Starring Kendra Broom, Stephanie Sanchez & Efrain Solís
“ The set of West Edge Opera’s “Coraline” is surrounded by a patchwork “blanket” of plastic, drop cloths and muslin. The pieces are held together with stitching inspired by the motif of the Other Mother, known for sewing buttons on children’s eyes after luring them into her domain. This backdrop serves as a canvas for various projections, while below, movable units made of cardboard boxes and plastic bags transport viewers in and out of the other world with each rotation. ”
- Joy Diamond, San Francisco Chronicle
“ In this vividly theatrical staging… every primary color and every piece of childlike scenic design feels worrisome…That sensation of low-grade terror is the basis of Coraline’s adventure, and finding the courage to overcome it is the essence of her heroic quest…[This production] brings the audience into the heart of this storybook world. The detritus of Coraline’s family move-in still litters the stage, and the world of the Other Parents is conjured up with ebullient flourishes of paper, vinyl and lace. The design team—have done valiant work to create an alternate landscape. ”
- Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle
“ The opera is enhanced considerably by the visual elements…Jefferson Ridenour’s set mixes prosaic packing boxes with large hanging sheets of plastic and eye-catching props such as colorful teddy bears. A door that can spin on wheels is used to facilitate looking into the real versus alternate house spaces… Combined with Ridenour's set, the overall look of the other world is a kaleidoscopic phantasmagoria. ”
- Victor Cordell, Berkshire Fine Arts
“ …created in partnership with Papermoon Opera Productions, a new group whose design aesthetic comes from using nontraditional, reusable materials. Taking off from the Other Mother’s penchant for sewing, the back of Jefferson Ridenour’s set is a screen of sewn-together sheets and plastic drop cloths… It’s somehow theatrical without being tacky. ”
- Michael Zwiebach, San Francisco Classical Voice
