1776 - Utah Festival Opera

"David Ward's portrayal of Benjamin Franklin was amusing and convincing. Scenes came alive whenever he spoke. Even lyrics comparing our nation's founding to the 'chirp, chirp, chirp of an eaglet being born' were elevated by his likeable demeanor and warm baritone voice." (Read the rest of the review.)

The Salt Lake Tribune

Particularly likable is David Ward as Ben Franklin. Ward's shining bass and easy theatrical actions give life to the bigger-than-life Franklin.

The Utah Statesman

 

David Ward as Don Magnifico “was sensationally funny, handling every vocal demand with elegance and style and nimbly tossing off his recitatives.”

OPERA NEWS

"David Ward [as Don Magnifico] combines classic buffo singing with a level of comedic acting rare anywhere, never mind the operatic stage, where acting is sometimes undervalued."

James E. Ford, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

 

"Bass-baritone David Ward as Pasquale was superb… the role fits him like a glove."

POST-STAR, Glen Falls, NY

"David Ward, as Dr. Bartolo, was everything a great buffo bass should be. He molded vocal color and phrasing to every nuance of his music, his comedic timing was impeccable, and he commanded the stage with his physical movements."

EXPRESS-NEWS, San Antonio

"David Ward as Baron Zeta was a jewel. His ebullient natural humor, never forced, made him the center of attention whenever he was on stage, with a rich bass sound as a bonus."

SACRAMENTO BEE

"Bass David Ward brought expert comedic style and fine vocal chops to the roles of the landlord, Benoit, and Musetta's sugar daddy, Alcindoro."

EXPRESS-NEWS, San Antonio

"Ward is a marvel as the bufoonish Baron Zeta. Ward's humorous exchanges give the operetta a crazy buoyancy."

Mobile Press-Register

"Ward was a clear audience favorite. He endowed Osmin with hilarious bluster and a rich, full-bodied, cavernous bass."

Anchorage Daily News