The Passion of Persephone

• The Passion of Persephone – A Rock Opera  
• Reviewed by Steven McKnight

The Passion of Persephone — A Rock Opera is a deceptively titled misfire.  (There’s no rock in it, and very little passion.)

The concept of an opera based upon the Greek myth of Persephone is promising.  This excerpt from the second half of Act I of a work in progress makes you wish that the production lived up to the interesting story described in the program, a 20^th Century update with a BDSM theme. 

While you can forgive author Rosanna Tufts for reserving the role of young maiden Persephone for herself (despite being a little seasoned for the role), it is much harder to forgive the uninspiring music.  Too often the composition features sing-song melodies that quickly grow tiresome.

It’s a shame that the large and talented cast is given substandard material.  I look forward to future opportunities to hear Sara Stewart (Persephone’s mother, Demeter) use her warm and rich voice to sing works worthy of her operatic skills. 

• Running Time:  45 minutes
• Tickets: The Passion of Persephone
• Remaining Shows  Sat, July 19 at 12:30 pm . Thurs, July 24 at 8:30 pm . Fri, July 25, 6 pm . Sat, July 26 at 11 pm
• Where: Warehouse Mainstage . 1021 7^th Street N.W., Washington, DC.