
Répertoires
An evening of classic French Theatre, March 30, 2016, By Pam Mastriano, massive.com
Répertoires by the Compagnie des Petits-Champs, www.frenchculture.org
Photos by Dan Overton
Rehearsal at Mt.Holyoke College w/ actor Daniel San Pedro, actress Audrey Bonnet, and actor Guillaume Ravoire of Compagnie des Petits Champs
Compagnie des Petits Champs visits Holyoke & Mayor Alex Morse
Celebrate Holyoke Concert & Silent Auction Fundraiser set to help with Celebrate Holyoke 2016 costs, massive.com
Balise Toyota Partners with Red Thread Network for the Yuletree Jubilee
Yuletree Jubilee Festival underway in West Springfield, WWLP 22News, By Tashanea Whitlow, November 27, 2015
Celebrate Holyoke Dance Party and Fundraiser! Celebrate Holyoke 2016 planners present dance party fundraiser
Next Stop: Holyoke 2015
Next Stop: Holyoke festival gears up with free and paid events
Saxophonist Charles Neville performs with the band Boys By the Door at last year’s Next Stop Holyoke festival at the War Memorial, 310 Appleton St. (DAVID MOLNAR / THE REPUBLICAN)
The Cubit Open House: Holyoke’s The Cubit open house to show idea of open-air market, loft spaces
Conversation with a Living Legend Archie Shepp: MIFA receives Mass Humanities grant for Education program with Archie Shepp
SCotA students with Jazz Legend ArchieShepp
Celebrate Holyoke 2015: Celebrate Holyoke back in saddle for 3-day ride of music, food, Slide the City
Click here for more Slide the City photos by Michelle Williams
Third Victory Theatre Photography Workshop:
Wonderful post by Victoria Hallerman about her visit to the Victory with Abandoned America and After the Final Curtain for the Third Victory Theatre Photography Workshop the was held June 27, 2015:
The Victory Theatre, Holyoke, Massachusetts by Victoria Hallerman “There is so much elegance still left in this place, the “Grand Dame of the Paper City.””
La Noche de San Juan Holyoke:
La Noche de San Juan celebra otro año con artistas locales…Full article here (La Noche de San Juan celebrates another year with local artists)
En la foto a la izquierda, Ahmed Gonzalez, atrás tocando la bateria Idalberto Perdomo, en la guitarra al frente Jose Gonzalez y tocando el bajo Juan Carlos Carpio de la banda Jose Gonzalez y Banda Criolla. (Damaris Perez-Pizarro | El Pueblo Latino) (Foto por Damaris Pérez-Pizarro | El Pueblo Latino)
Screening and Discussion: “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket”:
The award-winning film, “James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket,”… Full article here – Michelle Williams, massive.com, April 29, 2015
James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket Trailer from DKDMedia on Vimeo.
Holyoke Community College will offer two free screenings of a documentary about the life of writer and civil rights activist… Full article here – Mike Plaisance, massive.com, February 19, 2015
National Players in “To Kill a Mockingbird”:
The National Players from Olney, Maryland, will present “To Kill a Mockingbird,” a play inspired by Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, on Monday, May 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Holyoke High School.
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ to be staged Monday in Holyoke. Full article here – Cori Urban, Special to The Republican, April 28, 2015
Holyoke set for community discussion of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Full article here – Mike Plaisance, Masslive.com, April 2, 2015
Short Description Of 5/4–“To Kill A Mockingbird. Full article here – www.didyouweekend.com
“Landscapes: The Red Mountain Series”, Paintings by Elizabeth Solley Caine:
Wistariahurst gallery sees ‘Red’. Full article here – The Republican PLUS, April 29, 2015
“Cyclonic: Readings from ‘Queen of Vaudeville: The Story of Eva Tanguay”:
Before there was Lady Gaga. Full article here – Hampshire Life Magazine, April 17-23, 2015
Readings from ‘Queen of Vaudeville. Full article here – The Republican, Entertainment Section, Friday, April 17. 2015
Arts Matter Day:
“We’re excited to be here at the Victory Theater on Arts Matters Day… Full article here – Michelle Williams, Masslive.com, October 24, 2014
Next Stop Holyoke:
Holyoke festival – Next Stop: Holyoke – sets citywide events in arts, food, music, sports … Full article here… – Mike Plaisance, Masslive.com, October 10, 2014
ERC’s “Beethoven Love Elegies”:
Beethoven in love, The show is directed by Don Sanders – known locally as artistic director of the Holyoke-based Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts – has worked with the Ensemble for he Romantic Century since 2005… Full article here… – Dan DeNicola, Hampshire Life, July 25, 2014
“La Noche de San Juan”:
2014 Noche De San Juan Festival held at Holyoke’s Heritage State Park. See photos here… – David Molnar, The Republican, June 21, 2014
La Noche de San Juan celebrates summer solstice, WWLP-22News,June 21, 2014
Rob Deza Photo
Holyoke celebrates LGBT pride month with parade, rainbow flag raising, and more. Full article here… – Mary Serreze, Special to The Republican, June 4, 2014
“du Printemps!”:
Elder Rites, This week sees the culmination of an adventurous three-week process led by the French choreographer Thierry Thieû Niang. Full article here… – Chris Rohmann, Valley Advocate, May 29, 2014
Re-(w)rite of Spring, During VPL residency, choreographer and local dancers use Stravinsky’s piece to challenge what society says about aging. Full article here… – Jon Potter, Brattleboro Reformer, May 24, 2014
French choreograhper Thierry Thieu Niang and Sara Coffey of Vermont Performance Lab discuss upcoming performances of du Printemps. Listen to interview here… – Live and Local 100.3/1490 WKVT radio, May 22, 2014
VPL and MIFA partner to present a powerful re-imaging of Le Sacre du Printemps by French choreographer Thierry Thieû Niang. Full article here… – DidYouWeekend.com, May 6, 2014
MIFA Victory Theatre in Holyoke, Vermont Performance Lab to showcase Thierry Thieû Niang’s ‘du Printemps’. Full article here… – Samantha Noble, Special to the Republican, May 5, 2014
“TOUR” Solo performance by David Wampach:
click here: TOUR video clip
Weekend planner – dance: David Wampach’s ‘Tour’. Full article here… – Dan DeNicola, Daily Hampshire Gazette, April 30, 2014.
French choreographer David Wampach performs in #Holyoke. Full article here… – Consulate General of France in Boston, Facebook Page, May 1, 2014
Wine and “Wayfarer” at Wistariahurst:
Dancer Noa Shiloh Awarded ‘IUPA’ for her performance of “Songs of a Wayfarer”
click here: to see Wayfarer film!
Wine and “Wayfarer” at Wistariahurst. Full article here… – Holyoke Sun, April 18 – 24, 2014
Modern dance film opens Wistariahurst and MIFA’s spring season. Full article here… & here… – George Lenker, The Republican, April 22 & 4, 2014
Winter Carnival 2014:
Winter Carnival to bring thematic family fun. Full article here… – G. Michael Dobbs, Reminder Publications, February 7, 2014
Holyoke winter carnival to get bolder, colder. Full article here… – Dennis P. Hohenberger, Town Reminder, January 31, 2014
Holyoke Holiday Pop-up Shop:
Holiday Holyoke pops up for last minute shopping. Full article here… – G. Michael Dobbs, Reminder Publications, December 20, 2013
Holyoke Holiday Pop-up Shop will offer local art, furniture, jewelry at 56 Suffolk St. Full article here… – Mike Plaisance, The Republican, November 28, 2013
“Bomba, Plena & Rock n’ Roll: A Night of Music & Dancing”:
El Pueblo Latino: see more photos here…
Holyoke: Concierto de Johnny Olivo, Jr. con su Herencia de Plena. Full article here… – El Sol Latino, December issue, 2013
A night of music and dancing held Nov. 16. Full article here… – Holyoke Sun, November 8 – 14, 2013
“Halloween in Holyoke”:
Holyoke will be spooky headquarters as Halloween events set for children and adults at various sites. Full article here… – Mike Plaisance, The Republican, October 22, 2013
Fifth Annual “Great Holyoke Block Party”:
Taking it to the street in Holyoke: fifth annual Great Holyoke Block Party. Full article and photos here… – Lori Stabile | Special to The Republican, September 01, 2013
Great Holyoke Block Party. See photos here… , Holyoke Sun, September 6 – 12, 2013
Discover Holyoke Day:
Discover Holyoke highlights urban treasures. Full article here… – Stephanie Barry, The Republican, October, 12, 2013
ERC’s “None but the Lonely Heart”:
“None but the Lonely Heart'” an exquisite blend of music, theater and Shakespeare & Company. “None but the Lonely Heart” is an extraordinary and moving way to experience Tchaikovsky’s music. Part theater, part chamber concert, the play-with-music… Full review here… – Steve Barnes, senior writer, Times Union, Albany, Saturday July 21, 2013
“This play has fire star talent… Simply wonderful, wonderful wonderful.” – Richard DiMaggio, didyouweekend.com, July 20, 2013 With a strong assist from set and costume designer Vanessa James and lighting designer Beverly Emmons, Director Donald T. Sanders has created a handsome and easily navigable space for all the performers. Full review here… – Elyse Sommer, A CurtainUp Berkshire Review
www.berkshireartsalmanac.com: Full review here… – Lesley Ann Beck, Berkshire Arts Almanac, July 28, 2013
www.talkinbroadway.com: Full review here… – Fred Sokol, talkinbroadway.com, July 20, 2013
www.berkshireeagle.com: Full review here… – Sharon Smullen, The Berkshire Eagle, July 17, 2013
“La Noche de San Juan”:
La Noche de San Juan festival. – Sy Becker, 22 News WWLP, Saturday June 22, 2013
Brick Race 2013:
Third-annual Great Holyoke Brick Race barrels ahead this weekend. Full article here… – Sara Korash-Schiff, The Republican Intern, June 06, 2013, Photo by Greg Saulmon, The Republican
Holyoke: Points of View: Featuring: Holyoke Stars of the Silent Screen:
‘Holyoke Stars of the Silent Screen’ highlights three silent-film actresses from Paper City as part of Holyoke Points of View art series. Full article here… – Mike Plaisance, The Republican, April 22, 2013, Photo by Dave Roback, The Republican
Deposit: Pop-up Dining & Art Experience:
‘Pop-up restaurant’ treats Holyoke diners to Boston cooking. Full article here… – Keith O’Connor, The Republican, April 02, 2013, Photo by Dave Roback-Seen
Winter Carnival 2013:
Holyoke gears up for 3-day winter carnival featuring dog show, hockey, cakes, chili, dominos. Full article here… – Mike Plaisance, The Republican, February 20, 2013
SACRE:
Arts Factory. Full article here… – James Heflin, The Valley Advocate, Tuesday, January 8, 2013. Photo By @ValérieArcheno
Screening of “After the Factory”
Art in Paradise: Detroit, Lodz, Holyoke. After the Factory brings a boatload of ideas to post-industrial Holyoke. Full article here… – James Heflin, The Valley Advocate, Tuesday, January 8, 2013
“In the Round” Second Annual Art at the Victory Theatre:
Holyoke’s Victory Theater becomes canvas for local artists. Full article here… – Sandra Dias, The Republican January 02, 2013
Film & Music Extravaganza: “Alexander Nevsky”:
Holyoke high school students rave about Russian movie ‘Alexander Nevsky’ accompanied by choir, organist, soprano. Full article here… – Mike Plaisance, The Republican November 15, 2012. Photo by Mark M.Murray
Film & Music Extravaganza: “Alexander Nevsky”:
Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts showing of silent film “Alexander Nevsky” to benefit renovation of Victory Theater in Holyoke. Full article here… – Sandra Dias, The Springfield Republican, November 14, 2012 photo from Corinth Films Inc.
Film & Music Extravaganza: “Alexander Nevsky”:
Sound and Fury. Full article here… – Chris Rohmann, The Valley Advocate Thursday, November 08, 2012. Still from Sergei Eisenstein’s Alexander Nevsky
“In the Round” Second Annual Art at the Victory Theatre:
The Pioneers, The Victory, The Spoils. Full article here… – Samuel Rowlett, www.bigredandshiny.com, Thursday, October 18, 2012
“Mark Twain Tonight“:
David Molnar, The Republican file photo. Ralph Levy, of Northampton, center, talks with Tony- and Emmy award-winning actor Hal Holbrook after Holbrook’s performance of his legendary one-man show “Mark Twain Tonight!” at Holyoke High School’s Sears Auditorium in November. Donald T. Sanders, artistic director of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts is at far left. The performance and the back stage “meet and greet” were a benefit for the festival’s efforts to refurbish Holyoke’s Victory Theater. Holbrook, still in his Twain costume, and Levy were members of the Valley Players, a summer stock theater company at the Mountain Park Casino Playhouse.
Actor Hal Holbrook keeps Mark Twain alive for generations. Full article here… -Barbara Bernard, The Springfield Republican, Friday, April 06, 2012
Hal Holbrook, Holyoke High School After School Program Special Event:
Actor Hal Holbrook gives Holyoke students doses of Mark Twain, Robert Redford and the craft of acting. Full article here… – Mike Plaisance, The Springfield Republican, November 18, 2011
“Mark Twain Tonight“:
Hal Holbrook to perform ‘Mark Twain Tonight!’ on Saturday in Holyoke. Full article here… – Keith O’Connor, The Springfield Republican, November 13, 2011
Silent Film Night: “The Last Command”:
Silent film showing kicks off Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts 2011 season. Full article here… – Cori Urban, The Springfield Republican, October 12, 2011
ERC’s: “Seduction, Smoke And Music“:
ERC/Ensemble For The Romantic Century’s Production Of “Seduction, Smoke And Music” Starring Jeremy Irons And Sinead Cusack Directed By Erc Director Of Theatrical Productions & Mifa Executive Artistic Director Donald T. Sanders Receives Critical Acclaim At The Tuscan Sun Festival Cortona Italy:
“A triumph.” – La Repubblica “A brilliant performance…” -Mymovies.it
A much-awaited event at the star-studded Tuscan Sun Festival in Cortona, “Seduction, Smoke, and Music” is a production that combines music, dance, and theater to tell the story (with words drawn from letters, deftly selected by James Melo) of the dangerous liaison between Chopin and George Sand. It brings Jeremy Irons and his wife Sinéad Cusack onto an Italian stage for the first time. He is an anguished Chopin, hypersensitive to his torments: only his voice – the burnished voice of a compulsive smoker – and his gripping presence even during the long silences allow him to patch together romantic platitudes with a very British touch of irony, playing things down when necessary and bringing an insolently selfish nuance to Chopin. Cusack is a willful George Sand who, with a cigar always dangling from her lips, observes their tormented relationship from a distance, almost as if she weren’t part of it; she is more the dismissive mother than the passionate lover. The real surprise was the pianist Simon Trpceski, who coolly dominated the virtuosic passages and the pitfalls of Chopin’s sentimentalism. A triumph, also for the cellist Nina Kotova, for the dancers Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky, and for the director Donald Sanders. – LA REPUBBLICA, AUGUST 8TH, 2011 (fulvio paloscia translated by Harvey Sachs)
Winter ice Festival:
Canal Winter Ice Festival held next weekend. Full article here… & Holyoke Sun photos -Dennis P. Hohenberger, The Holyoke Sun, February 11 – 18, 2011
“SOJOURNER’S TRUTH: “I will shake every place I go to””:
StageStruck: Indomitable Spirit, This play, like its subject, aims to shake every place it goes to. Full article here… – Chris Rohmann, The Valley Advocate, December 2, 2010
CRITICAL REVIEWS
2009
London’s Globe Theatre presented Shakespeare’s “Love’s, Labour’s Lost” Its open space curtained into an intimate arena, Holyoke’s War Memorial auditorium – on loan to the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts – turns out to be a suitably Globe-like setting. – Sandy MacDonald, THE BOSTON GLOBE, December 5, 2009
2005
Out of Joint’s “Macbeth”:
This is not your average production of Shakespeare…The company makes “Macbeth” seem as if it were written yesterday…It also provides a most estimable blueprint for a theater of the future. There are very few audiences these days where blacks and whites, young and old, mesh so well. This is pure theater—you can’t get this kind of excitement anywhere else…Out of Joint is out of this world. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE, October 14, 2005
“Macbeth” came to Holyoke courtesy of England’s fine Out of Joint troupe and the Mass. International Festival of the Arts, which brings great international companies from all artistic disciplines to the Pioneer Valley. Everything I’ve seen there has been worth the trip…The rather amazing thing about MIFA’s “Macbeth” was the diversity of the Holyoke audience white and black, high school and college, intelligentsia and working class. MIFA’s attempts at finding an artistic home in an old mill town is a story in itself. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE, October 23, 2005
“The Skinner Servants’ Tour”:
A fascinating time capsule – a triumph of logistics. Entertaining, informative and thoroughly delightful. – Chris Rohmann, WFCR
2003 – 2004
An Evening With Mikhail Baryshnikov and Pianist Pedja Muzijevic:
A thrilling evening of dance and music featuring Baryshnikov accompanied (or not) by pianist Pedja Muzijevic. – Deborah Hornblow, THE HARTFORD COURANT, January 22, 2004
Friday night in Holyoke, dance legend Mikhail Baryshnikov gave a program of contemporary solos in the most ordinary of venues…his presence was so commanding and his pieces were danced with such perfection that by the end of the night the humble setting was easily forgotten. – Theodore Bale, THE BOSTON HERALD, January 26, 2004
Omar Sosa in concert:
The bobbing heads, and people dancing in the balcony showed Omar Sosa had infected the audience with the joys and rhythms of his international Jazz. – Elizabeth O’Grady, COLLEGE STREET JOURNAL, September 8, 2003
2001
“The Noise of Time”:
One of the most discussed music-theater events of the London season earlier this year is coming to Massachusetts–but not to Boston. The Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts will present four performances of “The Noise of Time,” a collaboration between the Emerson String Quartet and the cutting-edge London theater company Complicite that can also be seen in New York and Berlin. – Richard Dyer, THE BOSTON GLOBE, October 19, 2001
Some of the most exciting theatrical work of the past few years in Massachusetts has been imported by the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, primarily to the Pioneer Valley. MIFA has pulled off another coup as it brings the groundbreaking collaboration of the Emerson String Quartet and England’s Complicite theater company, “The Noise of Time,” to the Academy of Music in Northampton for three performances this weekend. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE, October 26, 2001
For the past eight years, Sanders and his board have persuaded some of the world’s most innovative artists in theater, dance and music to bring their work to Western Massachusetts. Satisfied patrons of past shows have no doubt come to trust that if Sanders books a piece, it must be special.– Larry Parnass, THE DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, October 25, 2001
The National Ballet of Cuba:
Alicia Alonso’s dancers have always exuded the joy of performing and here it was enhanced by an artful virtuosity. – Anna Kisselgoff, THE NEW YORK TIMES, November 13, 2001
Wire Monkey Dance:
This new work (Wire Monkey Dance) is beautifully conceived, vividly imaginative, and superbly performed. It is both visually riveting and viscerally thrilling. – Karen Campbell, THE BOSTON GLOBE, October 22, 2001
“The Last Letter”:
From the moment her (Samie’s) hands emerge from backstage, you know you’re in for the kind of acting from which legends are born. It isn’t every day that a company like la Comedie-Francaise comes to the Boston area, and we have two of the more daring and exciting theater organizations in the state to thank for it–the newly christened Market Theater and the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE, June 8, 2001
(Samie)…gives a rapturous performance. Every shadow, every fluttering of the hand, every intonation has been planned for its power. This is acting with a capital A. Ms. Samie is so powerful, so commanding… – Sarah Boxer, THE NEW YORK TIMES, June 8, 2001
The lyrical and persuasive Catherine Samie, quietly throbbing with poignancy as she delivered “The Last Letter,” profoundly moved audiences at Springfield’s CityStage. Donald T. Sanders, executive artistic director of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, brought the one-woman piece de resistance to Springfield. – Fred Sokol, THE SPRINGFIELD UNION NEWS, June 18, 2001
The Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts has imported another daring and extraordinary work of theater. – Deborah Hornblow, THE HARTFORD COURANT, JUNE 18, 2001
Samie is startling and extreme. The heroine’s thirst for memory forbids her to linger over her own sadness and sense of waste: they must emerge through an account that is hard, sculptural, and swarming with detail. The Last Letter remains something almost monument-like, pure, dark, and hard. – Chris Fujiwara, THE BOSTON PHOENIX, June 14, 2001
Samie is an actress of extraordinary poise…the performance is one of a kind. – Terry Byrne, THE BOSTON HERALD, June 8, 2001
Kartik Seshadri in concert:
Here was ageless music which all at once could open the ears, close the eyes, fill the mind, and numb the senses…A most giving and unusual and magnetic talent. – THE HERALD TIMES
2000
“Requiem pour Srebrenica”:
By bringing “Requiem pour Srebrenica”… Sanders again demonstrates the seriousness of his group’s commitment to the arts. – Betty Falkenberg, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, November 2000
French director Olivier Py has created a stark, stylized, brilliant production of his “Requiem pour Srebrenica”… It is an experience to be gotten through, and one you will never forget. – Deborah Hornblow, THE HARTFORD COURANT, November 2000
“Requiem pour Srebrenica” is a visual and acoustic feat… Mr. Py has created a powerful and chilling work of theater that is both an artistic achievement and a valuable political statement. – David Rohde, THE NEW YORK TIMES, November 2000
Dave McKenna in concert:
Living legend status…a virtuoso of keyboard Jazz whose huge hands pursue a rift through seemingly inexhaustible variations over an entire set. – DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, June 16, 2000
George Tooker:
Many of his familiar public paintings (George Tooker), including “The Subway” and “Government Bureau” are now owned by major museums throughout the country…The artist’s private works, by contrast, are lyrical, romantic and mysterious fantasies often of human interaction. Several of these recent egg tempura works are now on display at the Hart Gallery as part of the spring season of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts. – Mary Bagg, THE VALLEY ADVOCATE, June 1, 2000
“Some Explicit Polaroids”:
Max Stafford-Clark’s taut production draws striking performances from its cast all of whom deftly explore the strife-torn no-man’s land that exists between human ideals and human behavior. – Robert Brustein, THE NEW REPUBLIC
That the play is coming to town is a tribute to the tenacity of Donald Sanders, the executive director of MIFA…Founded in 1993, Out of Joint has quickly established itself as one of the most vital theatrical companies in the world, with a tradition of generating new writing for the stage. “Some Explicit Polaroids,” directed by Max Stafford-Clark, made its world debut in London last fall to generally strong reviews and is currently on an international tour. – Amy Kroin, THE VALLEY ADVOCATE, June 1, 2000
Mark Ravenhill, “Polaroids” author, manages to make an uncomfortable and provocative comedy from such material. Uncomfortable because you laugh just when you think, “how could you? how could you make a joke of that?” Provocative because, well, dammit, not only the laughter and its release, but also the discomfort makes you think. – Bronwyn Mills, THE GREENFIELD RECORDER, June 15, 2000
…thanks to those ever engaging folks in the Pioneer Valley, the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, theatergoers in this state can see the energizingly intelligent world premiere production by London’s Out of Joint theater company…Without ever being boring, “Some Explicit Polaroids” is nothing less than a search for meaning in contemporary times…Once again MIFA has delivered a theatrical jewel at our doorstep. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE, June 16, 2000
Mark Ravenhill has written a brilliant play. And Max Stafford-Clark has fleshed it out with the help of six extraordinarily gifted and intelligent players. It would be a pity to miss this short run in Northampton. (“Some Explicit Polaroids”) – Betty Falkenberg, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, June 17, 2000
“Some Explicit Polaroids,” making its American premiere thanks to the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts (MIFA), is fascinating, intoxicating theater…It runs for 100 minutes, without an intermission, frequently zapping the audience…It is ever pulsating and multi-dimensional. One is afforded the opportunity to react viscerally- or to consider the play’s social implications. With its inter and intra generational implications, “Some Explicit Polaroids” attacks one’s senses and sensibilities throughout. – Fred Sokol, UNION NEWS/SUNDAY REPUBLICAN, June 17, 2000
“Polaroids,” which has already played to rave reviews in Britain, is a jolting, impassioned, savagely witty examination of contemporary life and its illusions. By turns funny and harrowing, it finds what may be peerless expression in the production staged by Britain’s Out of Joint theatre company and director Max Stafford-Clark…Max Stafford-Clark’s cast is uniformly excellent. – Deborah Hornblow, THE HARTFORD COURANT, June 17, 2000
London’s Out of Joint theater company’s brilliantly crafted, cannily performed production of Mark Ravenhill’s lacerating, rueful black comedy “Some Explicit Polaroids,” which finished an all-too-brief engagement over the weekend at Smith College as part of this year’s edition of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts. – Jeffrey Borak, THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE, June 19,2000
You don’t always have to go to London for the best in British theatre, though, you do have to get out of Boston…Last week’s visit to Northampton by the Out of Joint company was…memorable. Brought here by the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, which is smaller than New Haven’s but no less important, Out of Joint is edgier than England’s more traditional companies. The Mass. International Festival of the Arts is set up to serve the Pioneer Valley, but it imports some of the best theater anywhere in Massachusetts (both festivals also bring intriguing music, dance, and film events as well.) …splendid performances and cinematically enhanced set design, it’s obvious that there’s much more to Ravenhill than glib nihilism. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE, June 21, 2000
…”Some Explicit Polaroids” by English playwright Mark Ravenhill which has been given its U.S. premiere by the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts in its original production by London’s Out of Joint theater company…comes across as a powerful and universal, if profoundly sad, cry for love, friendship, companionship and fair play in an England (and World) that Ravenhill sees as a terminally unhappy, fearful, angry, violent and tacky. – Markland Taylor, VARIETY, June 28, 2000
“Midnight Sandwich” or “God Smells Like a Roast Pig”:
Lopez is an engaging performer with an infectious grin, a stand-up comic’s sense of timing (she riffs off the ‘Latina spitfire’ stereotype) and a knack for the subtle shift that brings pain out of laughter. Indeed, “Midnight Sandwich” or “God Smells Like a Roast Pig” is, in the end, a poignant reflection on loss, nestled in a celebration of being a native-born American with a strongly rooted ethnic heritage. – Chris Rohmann, THE VALLEY ADVOCATE, February 17, 2000
What Lopez brings to the table is her ability to use humor and intelligence in equal doses to get past the pain and anger; the damning stereotypes and clichés and into the heart of what is both unique and universal about her life. – Tzivia Gover, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, February 24, 2000
The play (“Midnight Sandwich” or “God Smells Like a Roast Pig”) is most resonant and moving…As the evening evolves, it becomes apparent that the performer is seasoning a symbolic stew and the resultant ingredients provide rich, evocative glimpses of her childhood and adult years. – Fred Sokol, UNION NEWS, February 25, 2000
1999
“An Evening with Queen Victoria”:
“It isn’t often I get a part that enables me to play someone from the age of 13 up to 81, “ Dame Prunella Scales says about her appearance at the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts presentation of “An Evening with Queen Victoria”…The program glimpses Victoria through the varied experiences of her remarkable 64-year reign. – Bruce McCabe, THE BOSTON GLOBE, December 10, 1999
So far this year, MIFA has brought tastes of England, France and Russia to the Valley. Cuba arrived just in time last night, bringing music that pulsed in waves of orange and red, from a land that surely knows many hardships… Indeed, if MIFA’s putting it on, whether or not you can pronounce the name of the performing group or the country of its origin, they’ll be top-notch. – Tzivia Gover, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, November 1999
Irakere:
Irakere sports a sound that is as revolutionary as anything that Fidel Castro has cooked up. Irakere will rock the house this Sunday in a show presented by the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts. – Amy Kroin, THE VALLEY ADVOCATE, November 4, 1999
Irakere, a 12-piece jazz ensemble from Havana, has had a reputation as a world class band for more than 30 years. The performance in South Hadley is courtesy of the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts. -Ronnie Gordon, UNION NEWS, November 4, 1999
Waldemar Bastos in concert:
The voice of Waldemar Bastos, an Angolan-born musician now living in Portugal, has been dubbed by the Village Voice as “almost impossibly stunning.” He seems to be blessed with what in Portuguese is called dadiva, a profound gift or natural talent for music. – Mary Bagg, THE VALLEY ADVOCATE, October, 1999
“Blue Heart”:
Since its inception, MIFA has provided a forum for the very best in British theater: Just last winter, the Out of Joint production of Caryl Churchill’s “Blue Heart” provided Valley patrons with some of the most mind-blowing theater they may ever see in their lives. This fall, MIFA will continue its tradition of Anglophilic excellence… -Amy Kroin, THE VALLEY ADVOCATE, October 7, 1999
“Queen of Spades”:
The Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts is a modest organization with an audacious aim, to present world-class artistic attractions to audiences of Central Massachusetts and the Connecticut River Valley…Helikon’s production of Tchaikovsky’s opera was ambitious and interesting, and the work of the company deserves to be more widely known– particularly because there hasn’t been an American equivalent since the early days of the New York City Opera or the Minnesota Opera. – Richard Dyer, THE BOSTON GLOBE, October 8, 1999
Once again, Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts Executive Artistic Director Donald Sanders’ eye for top-notch theater has brought to Western Massachusetts a one-of-a-kind production. The Helikon Opera of the Moscow State Theater made its American debut under MIFA’s auspices at the Academy of Music in Northampton, Massachusetts…a gripping performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Queen of Spades”. This young company gives standard repertoire a new and imaginative face, bolstered by top-notch musical integrity and dramatic punch. – Clifton J. Noble Jr., UNION NEWS, October 9, 1999
Open your ears and your eyes to the magic of this production. You will never forget it. – Betty Falkenberg, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, October 10, 1999
“A Kind of Alaska”:
presented by the Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts, is exquisite theater. -Fred Sokol, UNION NEWS, October 14, 1999
This expertly performed, shrewdly directed play is about language, about communication, about truth, about relationships, about connections, about the nature of meaning… a compact, economical, richly layered play. – Jeffrey Borak, THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE, October 15, 1999
1994 – 1998
L’Ensemble Koteba D’Abidjan
Waramba is a startling musical extravaganza which features several artistic forms in virtuoso performance. The production introduced 36 thrilling musical and movement artists to Western Massachusetts. The company’s presence will remain enduring and even indelible for those in attendance. – Fred Sokol, SPRINGFIELD UNION NEWS
Oscar Wilde’s “De Profundis”:
After such a performance I can say: Here is why getting to the bottom of all those stacks of press releases is worthwhile. Here is why I do this. – Tzivia Gover, Arts Editor, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE
I’d drive a lot more than a couple of hours to see Out of Joint do anything…and festival executive director Donald T. Sanders deserves all the credit in the world for bringing them to Massachusetts. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE
It has not taken long– six years– for the Northampton based MIFA to establish itself as legitimate welcome player on the region’s art scene. – Jeffrey Borak, THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
(MIFA) is presenting another splendid treat for theatregoers…the festival has imported from Britain the award winning “Blue Heart”…Theatre-lovers: do not miss this one. – Deborah Hornblow, THE HARTFORD COURANT
Bravo to MIFA for its vision…We in Western Massachusetts are fortunate that MIFA and its (staff) have made it their mission to bring such artistry to our area and to our attention. – Clifton Noble, Jr. THE UNION NEWS
Fiesta Cubana:
There was a sense among the people that had put it together as well as the musicians that history had been made…Continous standing ovations; aisles filled with people dancing. – Peter Watrous, THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Patience and Sarah”:
The audience stood, cheered and screamed its approval. Some cried. The creators, hand in hand, were greeted by a frenzied ovation. – Anthony Tommasini, THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Sarah Bernhardt Comes to Town”:
Vanessa Redgrave’s depiction of Nina approaches perfection. Through her concentration, she totally inhabits the character. Her performance, relaxed yet specific…simply transported this theatregoer. The grandeur of Vanessa’s gift through her inner and recognizable outer voice, cannot be understated. – Fred Sokol, SPRINGFIELD UNION NEWS
A theatregoer from Brookline pulled into a downtown parking lot here Saturday night and asked the attendant if he knew where Vanessa Redgrave was performing. “Oh no,” he said. “She’s here tomorrow. Sarah Bernhardt is in town tonite.” One can forgive him, because it seems as unlikely that Redgrave would come to Springfield for the Premiere of a performance of “new” Anton Chekhov stories “Sarah Bernhardt Comes to Town” as it would be for the ghost of the late legend to appear at StageWest, the city’s struggling theatre space. Chalk it up to the pluck of the Northampton-based Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts and its artistic director, Donald T. Sanders…Sarah Bernhardt never really appears, in the story or on stage. It doesn’t matter. Vanessa Redgrave proves you don’t have to be a ghost to be out of this world. – Ed Siegel, THE BOSTON GLOBE
Mother, daughter prove unforgettable…an enchanting, intimate and memorable event. For its rehearsed and spontaneous intimacies, the evening the Redgraves camed to town shall not soon be forgotten. – Deborah Hornblow, THE HARTFORD COURANT
Faustus in Africa:
Faustus in Africa…one of the most original and rewarding entertainments to be seen, not just in the Valley but on any turf at the moment. – Betty Falkenberg, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE
…in bringing the Handspring Puppet Company here, MIFA’s organizers demonstrate the kind of artistic risk that indicate the potential this annual festival has for making a name for itself. – Jeffrey Borak, THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
Handel’s “Alcina”:
The Masschusetts International Festival of the Arts, now in its fourth year, specializes in bringing attractions to central Massachusetts that you would be more likely to encounter in a small, high class European festival than in even a major American cultural center like Boston. – Richard Dyer, THE BOSTON GLOBE
…sparkles with the same freshness, the same adventuresome, passionate and livening spirit that made the opera’s so exciting and controversial when they were first performed. We were treated to some of the finest Baroque orchestra performance imaginable. Bravo to MIFA for its vision. – Clifton Noble, THE UNION NEWS
La Comédie Française:
The entire program is a marvelous tribute to the art of the theatre. La Comédie Française’s style is bright, alert, and extraordinarily contemporary…a marvelous way to introduce American audiences to one of western theatres grandest institutions, demonstrating at the same time the vitality of an art form that looses very little without translation. – Jeffrey Borak, THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE.
Outstanding international companies put the “I” in MIFA. These companies are operated at the highest level of contemporary arts practice…exquisite subtleties of meaning and emotion. – Chris Rohmann, THE VALLEY ADVOCATE
Tito Puente:
By the second song of the night, Puente knew he was in command “I’m getting to you.” he shouted, as he watched the audience dance before him. – Donnie Moorhouse, THE UNION NEWS
The Berliner Ensemble:
…changing them just enough to fit the tenor of new times, the original compositions were imaginative and richly configured in keeping with the textural complexities. The setting of “Of Swimming in Lakes and Rivers” was goose-pimple eerie. – Betty Falkenberg, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE
Gregory Gillespie:
MIFA proves that this regional artist has earned his place among the international stars of contemporary art. Because he paints so beautifully, and because he succeeds in reconciling the unmentionable with the acceptable. – Gloria Russell, THE UNION NEWS
Road to Heaven:
As part of MIFA, we are once again treated to some surprising local talent. – Darlene Smith-Asch, HOLYOKE JOURNAL ENQUIRER
Voices of Light:
In fact, an awe-filled gasp seemed an altogether appropriate response to this altogether astounding evening. – Betty Falkenberg, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE
This was a simultaneously wrenching and beautiful evening at the theatre (Academy of Music)… I say thank you to you on my own behalf and for others. – Shera Cohen, BRAVO
Monteverdi’s “The Coronationa of Poppea”:
Coronation of Poppea proves a flawless jewel. – Clifton J. Noble, Jr., UNION NEWS.
Sexy, rich, and rewarding…a cutting edge production that would be rare even in the major cities of this country…It was worth the two hour drive from Boston. – Ellen Pfeifer, THE BOSTON HERALD,
Angelina Reuax in concert:
Not a single listener could have remained untouched…superb vocal instrument with engaging dramatic sense and emotional sincerity. – Clifton J. Noble, Jr, UNION NEWS
Latin jazz great Hilton Ruiz puts on a stellar performance, the Hilton Ruiz quartet was a fireball of creativity and stamina. – Mark Baszak, UNION NEWS
Outstanding Rossini Concert! – Clifton J. Noble Jr., UNION NEWS.
The Gate Theater – Samuel Beckett’s “I’ll Go On”:
McGovern’s control and precision along with a terrific lighting and set design made Becket’s prose as stunning to look at as his plays. – Brett Martin, DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE