Linda Taylor

SUSANNAH SOARS IN SAN FRANCISCO Susannah may be a tragedy, but the San Francisco Opera production is worthy of a hoedown celebration.   This near-perfect production is one of the best operas I’ve seen in the past decade. 88-year-old composer and librettist Carlisle Floyd was in attendance on opening night, so it was an emotional experience…

SHIPSHAPE Imagine a boat named “Utopia” launched in the 1830s, floating towards Moscow. As the boat sails onward, it becomes heavier, taking on cargo, passengers, and the weight of the future. As it nears Moscow, the name changes, and we are now watching the approach of “Socialism.” You’ve officially, if metaphorically, boarded Tom Stoppard’s trilogy…