Psyche Reviews
Los Angeles Times- Somewhat Recommended
"...The setting outshines the jewel in "Psyche," a world-premiere rock opera at the Greenway Court Theatre. But oh, what a setting. A modern-day retelling of the Psyche myth, the production features a mind-bogglingly intricate staging that includes spectacular design elements, a wonderful cast, terrific choreography and the kind of dream musical direction that would grace a Broadway show. Unfortunately, all those elements cannot conceal the show's essential mediocrity."
LA Weekly- Not Recommended
"...But not even director Michael Matthews' sumptuously animated, Baroque staging (on Stephen Gifford's architectural capriccio set, with Tim Swiss' chiaroscuro-sculpted lights) can finally forgive Shapiro's seemingly endless 34-song score and her over-ambitious but under-adapted book."
Broadway World- Somewhat Recommended
"...The 2½ hour sung-through opera by composer/lyricist/ bookwriter Cindy Shapiro borrows stylistic elements from French grand opera and contemporary musical theatre, and combines them with a deconstructed rock landscape to tell the Greek myth of Psyche and Eros, and though it may not succeed in accomplishing everything it sets out to do, what it does achieve is an intriguing fusion of sound and picture, the effect of which is much like a master painting brought to life."
Stage Scene LA- Not Recommended
"...A sensational cast, phenomenal choreography, a spectacular production design, and Michael Matthews's imaginative direction do everything possible to make the most of Cindy Shapiro's Psyche: A Modern Rock Opera. Unfortunately, the gifted team's best efforts can't rescue "Psyche The Musical" from its ponderous libretto, mostly tedious tunes, and lyrics that clunk where they should soar."
StageHappenings.com- Somewhat Recommended
"...Clearly more work is needed on the story; for now, it's hard to root for characters this slimly written. But this production almost made it all worthwhile."
ArtsInLA- Not Recommended
"...Despite all the great dancing and strong production values, Psyche: A Modern Rock Opera never escapes its crippling, pretentious self-importance."
The Los Angeles Post- Somewhat Recommended
"...Cindy Shapiro wrote the book the lyrics and the music; she is talented to say the least. However, both the music and the lyrics had a repetitiveness to them, making the show drag. This is filled in with some unnecessary dialog and to my ear the music sounded the same. It did distract a little from the overall production but not enough perhaps to make a difference to some."