“Dr. Atomic” – Music Good, Sellars Not?

“As was the case with the previous John Adams-Peter Sellars piece, the Nativity oratorio “El Niño,” Sellars’s idiosyncrasy and obsession with concept leeched much of the theatrical vigor from this promising project. Recent productions of “Nixon” and “The Death of Klinghoffer,” not directed by Mr. Sellars, brought out previously unnoticed power in those works. Perhaps it is time for Mr. Adams to find a different collaborator.”