Reviews / References
| Here is what people are saying about Platypus shows. If you would like more details, please see our References section to get in touch with those who know our work. |  |
From Newspapers:
"Wonderful. The best way to combat cabin fever you’ll ever find." – Winnipeg Free Press [Full Article]
"Gimquat is a gem of a family show" – Twin Cities Star Tribune
"As the last notes of How The Gimquat Found Her Song died away to nothing, you could have heard a pin drop as 1,700 children held their collective breath."
"Enchanting!"
"Terrific!"
"17,000 kids have been enthralled enough to think the show is "wicked" while behaving like angels so as not to miss a word or a note."
"...the kids lapped up the music..."
"There wasn't a dry eye in the house."
-- Hamilton Spectator
"...a delight for children and adults alike."
"...the eventual conclusion is one of bewitching beauty that leaves the audience teary-eyed."
-- Saint John Times Globe
"[The children] were positively in favor of the music chosen for the program, the story that threaded a clear path through it, it's magic incantation and the call of the Canadian loon that resolved the drama."
"It was great!"
-- Toronto Star
"Masterful puppetry and acting turned classical music into a visual delight."
"Emily Saves The Orchestra presents music as a colorful adventure"
-- Edmonton Sunday Sun
"...the perfect pastime for a Sunday afternoon."
"...attention did not waiver."
-- Arthur Kaptainis, Montreal Gazette
"Enchanting!"
"...brisk and lively, and there is never a dull moment in this show."
"...an enjoyable exercise in music appreciation -- a learning experience for the kids, and a refresher for the adults"
"...captivated the imagination of young and old."
-- Regina Leader-Post
"How the Gimquat Found Her Song appeared to be equally enjoyed by the performers and the audience. The delightful story provided an excellent combination of education and entertainment."
"...next time people of all ages hear the call of the loon, they will think of the Gimquat and how music enriches our lives."
-- Kamloops Daily News
"These performers know kids and how to engage them." - Saint Paul Pioneer Press [ Full Article ]
"Their genius lies in an instant yet profound connection with children and that elixir for children's souls, minds and imaginations - music." - Hamilton Spectator [ link to review ]
More Newspaper Reviews:
Charlotte and the Music-maker
How the Gimquat Found Her Song
Rhythm in Your Rubbish
From Orchestra Managers:
"The production was beautifully written and beautifully performed. It had all of the elements I look for in children's concerts with orchestra: great orchestral repertoire with the focus on the music and the orchestra, an engaging story and quality acting and presentation."
-- Jim Bartsch, Education Director, Minnesota Orchestra [ Full Article ]
"...a brilliantly constructed show. A perfect blend of entertainment and esthetic education. It delights parents as much as the young people they bring."
-- C. Stephen Smith, General Manager, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
"...a successful combination of drama, good repertoire, subtle education and entertainment."
"Superb...kept the audience enthralled...both magical and educational."
"We are very much looking forward to presenting Platypus theatre for the fourth time in October."
"It's always a pleasure to re-engage a company that consistently brings productions of the highest quality to our symphony."
-- Roberta Smith, Manager of Education, Toronto Symphony Orchestra
"...entertaining, informative, beautiful and first rate in all respects. We would definitely engage them again." ... "fully professional, of high artistic quality, and extremely appealing to our audience and orchestra alike."
-- Ginny Garrett, Director of Education and Outreach, Houston Symphony
"A wonderful, thoroughly enjoyable performance."
"We received a lot of feedback from the musicians of the NACO...who praised the production for its effectiveness both musically and theatrically..."
-- Claire Speed, Assistant Artistic Administrator, National Arts Centre Orchestra
"Seeing two thousand kids sitting motionless in their seats, wide eyes glued to the stage and then bursting into applause convinced us that Platypus Theatre has the perfect recipe to reach children with the magic of music."
"The production combined education and entertainment in a subtle way. The music, being at the centre of the story at all times, encouraged the children to listen carefully to each musical selection."
-- Paul Fortin, Music Administrator, Montreal Symphony Orchestra
"...left our capacity audience enthralled to the highest level! Not only is the orchestral repertoire skillfully varied and diverse ... but the spoken narration is a masterful blend of sage wisdom and youthful exuberance. The company consistently maintains the highest of standards of professionalism."
-- Paul Ferrington, Conductor, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
"One of the rare times I have conducted a family concert where the reactions among children, parents, and orchestra musicians were all equally enthusiastic. The reasons are plain enough. Platypus Theater combines a compelling story, beautifully presented with the highest quality music, resulting in a program which allows the orchestra to play what it plays best while enlightening and entertaining audience members of all ages."
-- Andrews Sill, Associate Conductor, Milwaukee Symphony.
"I look forward to working with you again."
"A fabulous musical experience!"
"First class... one of the most enjoyable productions for young people that we have ever featured"
-- Alan D. Valentine, Executive Director, Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
"The response was tremendous! The high caliber of performance and educational value in this production is unique in contemporary symphonic programming. In addition, the emotional attachment that the audience had to the characters by the end of the show was such that there was not a dry eye to be found anywhere! I have, and will continue to give Platypus Theatre and "How the Gimquat Found her Song" my highest praise."
-- Sara Moody, Director of Operations, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra
From Parents & Teachers:
Reviews from:Charlotte and the Music-maker
How the Gimquat Found Her Song
Rhythm in Your Rubbish
From Children:
"You changed the way I feel about music. Thank you for playing to me"
-- David Seiler, 11 years old
"I hope I can come to the symphony again."
-- Peter Pulia, 11 years old
"I want to go again!"
-- Jessica, 10 years old
"I liked the music. It made me feel excited."
-- Helen, 9 years old
References
| Organization | Reference |
| National Arts Centre Orchestra | Claire Speed Geneviève Cimon |
| Toronto Symphony | Roberta Smith Manager of Education Tel: 416-593-7769 ext. 371 Email: rsmith@tso.on.ca |
| Minnesota Orchestra | Jim Bartsch Education Director Tel: 612-371- 5650 Email: jbartsch@mnorch.org |
| Montréal Symphony Orchestra | Paul Fortin Music Administrator Tel: 514-842-3402 |
