"The Renaissance in skirts...lovingly and honestly realized..."
-Laura Caparrotti
America Oggi
"[B]rims with animated dramaturgy and energetic physicality...The show itself offers an inspired depiction of the world of the Renaissance..."
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"Virtuosa, The Stolen Chair Theatre Company's latest production at the Sanford Meisner Theatre, brims with animated dramaturgy and energetic physicality. Virtuosa, an original creation of Kiran Rikhye, is a wonderful portrayal of three female artists from the Renaissance, all of whom the annals of art history usually overlook...
The show itself offers an inspired depiction of the world of the Renaissance...
In addition to successful period recreation, a first-rate set of actors also distinguishes the SCTC's newest production. The multitalented actor, singer, and juggler, Daniel Finkel does an excellent job in portraying Van Dyck, while the painter earnestly investigates the merits of the three female artists. Along the same lines, although Kiran Rikhye's artistic vision of St. Catherine might have made the saint turn over in her grave, Carlos Duque brings St. Catherine to life by amusingly embodying the somewhat pedantic, yet still charming religious figure. Likewise, the three female artists tumble head-over-heels onto the stage and into existence. Catherine Friesen's depiction of the antiquated Sofonisba Anguissola captures both the placid reverence of this octogenarian and the continuing vitality of her discriminating mind. The vocally-gifted Cynthia Ward gives a charismatic portrayal of young Lavinia Fontana's successful dual career as the mother of twelve(!) children and as the first commercially-successful female artist. Finally, Katherine Walley, in her steamy portrayal of Artemisia Gentileschi, skillfully conveys the tribulations of a young female painter whose artistic ambitions lead her into the eager hands of her father's wily colleague.
The play ends with an impressive tribute to the three women and their artistic genius..."
-David Tenenbaum
Fifth Street Review