2026 Audience Reviews

Company: True Men Productions
Show: Castrati: A Tale of Two
Venue: Barbara Barker Center for Dance

Did I just see the next big thing ??

I walked out of Castrati - A Tale of Two with a keen sense that I had just witnessed something poised to explode. As others have noted, this was not a polished final product, but it was rich in wit, vocal verve, and (despite the enormous balls bouncing everywhere) tenderness. One wonders what this show could become with a few more microphones, some cleaned up diction, and perhaps a few more minutes for the story to breathe (I found the father's vacillations (mental snip-snap-snip) verge towards profundity, but ultimately fall short, likely due to how compressed it all was).... There were many standout performances, but I was especially enamored by the lead (Julia) and the Grandma. The ensemble was excellent, as well, supported by sublime musical arrangements and a tight band. My favorite number was the street sweep romp. Musically and lyrically, the lead's ballad was the highlight (this could be reprised over and over again, I think!). The final song is the only number that left me wanting: although the tune is still stuck in my head, I found the lyrics to be much less lively than earlier numbers, and fail to deliver a triumphant denouement. My only other constructive feedback: I would have loved more vocal play in the upper register!