Archive for Reviews

REVIEW: Christmas Revels Celebrates the ‘Other’ Great White North

‘The Christmas Revels:A Nordic Celebration of the Winter Solstice’ – Directed by Patrick Swanson; Musical Direction by Megan Henderson; Set Design by Jeremy Barnett; Sound Design by Bill Winn; Lighting Design by Jeff Adelberg; Costume Design by Heidi A. Hermiller; Presented by Revels, Inc. at The Sanders Theater…

REVIEW: ‘The Christmas Revels’ points north

The Finnish epic compilation the “Kalevala” is featured throughout “A Nordic Celebration of the Winter Solstice.” By Jeffrey Gantz GLOBE CORRESPONDENT  DECEMBER 17, 2018 CAMBRIDGE — “The Christmas Revels” has headed to the frozen north for the first time since 1993. This 48th annual production, “A Nordic Celebration of the Winter…

Theater Review: The Christmas Revels – A Wonderful Nordic Celebration

By David Greenham This year’s version – the 48th! – of The Christmas Revels is delightful and refreshing way to bid adieu to a tumultuous 2018. The Christmas Revels: a Nordic Celebration of the Winter Solstice, directed by Patrick Swanson. Music Direction by Megan Henderson, Scenic Design by…

REVIEW: Revels’ ‘Venetian Celebration’ glitters

Mezzo soprano Sophie Michaux and Concerto Incognito audition for the Doge of Venice (Richard Snee) in “Christmas Revels 2017: A Venetian Celebration of the Winter Solstice,” at the Sanders Theatre at Harvard University in Cambridge. [Courtesy Photo/Roger Ide] CAMBRIDGE – This year’s edition of The Christmas Revels veers off to…

REVIEW: Old World Music, Comedy from Renaissance Era Lights Up Christmas Revels – A Venetian Celebration

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REVIEW: A handsome ‘Christmas Revels’ brings the party to Venice

Commedia dell’arte players Noni Lewis, Billy Meleady, and Mark Jaster in “The Christmas Revels.”      Photo: Roger Ide The Boston Globe, December 10, 2017 CAMBRIDGE — “Who let the Doge out?” is the tag for the 47th annual “Christmas Revels,” a broad hint that Cambridge’s traveling celebration…

A liberating holiday performance

It’s the blend, says Patrick Swanson, “the interesting mix of high art and low art. The Revels is always doing that — a sophisticated piece, and then some street theater. We keep entertaining both 8-year-olds and 80-year-olds in the same show.” Swanson, who has been artistic director at…

Christmas Revels Enchants with Celebration of Acadian, Cajun Cultures

by Mike Hoban The Christmas Revels: An Acadian-Cajun Celebration of the Winter Solstice. Directed by Patrick Swanson; Musical Direction by Megan Henderson; Set Design by Jeremy Barnett; Lighting Design by Jeff Adelberg; Sound Design by Bill Winn; Costume Design by Heidi A. Hermiller; Choreography by Gillian Stewart. Presented…

This Acadian-Cajun Christmas Revels lets the good times roll

By Jeffrey Gantz GLOBE CORRESPONDENT  DECEMBER 12, 2016  Photo by ROGER IDE “The Christmas Revels: An Acadian-Cajun Celebration of the Winter Solstice” follows the Acadian people from Canada to Louisiana. CAMBRIDGE — In 2004, “The Christmas Revels” traveled to Quebec for a celebration complete with “The Legend of the Flying…

Annual Christmas Revels’ production fills the stage with delight

By Iris Fanger, Daily News Correspondent CAMBRIDGE – The folks at Christmas Revels have outdone themselves with this year’s production, billed as an “Acadian-Cajun Celebration.” The central theme of families forced from Canada to Louisiana against their will is no less current today than in the 18th century when…