MARIA-CHRISTINA OLIVERAS

But far and away the best performance comes courtesy of Maria-Christina Oliveras, pulling double duty as both the murderous Queen and the woodsman Belarius. As the Queen, she’s a classically camp and fabulous villain, with a sharp wit and bold red lipstick to match. (I resisted the urge to “yass” and finger-wave each time she came on stage.) And as Belarius, she delivers this production’s most compelling monologue in the play’s final scene, showing a degree of emotional authenticity that, regrettably, is largely lacking elsewhere from this company.

Oliveras was a maddening tornado to reckon with as the Queen, a total powerhouse of a part.

But perhaps the finest performances come from Maria-Christina Oliveras, who magnetic gravitas as both the villainous queen and Belarius — a retired woodsman turned loyal warrior…

Oliveras was a maddening tornado to reckon with as the Queen, a total powerhouse of a part.

...the delightful artist to savor is Maria-Christina Oliveras, who boldly depicts contrasting individuals. Oliveras adeptly changes soul, sex and vocal register to believably turn into old Belarius, a hearty laird of the woods.

Maria-Christina Oliveras is an evil queen to remember; she is also authoritative as

Belarius, who drives much of the plot in the second half.

a powerful Maria-Christina Oliveras

the excellent Oliveras