REVIEW: R.B. Schlather and Ruckus rock 'Giulio Cesare' in revelatory Hudson Hall production - The Berkshire Edge

REVIEW: R.B. Schlather and Ruckus rock 'Giulio Cesare' in revelatory Hudson Hall production - The Berkshire Edge

Hudson, N.Y. — You needn’t know a thing about opera to love R.B. Schlather’s production of Handel’s “Giulio Cesare” (JOO-lyo CHAY-zah-reh), playing at Hudson Hall until May 2. Everything about this production delivers on director R.B. Schlather’s promise of a “wild ride packed with intrigue, danger, seduction, sharp wit, and gut-wrenching drama.” The staging—with cast members regularly descending a runway and mingling up close with the audience—…

Review: As New York’s Opera Scene Empties, Another Rises Upstate

Upstate, Schlather has been unfurling a series of Handel productions with the terrific period-instrument ensemble Ruckus; “Cesare,” running through May 2, comes on the heels of “Rodelinda” at Hudson Hall in 2023. It is a precious bastion of an ever rarer breed. His directorial style in dealing with this composer’s works has gotten clearer with experience. “Alcina” and “Orlando” were always quirky, often thrilling and sometimes bewildering. But t…