Annabella

My overall impression

A real gem of a piece, a dark romantic folktale that feels huge despite the intimate staging. The story of a puppeteer falling for a tragically captive young witch moves along effortlessly thanks to a gorgeous score that’s at once contemporary and neo-romantic. A talented cast makes a historical/mythological libretto feel sincere, and the leads in particular fill the room with their gorgeous voices – which are given real opportunity to shine with soaring vocal lines.

The story may bear the weight of a few digressions, and the score may have one or two too many ballads. But these are small quibbles, and on the whole you’ll feel the ninety minutes race by.