Raves for 2nd Story Theatre's Production of 'Amadeus'

Completing its second full weekend slate of performances with this afternoon's 3 pm show, 2nd Story Theatre has been collecting rave reviews from local media for its production of Amadeus.

Earlier this week, both the Providence Phoenix and Rhode Island Public Radio posted reviews of the Warren company's retelling of the story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his reportedy jealous rival, Antonio Salieri [portrayed by Ed Shea, 2ST's artistic director and co-founder].

Bill Rodriguez, reviewer for the Phoenix, notes that Shea "gets thoroughly into the old man's anguish on first hearing the music of young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart as both 'the voice of God' and 'the voice of an obscene child.'"

Rodriguez also credits the rest of the cast — including Andrew Iacovelli as young Mozart; Valerie Westgate as Mozart's fiancee, Constanze; and John Michael Richardson as Emperor Joseph II — with being "spot-on" in all of their roles.

RIPR's Bill Gale observes the dark tone of this iteration of the Mozart story — underscored by "the dim" of the stage: "A couple of lights, a candle or two, and that’s it."

Of co-founder Pat Hegnauer's approach to the play, Gale writes: "it is director Hegnauer’s take, fresh and with feeling, that makes 'Amadeus' at 2nd Story a different view, and a show not to miss."

2nd Story Theatre's 'Amadeus' runs through Feb. 17. Click here for show times and tickets.