Mark Rucker and Jill Gardner play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Opera Tampa’s Macbeth, at the Straz Center on April 13 and 15, 2018. Photo courtesy of the Straz Center.

“The make-or-break factor in this show are the two leads, Mark Rucker and Jill Gardner, who fortunately fall squarely onto the “make” side of the ledger. Baritone Rucker has enjoyed a long career. His vibrato might not be quite as taut as it was 20 years ago, but it’s very close. To that richness and power he adds a fullness to the character not often seen in opera.

Gardner has created a Lady Macbeth who exudes strength and commitment, then vulnerability as malevolence meets its end. The pair combine in an unforgettable duet which translates to, Hour of death and of vengeance.”

Read the review in its entirety on the Tampa Bay Times website…