Maestro (Ensemble for the Romantic Century) NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (66)
See it if I am not learned in classical music. Went more for the story & history. I was knocked out by the musicians, fantastic.
Don't see it if Toscanini character was a drag. Repeatedly spoke similar words to a photo of his lost love. yawn. Where the real anti Nazi drama?
See it if You like classical music and are interested in the life of Arturo Toscanini.
Don't see it if You don’t care for classical music or biographical/historical shows. Read more
See it if If you like classical music played by very talented young musicians and if it doesn't bother you that the music bears little in the plot.
Don't see it if you really want to know something about Toscanini or if you'd like to see the actor playing him actually have some idea how to conduct music
See it if you want to see a good performance, but ineffective play. The ensemble of musicians are wonderful and John Noble plays Toscanini well.
Don't see it if you don't like classical music. There are more music scenes than dialogue. Writing not challenging enough to take advantage of great actor.
See it if You want to hear some Romantic music played beautifully.
Don't see it if your main motivation is to learn something of feel something for Toscanini. Read more
See it if Well-told, interesting synopsis of Toscanini's life coupled with marvelous music in the hands of wonderful musicians especially the pianist.
Don't see it if The music, while beautiful, did not always add to or move the story along. If you're not interested in history or biography.
See it if you enjoy classical music. Story and acting are ok but nothing special. It rambles but is interesting to a degree
Don't see it if you are looking for a thorough, well paced bio play.This drags. Too much music, too little story.
See it if you like classical music (more concert than play), you are interested in Toscanini or in Nazi history and its effects on Italian citizens.
Don't see it if you expect a plays and are not interested in a musical concert or you are sensitive to Italian Nazi history and its effects.
Critic Reviews (10)
"Even that dry description is more exciting than what Ms. Wolf and her director, Donald T. Sanders, put onstage. The text is a clip job, consisting almost entirely of excerpts from Toscanini’s letters and other documentary bric-a-brac. As all of it comes from his point of view, we have no way to evaluate its validity — and the play has no way to spark any drama...The interludes add nothing to the story; indeed, they actively subtract from it by suggesting an overly literal link."
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"The whole is even more a treat when the music is inserted...Li’s reading of Wagner’s 'Liebestod' in the Liszt version is worth the price of admission...Considered from a strictly dramatic perspective, 'Maestro' leaves something to be desired. Considered from a musically dramatic perspective, Maestro is completely satisfying, particularly for theater patrons so devoted to that pursuit that they don’t get to concert halls regularly enough."
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“The cheese-fest that is ‘Maestro’ represents a good concert smarmified...Toscanini unfortunately – and unfairly – comes across a braggart with regard to his admirable antifascist activism...The script’s insistent focus on the erotic noodlings of a randy old goat does not lend itself to originality, much less profundity. Classical concertgoers who require a special sauce might find this overheated stew palatable. At least it provides a showcase for a cadre of skilled musicians.”
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"The storyline may not fully satisfy all playgoers. It is largely episodic, and the main dramatic conflict is a political one. Toscanini was appalled by the rise of fascism in Italy, in the person of the brutal Benito Mussolini. In the early 1930's, he refused to conduct the fascist anthem, and he turned down Adolf Hitler's request that he conduct at the Bayreuth music festival. Eventually, he fled Europe and resettled in the United States, living in Riverdale, New York, where he died in 1957."
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“The Ensemble for the Romantic Century’s production of ‘Maestro’ aptly highlights all...central components of Toscanini’s brilliant artistry...The integration of the concert level performances by the amazing musicians and the solo performance by Noble who inhabits Toscanini...makes for an unparalleled memorable evening which will thrill you to your core...Just gobsmacking...A breathtakingly beautiful remembrance of a time and artist we must never forget.”
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“A music lovers’ delight, the play uses world class musicians, visual art and narrative to explore the Maestro’s life...The scenes are cleverly designed to follow the world-renowned conductor...The string quartet utilized in the play effectively conveyed the Maestro’s passion and suffering...The Maestro’s passion for music is encapsulated in every nuance of the play...’Maestro’ reminds us the power we all have, and the difference an individual can make.”
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"When in one letter, Toscanini reveals an amusing anecdote about his father - and ultimately his own conception - you wonder why Wolf thought we wouldn't want to know much more his personal life. After all, Toscanini lived until he was nearly 90, had numerous musical accomplishments, and knew many people, important and otherwise. Unquestionably, his hatred of dictators was a large factor in his life, but it shouldn't be his defining characteristic."
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"The actor playing Toscanini hasn’t a musical bone in his body...Within the first five minutes...I wanted out...Noble as Toscanini, is an unintelligible, one-dimensional, inconsistent actor...The play tries to subliminally equate the holocaust with the immigrants of today, which I find highly insulting...What does work is the brilliant chamber orchestra...Their playing is exquisite... Bravo however to the brilliant musicians and Bengali for his creative projections that are haunting and timely."
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