| Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi", Opera Company of Philadelphia, April/May 2009 |
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Mugging seems to be a necessary evil, but that rarely happened at the Academy of Music, most significantly in Mark Stone's vocally sonorous portrayal of the title role. Any singer who ends up onstage in his underwear without falling into British farce cliches is a fine actor indeed. David Patrick Stearns, The Philadelphia Enquirer, 28 April 2009
Mark Stone made a surprisingly young Schicchi. Looking somewhat Rinuccio's like louche older brother, he spent a good bit of time (including curtain calls) in his underwear - probably not something Tito Gobbi ever imagined. David Shengold, Opera Magazine, September 2009 Baritone Mark Stone was a wickedly beguiling Gianni Schicchi. Fearless as a conniver and dauntless as a doting father, he’s up to any and all tricks to guarantee Lauretta’s happiness. He sang with vocal amplitude and acted with precise detail. Michael Caruso, Chestnut Hill Local, May 2009 Gianni Schicchi is, in fact, the leading man, even though he may have a few politically-incorrect traits. Yes, he's selfish and unscrupulous. He also is funny and clever. Mark Stone plays him in the right way, [and] sings with an attractive baritone. Steve Cohen, Opera Critic, 05 May 2009 |