Stephanie Sundine   STAGE DIRECTOR, DRAMATIC COACH & ACTING TEACHER

Directing Reviews (partial listing)

Aida
Sarasota Opera

"Aida was Sarasota's biggest production ever...and it paid off artistically, with a beautiful, engrossing account of the popular opera...Directed by Stephanie Sundine, the performance captured well the private relationships in Verdi's epic on the Nile."

Opera News - June 2016

"The production was consistently compelling, bringing visual and spatial relationships to the Opera House stage we had not seen previously and probably considered impossible, accommodating the principal singers, chorus, dancers and an army of supernumeraries. All of this requires strong and imaginative stage direction, bringing focus to the intense drama unfolding before us. This was achieved in abundance by Stephanie Sundine, who drew a level of intensity from the singers we have seldom encountered anywhere."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - February 2016

"Stephanie Sundine's direction was smart, effective and unfailingly resourceful in accommodating Verdi's spectacle to the intimate stage."

South Florida Classical Review - March 2016

"Stephanie Sundine's stage direction flowed effortlessly, and she made the best use of the singers' acting abilities."

ConcertoNet - March 2016

"The stage direction by Stephanie Sundine made for a stage that crowded spectacle with ease, flawless movement and striking vistas."

The Italian Voice - April 2016

"It ultimately captivated the audience with its dramatic movement and character interaction by director Stephanie Sundine."

Opera Now - May 2016

La bohème
Sarasota Opera

"In the hands of stage director Stephanie Sundine, these old friends on stage grew larger than life. Little touches, like the muff Mimi asks for on her death bed, took on a new light as, with her last breath, she drops it on the floor and one of the Bohemians, Schaunard (a musician) not realizing she's died, goes to tuck her hand inside it. As he does that simple movement, he realizes she's dead, and our onstage world collapses. A small touch, but a brilliant one that's not often done. It's those little things that make Sundine's direction special."

Longboat Observer - November 2015

"Insightful stage direction by Stephanie Sundine."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - November 2015

Don Carlos V
Sarasota Opera

"No matter which way you look at it, the Sarasota Opera's production of the original 1867 full-length Paris version of Verdi's grand Don Carlos is an astonishing achievement... The story is long on details which cannot fit this page, but key moments deserve special notice. In fact, it is a credit to the magnificent stage direction of Stephanie Sundine that so many well-attended details have created such an effect."

Sarasota Herald Tribune - March 2015

"As Verdi is the king of musical contrasts, the scene in which the lovers express despair occurs simultaneously with the cries of joy of the people when they realize that the new marriage arrangement will cause war to tend between Spain and France. The scene is superbly well-directed by Stephanie Sundine, with canny placement of the principals in the foreground."

Stylus - March 2015

"Above all, the drama moved... Stage director Stephanie Sundine managed to make the characters seem large in a relatively small space."

Classical Voice North America - March 2015

Pagliacci
Sarasota Opera

"The chorus, made up of Apprentices, Studio Artists and members of the Sarasota Youth Opera, performed with skill and charm under the stage direction of Stephanie Sundine."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - November 2014

"Stage director Stephanie Sundine managed, through little details that made all the difference, to turn a hard-to-believe 19th century verismo Italian opera into a piece of drama that could easily happen today. Jealousies, misrepresentations, deceptions and deceits are timeless and, when they're set to passionate music, they became alive in Sundine's very able and imaginative operatic concept."

Longboat Observer - November 2014

"Stephanie Sundine's direction is remarkably fluid, especially given the size of the cast and the complexity of a single set...This production serves the music and the story in a wonderful way."

Bradenton Herald - 2014

Il Trovatore
Sarasota Opera

"Stage director Stephanie Sundine stuck to tradition and, in doing so, gave us a taste of true 19th century grand opera, while still allowing the singers a modicum of freedom to express their characters without upstaging Verdi's stunning music."

Longboat Observer - February 2014

"The stage direction by the gifted Stephanie Sundine provided for romantic poses in glorious venues, stunning battle scenes and flowing entrances and exits and the proper eeriness in Azucena's gypsy camp."

The Italian Voice - March 2014

Die Fledermaus
Sarasota Opera

"Stephanie Sundine's staging was both stylish and clever, incorporating broad comedy with intelligent movement that always held our attention. The fun addition of a bit of Beethoven brought a surprise delight to the third act's prison scene, adding a nice twist to an already twisty story."

Longboat Observer - November 2013

"With Victor DeRenzi conducting the Sarasota Orchestra and a cast of superb singers directed with wit and verve by Stephanie Sundine, the evening was a constant celebration of the joy to be found in the complications of our lives...Run, don't walk to get your tickets to his life-affirming show."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - November 2013

"Stage Director Stephanie Sundine adds some really tasty touches including a joke involving Beethoven's 'Fifth Symphony.'"

Bradenton Herald - November 2013

Turandot
Sarasota Opera

"We feared director Stephanie Sundine would go for enormous and fill the stage with teeming throngs so busy the music would be overwhelmed, or she'd go for a chamber, mini-version that would look trivial. Sundine did neither. Rather, she turned the comparatively diminutive area into a microcosm of ancient Peking, using the chorus which, in this opera is one of the most important characters, to comment on and advance the drama... Along with the three riddles, there are three Courtiers - Ping, Pang, and Pong - harlequin-type characters, clowns and pawns of the court, who in Sundine's brilliant staging and their believable acting and singing, become mere men, pining for their hometowns and fearing for the future of their beloved China."

Longboat Observer - January 2013

Il Trovatore
Opera New Jersey

"The production featured thoughtful, detailed characterizations..."

The Star Ledger - July 2012

"Splendid production...tasteful, traditional staging...This is a Trovatore the composer and librettist would recognize as their own, with stage director Stephanie Sundine giving a consistently intelligent example of how and why the traditional and much-derided 'stand-there-and sing' school can work."

centraljersey.com online review - July 2012

Otello
Sarasota Opera

"March's company premiere of Otello...was truly special. The production was all one could wish for, from the opening storm to the final tragic scene...To stage director Stephanie Sundine is owed heartfelt appreciation for not insisting that the chorus move all of the time; nor did she subscribe to the theory that everything be accompanied by a gesture - usually silly and empty."

American Record Guide - July/August 2012

"Sarasota Opera continued its strong, upward arc in a blistering and beautiful opening performance of Verdi's Otello...riveting drama...aided by the fine stage direction of Stephanie Sundine."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - March 2012

"Supple, believable staging by Stephanie Sundine...We must remember that this, perhaps Verdi's greatest opera, is "based" on the play by Shakespeare, so the acting is as important as the music. In this production, it all came together as these two great men of the theater would have wanted."

Long Boat Observer - March 2012

"The finest Sarasota performance I've seen and - thanks to Stephanie Sundine's detailed, cogent direction and aptly cast principals - one of the best Otello productions, too...Sundine found novel ways of animating the characters' relationships."

Opera - August 2012

"Stephanie Sundine deftly directed the interaction between the characters, set amidst Renaissance splendor."

Opera Now - April 2012

"Sarasota Opera's Otello was the high point (to date) of the company's long-range programming of the full Verdi canon, begun in 1989. It would be hard to imagine a better realization of Otello than the immaculate production that opened on March 3...Director Stephanie Sundine reaffirmed her ability to cultivate the relationships between an opera's characters, as shown by the naturalistic feel of Otello and Desdemona's tender duet that closes Act I."

Opera News - June 2012

"Stephanie Sundine contributed fluid and natural stage direction."

South Florida Classical Review - March 2012

Rigoletto
Sarasota Opera

"An extraordinarily impactful Rigoletto... Stephanie Sundine's stage direction matched with richly detailed set design, costumes and lighting...created a credible world for this story to unfold."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - November 2012

"Stephanie Sundine, the director, had a firm handle on details, from the way the duke snuck into Rigoletto's house in Act 2, to the beautifully staged quartet in the last act."

Long Boat Observer - November 2012

"Sarasota Opera has mounted a stirring production of Rigoletto."

Scene Magazine - November 2012

La bohème
Sarasota Opera

"Sarasota Opera has performed a miracle: It has presented Giacomo Puccini's enormously popular La bohème in a production that brings this evergreen work to life almost completely fresh and new...Under Stephanie Sundine's expert stage direction, a cast of young, expert and attractive singers create a truly convincing portrayal of "Bohemian" life in 19th century Paris...There were many moist eyes in the house as Mimi expired, including those of a certain critic."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - February 2011

"In Sarasota Opera's production, staged with empathy and understanding of each character by Stephanie Sundine, we leave the theater mourning Mimi's tragic death, and we grieve for her friends...Puccini's La bohème is timeless and bears endless encounters. Sarasota Opera's production stands the test of time and should be revisited often."

The Longboat Observer - February 2011

La Cenerentola
Sarasota Opera

"The World Series has nothing on Sarasota Opera when it comes to delivering a solid hit. The nearly-flawless production of Gioacchino Rossini's take on the Cinderella story which opened Friday evening provoked a roaring ovation the likes of which has seldom been heard outside a sports stadium...The basic conflict between the mistreated stepdaughter and her wicked stepsisters lies at the heart of the story, often treated ironically but never losing its basic thrust until it is resolved in a final scene of breathtaking beauty...A wonderful male chorus of charming fops always brought laughter, at times boisterous, from the audience...Add all of the above to the superb stage direction by Stephanie Sundine - fluid and funny, touching and inventive - and make a prompt visit to the box office."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - October 2010

"There's a dream-like quality to the Sarasota Opera production of La Cenerentola (Cinderella) that is exactly right...It's a treat to see this production, smartly directed by Stephanie Sundine."

St. Petersburg Times - November 2010

"Stephanie Sundine's staging...allows the individual characters to evolve in a way that many other productions haven't done in recent viewings. Angiolina...is a flesh and blood young woman to whom we're able to relate. Sundine doesn't go for the schticky theatrics that can detract from the character. As a result, (Cenerentola) grows from a poor, oppressed, demoralized girl into a beautiful, gracious woman who is, in every way, a princess. When at the end she sings, "My revenge will be forgiveness," we have no doubt about the depth of her character."

Longboat Observer - November 2010

"The Sarasota Opera opened its 2010-2011 season with a rollicking production of La Cenerentola (Cinderella) by Rossini...The audience chortled at the male chorus, which was delightful as a sort of Greek chorus commenting on the actions occurring before them. How often does a chorus get hearty laughs in an opera? Here, they did and came through with great aplomb...Great credit should be given to the stage director, Stephanie Sundine, as well as to Maestro DeRenzi, for the wonderful style of this production. The whole opera was great fun and a grand opening for the coming winter season."

Venice Gondolier Sun - November 2010

Don Carlos
Sarasota Opera

"Considering the challenges of presenting this work, Sarasota served up a distinguished, often thrilling production...Stephanie Sundine contributed solid, naturalistic direction."

Opera – August 2009

"...A Handsome, thoughtful staging..."

Opera News – July 2009

"Stephanie Sundine's stage direction showed complete understanding of the singers' needs, and also clever crowd movement, probably because she gives each chorus member a role to play as well as sing, which made for lively stagecraft...Sarasota Opera's Don Carlos is a stunning production that ought not to be missed."

Palm Beach Arts Paper – April 2009

"Sarasota Opera's production of Giuseppe Verdi's Don Carlos in the original French was a rare and quite enjoyable treat on its opening night...What was most remarkable about this production, staged by Stephanie Sundine, was that the pace of action matched with the beauty of the score was riveting."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune – March 2009

"In the brilliant hands of stage director Stephanie Sundine, this sometimes implausible but always riveting history novel-of-a-piece is like a trip back in time to 16th century Spain and inquisitions that kept everyone trembling...This is an epic production worthy of the major house Sarasota has become...This is a stellar cast in an ambitious and grand production."

Sarasota Observer – March 2009

Tosca
Sarasota Opera

"Five years ago, Sarasota presented a Tosca so crackling with theatrical intensity it was one of the most thrilling, if nerve-wracking, performances in memory. One consciously down-played expectations for the revival this season, but, even with an entirely different trio of principals, the company served up another electrifying performance that in some ways even exceeded it...Stephanie Sundine's direction of the action was natural and realistic."

Opera - August 2009

The Sarasota Opera opened its winter season with a stunning production of Tosca...Excellent stage direction by Stephanie Sundine, who kept the action moving and interesting. This performance is one to be savored and remembered for a long time.

Sun Newspapers – March 2009

"I've not seen such a carefully thought out, flawlessly executed version of Puccini's shocker for at least a decade. In the first place, it helps to have a first-rate director...and that's what we've got in Stephanie Sundine...a Tosca to remember...Tosca was a cornerstone of the festival and a symbol of immensely high standards."

Opera Now - February/March 2004

"Stephanie Sundine's new production had all the fizzing adrenaline of fresh discovery. Indeed, sparked by extraordinary performances by the young principals, this was the most dramatically searing Tosca I've experienced."

Opera - February/March 2004

"Sarasota Opera began its new season with a stunning new production of Tosca...Director Stephanie Sundine supplied traditional movement, drew strong character portraits...and maintained dramatic tension throughout."

L'Opera - February/March 2004

"Tosca was as good as I will ever see. The three leads were superb, the production magnificently staged and the sweeping ambiance of the drama and music melted divinely. The totality of the opera was powerful!"

Der Neue Merker - February/March 2004

Ariadne auf Naxos
Sarasota Opera

"The Ariadne was a delight...A genuinely funny prologue...The second part, notoriously difficult to bring off, was very well handled by director Stephanie Sundine."

Opera Now - February/March 2002

"The success of this production owes much to Stephanie Sundine's staging of this complex plot...Another triumph for Sarasota Opera."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - February/March 2002

Il Barbiere di Siviglia
Nevada Opera

"The staccato enunciation and superb singing and acting from a stellar cast makes Nevada Opera's 41st season opener a winner...Director Stephanie Sundine's staging enhances the opera's comedic appeal without overplaying. Her light touch allows Rossini's comedy to play out its humor with fresh allure...Summing up: The Barber of Seville is a brilliant kickoff for what should be a splendid operatic season in Reno."

Events and Reviews - October 2008

Rigoletto
Opera Santa Barbara

"S.B. Opera's Verdi Festival got off to a spectacular start on Saturday with a splendid performance of Rigoletto directed by the distinguished soprano Stephanie Sundine...Sundine did especially well with the chorus, who were the source of several of the evening's highlights, including a very memorable conclusion to Act I, Scene 1 in which Monterone curses Rigoletto. Despite the rather dour theme, which is the comeuppance of a mean-spirited jester, Rigoletto delivers the requisite moments of passion and excitement that make Verdi's work so special."

The Independent - February 2007

"Once more Opera Santa Barbara has shown why it is one of our town's finest artistic amenities. The occasion was a fully staged production of Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto...The production was beautifully staged.

Daily Sound - February 2007

Falstaff
Sarasota Opera

"Sarasota's new production was superb...Stage director Stephanie Sundine surpassed herself, drawing vibrant, imaginative and highly detailed characterizations from her actors. Even her staging of the final Herne's Oak scene - a protracted dull spot in most productions - was filled with interest, good fun and charm."

Opera (Milano) - February/March 2001

Ernani
Opera Boston

"Opera Boston boldly blew the roof off [the Cutler Majestic Theater] with a gutsy, no-holds-barred performance of Verdi's Ernani...Working with the small stage space, director Stephanie Sundine did a terrific job staging this complex work. The action was fluid, natural and believable - and never static...This Ernani should not be missed."

Edge - May 2008

"The setting and staging were traditional yet exciting...It was a pleasure to see true Grand Opera as it was performed in the 19th century for once, rather than updated productions that attempt (yet sometimes fail) to appeal to today's audiences...All in all, this was a delightful night for opera in Boston.

Seen and Heard - May 2008

La bohème
Indiana University Opera Theater

"...a well-crafted, sensitive and thoroughly enjoyable performance...Stephanie Sundine has invested every moment and every participant (down to the walk-ons during act two at the cafe) with suitable action. Under her guidance, the main characters become especially sympathetic...she's wisely blocked the performers in positions so that, at once, their voices can push forward into the theater while they also interact with one another...This production is outstanding."

Herald-Times - September 2004

La bohème
Sarasota Opera

"Sarasota's colourful staging made for a lively and vocally worthy show...Stephanie Sundine's imaginative direction moved the traffic gracefully in Act II and found new bits of business within a traditional staging to illuminate the familiar story."

Opera (Great Britain) - February/March 2006

"Sarasota Opera's new La bohème was polished and flexible...Stage director Stephanie Sundine detailed interesting characters, and handled the complex action of the Momus scene masterfully."

Opera Actual (Barcelona) - February/March 2006

Les Pêcheurs de perles
Opera Carolina

"Georges Bizet's Les Pecheurs de Perles is a rarity...It opened Opera Carolina's season on October 20, and the performance was irresistible...Stephanie Sundine was a major dramatic soprano of the 1970's and ‘80's. I regret knowing about her only from glowing reviews. She retired from singing and took up directing opera in 1998. Based on this very satisfying production, her name will be on my too short list of directors who approach works with - not against the composer. The major confrontations were all effective. Sundine kept the choristers active enough to keep them from becoming static but not so much as to attract undue attention."

Classical Voice of North Carolina - October 2005

Tosca
Utah Opera

"Best of all, though, was the delicious juxtaposition of the "Te Deum" (expertly staged by director Stephanie Sundine) and Scarpia's malevolent monologue...The visual effect as Scarpia and his jet-black-clad henchmen strode into the church, parting the crowd of red-clad clerics like a storm cloud, was especially arresting."

The Salt Lake Tribune - January 2008

"Stage director Stephanie Sundine brought credibility to the story, not always an easy task with opera."

Deseret Morning News - January 2008

Les Pêcheurs de perles
Madison Opera

"A very good opera that few people know much about was given a solid, traditional, sumptuous, enchanting performance by Madison Opera Friday night in Overture Hall...Friday's staging proved to be persuasively positive."

Wisconsin Stage Journal - April 2007

Rigoletto
Sarasota Opera

"Director Stephanie Sundine was spot-on in her shaping of the opera's dramatic curve."

American Record Guide - July/August 2008

"The opening night production of Verdi's Rigoletto was no less a source of pride...The characters were well-introduced and set the wheels in motion. Ensuing scenes were masterfully managed with stage direction by Stephanie Sundine."

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - March 2008

"Stephanie Sundine's creative staging furthers the action and never hinders the story."

The Sarasota Observer - March 2008