Critics and Audiences Love Glimpses of the Moon

"Pop, fizz and deliriously good. Mash up the sensibilities of Gatsby and Thoroughly Modern Millie; pour over jazz-kissed show tunes laced with interesting harmonies [by John Mercurio]; stir in a witty book and lyrics [by Tajlei Levis]... and before you can say, "Gilded Age" or "Roaring Twenties," you have MetroStage's 'champagne cocktail' season opener."
- Gary McMillan, DC Theatre Scene

"Oh, those shimmering parts... Performances are hardly Glimpses of the Moon's only charms. Composer John Mercurio has penned some appropriately bouncy '20s-ish tunes. And Tajlei Levis has framed them in a pleasantly smart-ass libretto that mixes musical comedy directness with James Joyce jests."
- Bob Mondello, Washington City Paper

"This show is a treasure and should not be missed. The cast was exceptional -- strong script and score helped make this a wonderful evening for "glimpses of the moon" under a magical harvest moon in Washington."
- Anonymous

"Modest, tuneful and amusing... John Mercurio's music is generally peppy and the book and lyrics by Tajlei Levis are often cute, so Glimpses of the Moon shapes up as an undemanding entertainment... Director-choreographer David Marquez's aggressively energetic show really does glow... Cohn's terrific at what she does, generating laughs as an aggressively lusty, comically unlikely second banana... Natascia Diaz supplies a formidable shot of star wattage as Susy... Gia Mora consistently performs with the effervescence of a champagne bubble... and she seems to adore her slinky, shimmering costumes."
- Nelson Pressley, Washington Post

"MetroStage puts on a dazzling, transporting show... Glimpses of the Moon crackles with wit and barbed cultural references... [It] confirms that real love is blind and can overcome financial hurdles -- and also that new, quality theater isn't just the preserve of the better-known, better-funded and better-located institutions... John Mercurio's very contemporary score... is buoyant. Lisa Zinni's sumptuous costume design will captivate you. Also richly aiding the story, making it glow, is a strong cast. Particular praise is due to Diaz, whose voice calls to mind Bernadette Peters, [and] has the star power to suggest we'll be seeing and hearing a lot more from her... 'Until we find love, we'll have a lovely time' perfectly captures the feeling you'll have leaving the theater, stepping out into the moonlight..."
- Doug Rule, Metro Weekly

"As Susy, [Natascia Diaz] is bright and beautiful, a triple threat of acting, singing and dancing talent, enchanting in the romantic scenes but equally as adept at comedy of the vintage madcap variety. Gia Mora embodies sophistication, but with enough brass beneath the class to add an interesting edge to the philandering Ellie Vanderlyn... [Lauren] Cohn fits the bill as society matron and maid, but pulls out all the stops when playing Coral Hicks... Sam Ludwig makes a very dashing leading man... Matthew A. Anderson as Winthrop "Streffy" Strefford... can't help flying into a joyous jig... to the very funny song "Terrible News." Stephen F. Schmidt as Ellie's deceived and abandoned husband, Nelson, fills the role with pathos in his standout moment of song, "Tell Her I'm Happy."
- Gary McMillan, DC Theatre Scene

"Beautiful little theater with it's own parking. Show was excellent with very professional singers and actors. I had never been to this theater before but will return after the great theater experience I had."
- B.R.

"A charming piece of work, worth seeking out because of its richly talented cast... The songs are pleasant if evanescent... Director-choreographer David Marquez makes the most of the theater's small stage, and musical director Darius Smith keeps things lively as part of a three-piece onstage band."
- Susan Berlin, Talkin' Broadway

"Head-off for a splash of a jazz-age romantic musical with first-rate, cabaret style voices to delight and a three-piece band to add to the pleasure. Metro Stage’s "Glimpses of the Moon"... is soft-edged entertainment like a shimmering water-color painting of moonlight reflecting off a rippling lake... With a closely knit cast directed and choreographed in an unfussy style by David Marquez... The score carries the show along winningly... The six-member cast is exceedingly likable. Natascia Diaz... and Sam Ludwig each have clear voices and a delivery that lets the lyrics and the melody sink in without bombast. The duets between the two are polished and soulful... The set designed by Daniel Pinha has a stylish look; done up with visual details columns in a French blue color scheme giving a sense of luxury to the intimate MetroStage decor. The luxury look is carried forward with the radiant costume design."
- David Siegel, Alexandria Gazette Packet

"Wonderfully witty and whimsical, Glimpses of the Moon retains its histrionic bite through David Marquez's shrewd management of timing and temperament... The music is sparkling and the jazz smolders with fluid music direction from Darius Smith. There's not a weak performance in the ensemble cast... It's Lauren "Coco" Cohn's zany interpretations of three distinct characters that ultimately steal the show... MetroStage's giddy and game production [is] a lovely tribute to 'modern' matrimony and the charming chicanery of the wealthy, both old and new."
- Jolene Munch Cardoza, Washington Examiner

"For an intimate show, the production values are wonderful. The set design [by Daniel Pinha] in blue and white, complete with crystal chandelier, is the hallmark of elegance, namely simplicity. Andrew F. Griffin's lighting design complements the set. Lisa Zinni's costumes... capture the glamour of the era. There would be no beautiful music with the terrific three-piece band. Steve Baena's sound design ensures that voice and instruments blend and fall clear as day on the audience's ears. If this production is any indication, Glimpses of the Moon will find its way into the repertories of regional, professional and community theatres across the county."
- Gary McMillan, DC Theatre Scene