Past Reviews

"The Mikado" (2010): "[I]t’s gratifying to report that this run of The Mikado is the most musically sure-footed of any Savoyard production I’ve seen to date... the cause: the musical direction of Alan Riley Jones... Under Derrick Ivey’s witty, efficient direction... Musically, there’s much to praise... the lovely balance maintained between orchestra and singers throughout the show..." Byron Woods, Independent Weekly [full review]

"HMS Pinafore" (2007): "(A) three-ring circus of fun.... Ivey's fresh new approach ... breathed new life into this familiar Gilbert & Sullivan piece.... rib-tickling.... crowd-pleasing.... not only brilliantly re-imagined but royally entertaining." Triangle Theater Review

"Patience" (2006): "This Durham Savoyards' production ... reminded its observers anew that artistic expression is but a magnifying glass used to shed light on the human condition in all its seriousness or - as here - utmost hilarity." Classical Voice of NC [full review]

"The Pirates of Penzance" (2005): "A reason to rejoice.... The audience, nearly full to capacity, reveled in every moment...." Durham Herald-Sun

"Ruddigore" (2004): ".... milking every supernatural element in this melodramatic satire for all they're worth.... Ivey and ... Jones ... pitch their entertaining supernatural camp all over the place...." Independent Weekly [full review]

"The Mikado" (2003): "Refreshing.... blows away many of the musty layers that have encrusted "The Mikado" over time .... beautiful tableaux, pleasing choreography and inventive humor assure a favorable response..." -- News & Observer