Science Fair: An Opera With Experiments

"Chinn and Rothe take extraordinary care with every facet of the production: 'Science Fair' gleams with polish…Chinn's infectious delight in each aspect of her project keeps us spinning with her, a kind of giddy intellectual whirl. For all her warmth and mischief, Chinn is serious about the science…In all, it's an evening of nearly constant surprise. Opera and science can get an unfair reputation of ponderousness, but by joining the two Chinn converts both into pure, effervescent pleasure." Full Review

“There is almost no foul in 'Science Fair,' a captivating opera with experiments...Director Lisa Rothe has smartly incorporated movement. Rotation of the planets presents like a balletic fantasy. Moments succeed with a light, clever spin...With the entire classical composition on an electronic device in front of her, Erika Switzer provides solid accompaniment...'Science Fair' will spark the senses, and make you appreciate the world this side of the moon.” Full Review

"I felt like I had a very informative evening, observing innovative ways to present complex concepts. Here, education is served with entertainment. I very much appreciated the playfulness with which she approached each lesson/song...Even with this production being prop heavy, the transitions are well planned and she is able to bring a science class into the 21st century, including with technology involved." Full Review

“'Science Fair' is an entertaining, sometimes poetic and unapologetically didactic concoction made up of song, science lectures and demonstrations…A handsome production directed by Lisa Rothe, with the precise and lucid Erika Switzer at the piano…The accessible but never ingratiating music echoes the sense of wonder and wit that infuses Ms. Chinn’s performance, with spacious chords and swirling arpeggios underpinning her dark-hued mezzo." Full Review

"A 75-minute science demonstration that doesn’t waste a lyric in exploring natural phenomena...It’s advised that you grab a coffee before the show, as the lyrics are mostly penned by scientists and favor facts over lyricism...Yet Chinn imbues everything with a Tom Lehrer-like madcap humor and charm...'Science Fair' is more about inspiring curiosity through whatever medium one has available, which for Chinn means the unrivaled drama of opera." Full Review