Read this: ‘Blue Song: St. Louis in the Life and Work of Tennessee Williams’
In the book, Washington University Professor Henry I. Schvey examines the literary music of the churning cantata that is Williams’ work.
Latest from Robert W. Duffy
Trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard brings ‘Fire Shut Up in My Bones’ to life in opera
Based on a 2014 memoir by New York Times columnist and commentator Charles M. Blow, ‘Fire’ is being given its world premiere this month by Opera Theatre of St. Louis and Jazz St. Louis.
Opera Theatre’s “Orfeo and Euridice” is a fresh and irreverent adventure
While the first half of the show is a near model of decorum and serenity, the second half, once rolling, is by the finale a theatrical riot sparkling with grunge and glitter.
Opera Theatre’s artistic risk-taking pays off once again with the magnificent “Regina”
The result—for the company and its audiences—is a full cup of genius.
Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ 1930s-inspired “La traviata” glitters—but loses its way
Especially played against the easy money and immoral complicities and fecklessness of life today in these disjointed United States, Verdi’s opera is like a storm warning—an observation that the worst is yet to come.
“The Case of the Missing Bellhop” finds Circus Flora, as always, in brilliant form
Talent, charisma, and moxie are all parts of the magic puzzle that is Circus Flora.
Talking to Opera Theatre’s Tim O’Leary, on the cusp of his departure
O’Leary’s tenure with OTSTL represents some amazing moments, including the premiere of the stunning jazz opera “Champion.”
A St. Louis writer remembers the Little Rock Nine
Sixty years ago today, nine African-American students, protected by soldiers, slipped in the back door of Little Rock Central High School for their first full day of class. Writer and Little Rock native Robert Duffy remembers their struggle—and a very special house that was central to it.
The One Tree Project gives a new life to Wash. U.’s dying oaks
As the pin oaks on the Danforth campus reached the end of their life cycle, students and faculty used it as an opportunity to explore ecology, design, history, and place.
Opera Theatre of St. Louis does justice to the dark, funny, terrifying vision of “The Trial”
Philip Glass and librettist Christopher Hampton have brought forth a warped, through-the-looking-glass world from Kafka’s novel.
Contemplating beauty and heartbreak in Opera Theatre’s seventh “Butterfly”
Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece is more, so much more, than a congregation of music so exquisite it takes your breath away and makes you weep.