“There were many admirable performances keeping in mind at this stage in their training, young artists are still learning how to project not only their vocal tone, but just as importantly, text and physicality into a large space. One of the most successful artists in this regard was baritone Ben Wallace as Lucette’s (Cendrillon) father, Pandolfe. With his sizable lyric baritone, Wallace already understands how to deliver French text clearly and idiomatically and relished the opportunity to physically inhabit his role as henpecked husband and doting father. Massenet is at his best in the slightly sad, but still warmly loving duets written for Pandolfe and Lucette, and Wallace mined their opportunities for pathos with care.”
“Ben Wallace’s rich baritone voice lent itself well to portray Pandolfe as an authoritative but affectionate father. The tender and touching duet of Lucette (Gagner) and Pandolfe (Wallace) in the third act was nuanced singing at its finest.”
“Ben Wallace, who played the roles of Morales and Le Dancaïre, was especially impressive: an engaging actor with a pleasant baritone voice and good diction.”
“As the charming and conniving drifter Top, baritone Ben Wallace was an accomplished actor with an impressive voice. His punctuated, energetic rendition of ‘Is that how you see Laurie?’ showcased his resonance, excellent rhythm and perfect diction.”
"Benjamin Wallace was a very funny Figaro, and his warm baritone voice is one which bodes well for future operas. His 'Largo al Factotum' was a joyful display of agility and vocal strength which he sustained throughout his long role."
“Ben Wallace was versatile and vocally powerful in the roles of Le Dancaïre and Morales."
“Ben Wallace is rock solid and manages to convey both sadness and frustration as the put upon Pandolfe...”
“Ben Wallace’s scene in the final act, as the corporal of the guards, was a welcoming surprise – a powerful and yet beckoning tone.”
“There’s a definite sense of Prospero as puppet master which along with the overall 'look' distinctly hints at Peter Greenaway. It’s all rather beautiful. There are fine cameos from Aemilia Moser, Enquan Yu, Chihiro Yasufuku and George Theodorakopoulos and Benjamin Wallace is a brooding presence as Prospero.
The whole show is cleverly closed off by Benjamin Wallace returning to sing ‘Prospero’s Vision’ where he reminds us that this was all just 'an insubstantial pageant' with great dignity.”
“Baritone Ben Wallace started things off with the 'Largo al factotum' from The Barber of Seville. It was nicely characterised with lots of energy and some swagger. He'll be singing Figaro in the student performance of an abbreviated version of Barber on February 20th next year so that's something to look forward to.”