Spoleto is honored to be featured in Garden & Gun, whose editors shared the “Spoleto Festival Shows Our Editors Don’t Want to Miss.”
Art director Julia Knetzer is eagerly anticipating the U.S. premiere of Mary, Queen of Scots by Scottish Ballet. After watching everything she could find about the production, she’s drawn to its contemporary movement and theatrical staging, calling it “a dazzling, modern ballet” and an exciting chance to experience a fresh, relevant take on a familiar story.
Editor in chief David DiBenedetto is looking forward to Dead as a Dodo, a whimsical, family-friendly journey through the underworld. With its inventive puppetry and imaginative storytelling, it’s a performance he’s excited to share with his family.
Executive editor Amanda Heckert has her eye on All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain. A fan of Shakespeare’s most notorious characters, she’s especially excited to see the one-man performance bring a rogues’ gallery of villains to life onstage.
Deputy editor Dave Mezz is drawn to the festival’s jazz offerings, particularly a tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. For him, it’s the next best thing to seeing two legends live—an opportunity to hear their music reinterpreted by one of today’s greats.
Digital reporter Lindsey Liles is especially excited for the closing night performance by Brandi Carlile at the Cistern Yard. Recalling a conversation with festival director Mena Mark Hanna, she was already sold on the setting alone—an atmospheric evening under the oaks—before even knowing the headliner.
Head of digital Chris Kraft is all in on Humans 2.0, captivated by the sheer athleticism of the performers. Comparing their strength and movement to elite sports, he’s eager to see how the production combines physicality with striking lighting and sound.
Editorial assistant Danielle Wallace is looking forward to the Martha Graham Dance Company’s centennial performances. Introduced to Graham’s work in middle school, she recalls being fascinated by the choreography, storytelling, and costuming that helped define modern dance.
Deputy editor CJ Lotz Diego is excited to catch jazz pianist Sullivan Fortner, noting how his New Orleans roots likely shaped his rhythm and improvisation. With multiple Grammys to his name, it’s also a performance she’s considering sharing with her piano-playing dad.
Newsletter director Emily Daily can’t wait to see Molly Tuttle perform. A longtime fan, she praises Tuttle’s virtuosity as a guitarist, along with her songwriting and energy, calling the performance a can’t-miss.
Creative director Eric Capossela is most excited for Emmylou Harris, a legend he believes everyone should see live whenever possible. From her early collaborations to her solo work, he admires her as a masterful singer, songwriter, and collaborator.
As these editors’ picks make clear, this season offers no shortage of unforgettable moments!