Praise for Allyson as Sister Helen Prejean in the Opéra de Montréal production of Dean Man Walking
The singing was magnificent tonight. Sister Prejean (McHardy) had an immense amount of singing throughout the night, and her expressive and demonstrative voice never showed signs of wear. She acted marvelously as well – not an easy task when portraying an Elvis-loving nun with a sharp, dry wit.” (Bachtrack, 11 March 2013)
“Étienne Dupuis and Allyson McHardy, he as the condemned and she as the nun, dominate the opera with an extraordinary force, each bringing to his/her character a supple voice that faithfully reproduces the nuances of the text.” (La Presse, 11 March 2013)
“Étienne Dupuis and Allyson McHardy were a phenomenal pair as death row De Rocher and Sister Helen, who starts out as his pen pal and ends up his spiritual lover. ” (Montreal Gazette, 11 March 2013)
“…a visceral performance” (Le Devoir, 11 March 2013)
“Allyson McHardy portrays a Sister Helen of infinite and equal compassion towards both the criminal and the parents of his victims. Her rich mezzo timbre well suits the role and she shows great endurance throughout the opera.” (L’Avant-Scène Opéra, 9 March 2013)