Reviews
Aimee Puentes was a firecracker as the fickle innkeeper Lisa. A kind of cross between Sofia Loren and Lucille Ball, the soprano combined sensuous tone with goofy faces and slapstick antics (even singing from a supine position at one point). She put her powerful instrument to comedic use, emitting shriek-like high notes during her character’s frustrated diva tantrums. - Joe Cadagin, San Francisco Classical Voice
The standout among the three woman was Aimee Puentes as Zerlina, her singing clear and pointed and her stage demeanor winningly direct; her pristine, unfussy rendition of “Batti, Batti” may have been the evening’s high point. - Joshua Kosman, San Francisco Chronicle
Which brings us to Aimee Puentes as Susanna. Saucy, pert and with a clear soprano voice, Aimee was Susanna – the lady’s maid with a keen sense of her own worth. Every mood was clearly reflected in her mobile face. - Philip G Hodge, in sanfranciscosplash.com
Soprano Aimee Puentes was a beguiling Zerlina, easily capturing Mozart’s phrasing. - James Keolker, San Francisco Classical Voice
…and Soprano Aimee Puentes was a sweetly assertive Zerlina. - Georgia Rowe, Contra Costa Times
The cast is uniformly fine, with exceptional support from soprano Aimee Puentes as impish pageboy Oscar (who at one point leaps into the arms of startled Renato). - Ken Bullock, Berkeley Daily Planet
Puentes..(Susanna)… played the feisty soubrette, assertive and volatile. - Scott MacClelland, Metroactive Music
Soprano Aimee Puentes sang with animation in a rich, true voice with controlled vibrato. “In trutinamentis dubia” (in the uncertain balance of my mind) flowed with lyrical grace. Her “Dulcissime, totam tibi subdo me!” (sweetest one! Ah! I give myself to you totally!) soared and rippled with passion, as her expression of joy enhanced the performance. - Phyllis Rosenblum, Santa Cruz Sentinel
The lovely ill-fated Maria is played to perfection by Aimee Puentes, a splendid vocalist and actress with superb stage presence. Puentes’ stunning performance created an achingly vulnerable and charmingly innocent Maria who grabs the audience by it’s collective heartstrings and never lets go. - Ann Bennett, Santa Cruz Sentinel
Puentes conveyed her charms with a clear, soaring soprano (and shimmering silver gown), seducing any holdouts with the gorgeous, submissive “In trutina”. - Scott MacClelland, Metroactive Music