For me, however, the evening’s strongest performance was Brian Mulligan’s Sharpless, who cautions the headstrong and irreverent Pinkerton that it is a “great sin to … break a trusting heart”. Sharpless is moral standard, cultural interface and master of diplomacy all in one – an easy fellow to like anyway – but Mulligan sang the role with authority and bravado.
Sarah Batschelet, Bachtrack
“But it was American-Irish baritone Brian Mulligan who impressed me the most, as Sharpless. Amply rounded both in form and vocal tone, his warm voice was always the centre of attention and he displayed touching acting skills as the ever-sensitive Commissioner.”
-John Rhodes, Seen and Heard International (December 12, 2017)
“Brian Mulligan’s powerful bass baritone is a real luxury in the supporting role of US Consul Sharpless. Mulligan’s vocal power is an well-matched counterpoint for Pirgu’s strength in act one.”
-Simon Parris (January 9, 2018)
“Und vor allem mit Brian Mulligan als Konsul Sharpless, der hier zu einer dritten Hauptfigur wird: einer sympathischen, differenzierten, ganz und gar authentisch verzweifelnden. Wenn er auf dem (amerikanischen) Sofa hin- und herrutscht und immer wieder erfolglos versucht, Butterfly die Wahrheit zu sagen, tut er einem fast so leid wie Butterfly selbst. Er hat das Drama ja kommen sehen – und kann nichts tun, um es zu verhindern.”
-Susanne Kübler, Tages Anzeiger (December 18, 2017)