Barnaby's Bottom a massive success stateside

Barnaby receives stunning press for his US debut as Nick Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Des Moines Metro Opera.

“If there was a standout performance in this flawlessly matched cast, it would have to be Barnaby Rea as a definitive Nick Bottom. I have seen many very fine performers in this role, but none has infused Bottom with a vigorous, responsive bass of such charismatic presence, wedded to an unimaginably varied comic sensibility. When he was onstage, it was hard to look away from his magnetic presence, when he was offstage, we missed him. His posturing as Pyramus dominated that scene with an innate star presence. Mr. Rea contributed a masterful achievement.”

- JAMES SOHRE, OPERA TODAY