reviews

Select Reviews

 "Soprano Melissa Chavez was a winning and sympathetic Florrie [Fiordiligi]. Teetering on the edge of sophistication, her Ohio-ness wins out when it matters and her struggles with her virtue come across as quite real."  - Washington Post (2016)

"In..the turning-point duet: “It’s the tender, handsome sly one/Prendero quel brunettino”..., the sopranos are pitch-perfectly beautiful and, just as a stand-alone scene, is worth the price of admission."  DC Theater Scene (2016)

"Chavez and Passmore as sisters Florrie and Dorrie can not only sing (and God, can they sing) but they’re also extremely capable actors, crying and going gaga over ridiculous-looking strangers and throwing themselves on various set pieces." - Washington City Paper (2016) 

"Soprano Melissa Chávez captured the character’s emotional volubility, her transparent tone and bell-like high notes powering the character’s hopeful first aria and the transports of her love."  - The Washington Post (2015)

"Melissa Chavez’ portrayal of the moody and troubled Laurie is spot on. Ms. Chavez strikes a marvelous balance between a young girl who sincerely wants to please her mother and grandfather, but one who’s also tired of having her personal boundaries set by someone else and who’s seriously contemplating that great American tradition—so well-expressed by Mark Twain’s Huck Finn—of “lighting out for the territories.” Ms. Chavez sings sensitively and well throughout, particularly in “Laurie’s Song” (“Once I thought I’d never grow”), and “The sun is coming up” near the opera’s finale." - Curtain Up (2015)

"Laurie, sung with sweet heat by soprano Melissa Chávez...Soprano Melissa Chávez, who has a beautiful soaring upper register, brings a wistful urgency to her character of Laurie Moss. Chávez’s demeanor subtly, yet impressively changes during the course of the opera, indicating Laurie’s character development from a downtrodden farm girl into a young woman, glowing with eagerness for a life beyond, as she sings; “Yes, I’m sure that I’m ready/to open my heart/and go out in the world"-DC Theatre Scene (2015)

"Melissa Chavez (Laurie Moss) is a rising star with a powerful soprano that filled the theater for “Once I thought I’d never grow” and her triumphant “The sun is coming up"...The In Series production of The Tender Land is moving and fun, brought to life by these dedicated performers and musicians. It’s a fresh and ambitious production of this American gem." DC Metro Arts (2015)

"The singing, too, is quite nice, particularly the female leads: Melissa Jean Chávez, a sparkling soprano." - Washington City Paper (2015)

“Melissa Chavez, who played Lecouvreur, absolutely shined as the lead.  She sang her difficult role with apparent ease all while floating around the stage.  When she first entered the stage, it was apparent that she was going to be the star of the show.  Her first aria Io son l’umile ancello was simply stunning and set the tone for what was to be an absolutely dazzling performance.” DC Theatre Metro Arts (2015)

“Soprano Melissa Jean Chávez sparkles.  As an actress, Chávez commands the stage, and she uses the tremendous range of her gorgeous soprano to full advantage in this role." DC Theatre Metro Arts (2014)

“Chill inducing” DC Theatre Scene (2014)

“Melissa Chavez offered the evening’s finest singing; the part of Desdemona was perfect for her voice, and she drew out long, musical phrases. She was perhaps even more impressive in the ensemble scenes…with coolly exemplary production.” Washington Post (2012)

“Vocal excellence.”  D.C. Metro Arts (2012)

“A superb soprano…Young talent Melissa Jean Chávez is truly impressive.”  Leesburg Today (2012)

“Powerful voice [and] a resounding presence.”  Loudoun Arts (2012)

“Melissa Chavez, as Giulietta, was a courtesan voluptuous in voice and looks.” Washington Post (2011)

“Gregory Turay’s innately glorious tenor solos…and the Puccini-like duet passages with emerging soprano Melissa Jean Chávez begged for a future pairing as Rodolfo and Mimi." Washington Post (2011)