"‘Galas’ Presents the Life of Maria Callas as Equal Parts Opera and Soap"
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"Stage Treasure Everett Quinton is Classically Ridiculous in Charles Ludlam's Diva Spoof GALAS"
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"Combined with his gruff expressive voice and precise physical movements that include twirling, priceless double takes, finger pointing and rich stares with his piercing eyes, he achieves magnificence. That accomplishment along with his grandiose direction brings to life the celebrated glory days of the legendary Ridiculous Theatrical Company that Ludlam founded in 1967...Another major attribute is the company of animated, often gender bending, farceurs Quinton has assembled."
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“’Galas’ is a goofy, over-the-top, and loving tribute to legendary singer Maria Callas...As Galas, Quinton has a commanding stage presence...He’s also very funny...I would have liked a little more camp and absurd melodrama. And some of the ensemble are uneven and less polished. But it’s a treat to see ‘Galas’ back in New York City, and to see the work of Charles Ludlam and Everett Quinton, true pioneers of New York's LGBTQ theatre scene.”
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"Unfortunately, there’s a fine line between stylized and stultifying that the first revival of this Ludlum work since it was produced in 1968 fails to walk successfully. Directed by and starring Everett Quinton, Ludlam’s life-partner, the current production...serves more to bury Ludlam’s legacy than resurrect it....The uneven performances of the cast, the stumbling pace, confusing lighting and awkward staging could not be overcome by the charming sets."
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"Ludlam’s medium was comedy; his métier, camp—low budget, queer pop-culture parody as social commentary, employing delicious plays on gender and cross-dressing...Beyond the charming and off-beat humor of the play, and the chance to see Mr. Quinton in action, the greatest treat of 'Galas' is coming in contact with a taste of a New York theatre scene gone by...A play that reminds you of the joy of play itself and the magic of creation."
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"The outrageously funny farce parodies the public and private life of opera superstar Maria Callas...The current limited engagement brings together pop culture, high camp, well-researched historical references, smart passages of apropos foreign languages, and over-the-top melodrama...A tremendously entertaining and fitting homage to the revolutionary spirit that ignited the Ridiculous Theatrical Company, the nearby Stonewall uprising, and the Gay Pride Movement."
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