Also this issue: Model Image The fragmented personae of Veruschka. -Robin Rice Tere O'Connor Dance -Janet Anderson Shut Up and Dance 11 -A.D. Amorosi Line Dance -Deni Kasrel Monsters, Mickey and Mozart -Juliet Fletcher The Game Is Ova Heredity fashions an engaging tale from the ethics of reproductive science. -Justin Bauer The Crucible -Toby Zinman The Fever -Toby Zinman

March 13-19, 2003

artpicks

Macbeth

Giuseppe Verdi so esteemed Shakespeare that he returned to his 1847 setting of Macbeth 18 years later to make major improvements. People sometimes laugh at the singing witches, but Verdi put great stuff in this vividly rousing opera: terrific arias, stirring choruses imploring peace (timely), and a razor-sharp portrait of Lady Macbeth. Nobody laughs at her sleepwalking scene, an unforgettable musical portrait of a soul in an agony of guilt and fear.

Macbeth himself gets several great monologues. Opera Company of Philadelphia has invited the dynamic Gregg Baker, a true singing actor, to tackle one of his dream parts for the first time ever. New York City Opera's leading diva Lauren Flanigan's quicksilver voice divides opinion, but the daring and stage savvy that have brought her acclaim even at Milan's La Scala (the Verdian shrine) serve her well in Lady Macbeth's rollercoaster of a part. Local-bass-made-good Eric Owens returns as Banquo (yes, there"s a ghost). OCP promises a thrilling production imported from Finland.

Macbeth ,March 14-30, $5-$150, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Academy of Music, Broad and Locust sts., 215-893-1999.

—David Shengold