REVIEWS & REACTIONS

What people are Saying…

PRAISE FOR EQUALLY DIVINE – THE REAL STORY OF THE MONA LISA

“Congratulations on a glorious premiere and production – this is Art at its finest.”
– Bama Lutes Deal, Cultural Concierge, Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

“It was beyond incredible. Congratulations on a wonderful production!”
– Joe Kolb, Director, Interfaith Gender & Sexuality Alliance

“The acting and music were marvelous!”
– Clare Shore, Composer Fellow, National Endowment for the Arts

“Absolutely AMAZING!”
–  Luz van Meek, Strategic Planning VP, National Committee for United Nations Women

PRAISE FOR LOS VALIENTES

Photo by John Robuck

“a fantastic, captivating, professional, mesmerizing, amazing production!  (Those are just some of the words I’ve received describing attendees’ experience last night.)  The music was just excellent – we are all very impressed with the musicians’ talent – and Kevin does such an effective job of portraying “Los Valientes” – an incredible talent, as well.”
Jennifer Del Pino – Simpson College

“You have no idea how wonderful it was.  Everybody loved the presentation, and the musicians and the actor are amazing in their performances as well as wonderful people.”
Eva Ramirez – California Lutheran University

“The music and acting were outstanding.  What a wonderful blend of chamber music and storytelling!”
Michael Sundquist – Dean of Fine Arts, Modesto Junior College

PRAISE FOR CUENTOS DE LOS CAMPOS

“I keep hearing from folks that saw CdlC how profoundly moved they were by the performance, that it has moved them beyond belief…”
Sergio Palacio, Executive Director Farmworker Council of Palm Beach County FL.

kevin_mp

Photo by John Robuck

“The performance last night was, I mean it, brilliant.  Michael, Kevin, Hugh and JY seemed to me in TOP form.  What stayed with me the most was: some of the stories, telling me things some immigrant farm workers go through that I would not have known otherwise (e.g., the corn being thrown back at the people), and the melodies…”
Steven Arterburn – Palm Beach State College

PRAISE FOR TRES VIDAS

“If the chance arises to see Tres Vidas, seize it…”
– Boston Globe (MA)

“An intriguing, smoothly crafted performance featuring an exemplary chamber ensemble… It was a provocative, rewarding experience, as much for the subject matter as for the uniqueness of the concept…”
– San Antonio Express News (TX)

Photo by Andrea Vasquez

Photo by Andrea Vasquez

“…a marvelous example of how an ensemble can bring their gifts to the stage individually and collectively, to enlighten, entertain and enthrall an audience…”
– Portland Herald (ME)

“Thank you for the beautiful performance. It was breathtaking and profound and illuminating. The intensity took my breath away and for once I was at a loss for words to express my appreciation for the artistry presented.”
Noel James, Colby College (ME)

“I am writing… to express our great appreciation for your visit and to communicate, if possible, the awe and wonderment we felt at your production.” [READ ENTIRE REACTION]
Peggy Buckwalter, Black Hills State University (SD)

PRAISE FOR AIN'T I A WOMAN!

“It was a complete success – the students were on their feet –standing ovation – as soon as they begin to leave the stage. It was a powerful presentation. Many were moved, including me… BRAVO and thank you for the privilege of hosting the group.”
Dr. Jeanell Brown Chair, Music Department Covenant College, GA

aiaw

“The humor, drama and music were spellbinding…” [READ ENTIRE REACTION]
Paul Olsen, Augustana College (IL)

“WOW!!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! FANTASTIC!!! SUPERB!!! AWESOME!!!”
Jemmi Hawkins, Miles College, Fairfield (AL)

“A full house for us! Moving… each story went straight to my heart!!! How very perfect it all was.”
Kathleen Hudson, Schreiner University, Kerrville (TX)

“The audience was most enthusiastic, repeatedly laughing and clapping and closing with a heartfelt standing ovation.”
Don Wil, Chapman University, Orange (CA)

“I sat there in awe of how the music, the words, the acting were integrated into what I considered pure theatre!”
Phil Funkenbush, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, Springfield (IL)

PRAISE FOR OF EBONY EMBERS

chrisovercoat“Unusual as it was pleasing… music theatre work produced by the excellent Core Ensemble.”
Queens Ledger (NY)

“The Core Ensemble created a glow that's likely to stay with their audiences for some time…”
Lima News (OH)

“The Core Ensemble's performance was masterful…”
Palm Beach Daily News (FL)

“The audience reaction was extremely positive, which was apparent by the overwhelming applause… one woman said, ‘I don't think that I've ever seen anything like this before… I thought that it was fabulous.'”jamylroses Babson Free Press (MA)

“The Core Ensemble has to be the most enterprising musical group in South Florida, if not the entire state… combined its forces with actors and dancers to create a new, intimate sort of artistic expression.”
Palm Beach Post (FL)

PRAISE FOR OTHER PROJECTS…

THE SILKEN PHOENIX

“The intense performance transformed the black-box theater into a series of faraway lands.”
The Boston Globe (MA)

HOUDINI: MEMORIES OF A CONJURER

“Houdini conjures up theatrical magic… If you accept it on its own curious and subtle terms, it will engage on a different level. There's magic to theatre, after all.”
Palm Beach Post (FL)

TRIPLE CONCERTO BY BERNARD RANDS

“The exceptional members of the Core Ensemble – articulated the material with great sensitivity and tapped its undercurrent of yearning…”
Sun-Sentinel (FL)

EARTH STUDIES

“Could set a new standard for original work created in South Florida.”
Miami Herald (FL)