As
Tonio in I Pagliacci:
cavalleria rusticana
As
Tonio in I Pagliacci:
“High point of the evening was the Pagliacci prologue. Mark Rucker delivered Tonio with so masterful a blend of vocal power and delicacy of expression, his resonant baritone brimming with highly charged yet controlled emotion, that one could overlook the fact that he was dressed in a tuxedo for the occasion.”
- Opera News
“Mark Rucker's jealous Tonio was the strongest character on stage both vocally and dramatically.”
- Opera Canada
“Mark Rucker as Tonio is another major asset. He not only has a voluminous baritone that can boldly sing rather than belt out a line coursely, but he’s also an involving actor.”
- The Miami Herald
“Mark Rucker’s imposing baritone and vivid acting style made Tonio what he is supposed to be - the opera’s driving force. It was a masterful interpretation.”
- The Sun-Sentinel (Miami)
“The opening night blockbuster was baritone Mark Rucker's Prologue in ‘Pagliacci’. Applause held up the show with just cause for the baritone gave robust value for money.”
- New Orleans Times - Picayune
As Tonio in I Pagliacci and Alfio in Cavalleria Rusticana:
“Fortunately there was some redemption provided by the principals and especially by the baritone Mark Rucker. His voice was generous with a free and ringing top, and his Alfio and Tonio gave meaning to both works.”
- Opera
“Mark Rucker was an intense, detailed and sympathetic Tonio. Rucker had also proved a credibly menacing Alfio in the earlier 'Cavalleria'.”
- Los Angeles Times
“Rucker looked the part of the hunchback Tonio in 'Pagliacci' - and he found much character to flesh out in his prologue: There was gripping. lyrical pathos, good humor, bravura and fine tints of irony. His Alfio was always dramatically concentrated and vocally compelling.”
- The Orange County Register