Medea in Medea
“Deeply affecting, even Frightening”
“Suzan Hanson, who a few years back was the company’s Brunnhilde in Wagner’s "Ring", was the potent and powerful star of Cherubini’s work, matching vocal near-perfection with a performance that was both emotionally draining and perfectly on pitch, as a woman who is driven to madness by her husband Jason’s abandonment of her for a new, princely wife.
Hanson contributed to this production more than just her vocal and physical presence. She translated the French original and produced the version LBO used Saturday night, blending the original play by Euripides with the libretto by Francois Benoit Hoffman into a one-act 100-minute searing drama of love, abandonment and murder.
In Hanson’s final scene, covered with blood, she is as mad as Lucia di Lammermoor, Gaetano Donizetti’s heroine of 40 years later, deeply affecting, even frightening.”
Press Telegram, John Farell
“The show belonged to Suzan Hanson as Medea, whose gleaming soprano was matched by the intensity of her dramatic portrayal and her skill at pantomime.
Gazette.com, Jim Ruggirello
“Tour de Force”
“Suzan Hanson’s Medea is a tour-de-force exerting discipline and focus, demonstrating the downward spiral. Hersinging is blistering, her enunciation and acting are exceptional.
ConcertoNet, Christie Grimstad
“Divas like this inspire awe. In Hanson's case, we get a really excellent, thoughtful, superbly vocalized performance.”
Opera West, David Gregson
“Singing with effortless intensity and carefully gauged dramatic urgency, Hanson dominated the production. Hervibrant and nuanced performance revealed a Medea who was much more a recognizably conflicted woman thana furious and heedless force of Nature.”
Stage Happenings, Michael Van Duzer
