Praise for Blue

Read some of the reviews for Seattle Opera’s current production of Blue, from critics and audiences alike.

Photo credit: Philip Newton

Blue is the 2020 winner of Best New Opera from the Music Critics Association of North America, created by librettist Tazewell Thompson (five NAACP Awards, plus two Emmy nominations) and composer Jeanine Tesori (Tony-winner known for Fun Home). Seattle Opera's Blue runs Feb. 26 & 27 and March 2, 5, 9, 11, & 12, 2022 at McCaw Hall. Tickets & info at seattleopera.org/blue.

“Tazewell Thompson put his everything into this opera. What an amazing show all around.” —Converge Media

“Seattle Opera has produced a riveting production of the new opera ‘Blue.’ […] Everything comes together for this West Coast premiere to create a gripping, enlightening, and moving experience.” —OperaWire

“Such a moving opera. Everyone should see it. The cast is terrific, the music powerful and the libretto poetic.” —Heather via Instagram

“Exquisite voices filled with passion. Plan to attend again to absorb the complexities. Standing ovation from the second the curtain calls began until they closed. Well deserved for a fabulous cast!” —Valerie S. via Facebook

“Seattle Opera’s staging gives Blue's story exactly the presentation it demands: engrossing, challenging, and beautiful.” —NWTheatre

“Blue is remarkable. […] The experience was not what we were expecting for the opera—totally the opposite. What was most awesome about it all was seeing the Black performers shine in all their roles.” —Traveling While Black in Seattle

From left: Kenneth Kellog, Briana Hunter, and Joshua Stewart in Blue. Photo credit: Philip Newton.

“Magnificent- the storytelling drew me in, great acting and the choral sequences brought me to tears. Not a 'classic' opera but I felt this. Often operatic tragedies border on farcical - this was visceral and real.” —Susan T. via Facebook

“Terrific opera, and everyone can relate to the characters, the heartbreak, and the humor. Sets are refreshingly minimal, cast is 10, and the story is contemporary and universal. Everyone should see it.” —Fran H. via Facebook

“In a medium like opera where Black stories don’t grace the stage nearly enough, [this chapter in opera’s evolution] is necessary. A story about how police violence rips and tears not just at Black families, but at Black communities, in an opera space is something special, perhaps even something radical to some opera attendees.” —Seattle Times

“Mezzo-soprano Briana Hunter as The Mother, bass Kenneth Kellogg as The Father, and tenor Joshua Stewart as The Son all sang and acted superbly, as did the small group who portrayed their friends and community members.” —Seattle Gay News

Kenneth Kellogg and Joshua Stewart in Blue. Photo credit: Sunny Martini.

“This was amazing!! Such a powerful piece of art and should be including in every opera house’s seasons! Thank you for bringing it to Seattle!” —Brenna W. via Facebook

“I absolutely loved the opera, music, libretto, Director, singers and orchestra. A life changing experience with soul and heart wrenching emotion. A perfect opera. I wish more people knew how truly exquisite this opera is. Bravo to all involved with this production. I hope it returns.” —@m.schradi via Instagram

“It was a pleasure to see ‘Blue’ on the McCaw Hall stage. I want more contemporary operas telling the stories of more diverse populations in the future. Thank you to the Seattle Opera and to the creatives involved with ‘Blue’ for paving a new trail in the future of the world of opera.” —Eclectic Arts