GALAS Reviews

[1 Minute Critic]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 10:07am

1 Minute Critic - 4/5 stars

"If I sing at La Scala it will be on my own terms or not at all,” exclaims opera diva Maria Gadalena Galas when presented with the opportunity to sing at the famed Italian opera house in Galas, Charles Ludlam’s “modern tragedy” (or more accurately, high-camp comedy), being presented in a rare revival at Little Island. The same might be said for director Eric Ting and a first-rate company led by countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo in the title role. 

Produced originally by Ludlam’s Ridiculous Theatrical Company in 1983 at the Sheridan Square Theatre, Galas marks another epic turn in Little Island’s summer season under producing artistic director Zack Winokur. Imbued with a queer and multicultural sensibility that leverages joy as a palpable resistance to recent attacks on the arts and the LGBTQ+ community, Galas brings high theatrics loosely inspired by the life of opera singer Maria Callas.

Director Ting keeps the stakes high, which feels particularly palpable for the world we’re living in. When asked by her husband if she loves music, Galas replies, “I wouldn’t dare. Art is so great it frightens me sometimes.” Full review here

[CoffeeBreak]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 12:14pm

THEATERMANIA 

https://www.theatermania.com/news/review-in-galas-anthony-roth-costanzo-is-the-greatest-diva_1803121/

CULTURE SAUCE

https://culturesauce.com/2025/09/14/charles-ludlam-galas-off-broadway-review/

PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER 

https://www.inquirer.com/arts/anthony-roth-costanzo-galas-maria-callas-little-island-20250914.html

[raddersons]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 4:21pm

Saw this on Friday. What a fun weird piece this is. Once I saw Carmelita Tropicana I knew it would be some odd downtown piece and it did not disappoint. Mary Testa is hysterical in this. Just a fun evening out.

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 9/15/25 at 4:46pm

Mary Testa was a riot in this.