Galas NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (5)
See it if Quinton (Ludlam's partner and torch-bearer) revives Callas' ridiculous/narcissistic/tragic life through the drag lens of a Greek chorus.
Don't see it if Great to have the troupe back, even with some lip-synching.They were here first,but Charles Busch is more familiar. Large cast on a budget. Read more
See it if Still surprisingly fresh & profane many yrs later, Ludlam's loving send-up of opera diva Maria Callas charms. Clever use of small budget
Don't see it if Several cast members not up to campy style of Ludlam's theatrics but Quinton's "Galas" & Vath's maid provide an evening's worth of pleasure
See it if Great to see Everett Quinton in a familiar role . If you want absurf comedy. Brings back memories of ridiculous theater co.
Don't see it if If you dont like parody or absurdist plays.
See it if You are a fan of Maria Callas, opera nonsense, or Everett Quinton.
Don't see it if You do not like broad spoofs, have no interest in Maria Callas and expect across the board excellence in acting. Read more
See it if Funny parody of Maria Callas-like diva sparring with cagey opera impresarios in Italy. The great Everett Quinton in another bravura turn.
Don't see it if Virtuosic drag performances by Quinton and his talented company. Focuses on the farcical demands for $ and fame in performance art business
Critic Reviews (7)
"‘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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