Heading to the Theater...

We're getting ready to move into the theater next week and are starting to add elements like this lovely skirt:

Is this what they mean by being a Hipster?

Now THOES are some hips! It defiantly makes moving around a challenge...mainly doorways... and furniture...and people... It's a little embarrassing to be bumping into so many people/things around the rehearsal hall, but I guess that's why we practice. Running around in that thing is a work out! But it's really fun to play such an over-the-top character. Having permission to be this silly has taught me a lot about singing. Often, my teacher will have me sing with duck lips, or angry bunny face to practice finding the right path/placement. In this case, I just make those faces throughout the entire show et voilà, ugly stepsister.

THE Angry Bunny

Playing an over the top character has also really helped me understand that "acting with the voice thing." Again, I think for me it has to do with having permission to go there. That, and the cast is full of fabulous artists who are masters of their craft and have sung these roles millions of times. Its easy to learn when you're 2 feet away from greatness. True story; the first time I saw this piece as a grade school student in Philadelphia, it was with one of my current cast mates. So when I say that my cast-mates are experts, its no exaggeration! Never in my wildest dreams would I think I'd be anythings but a fan of several of my now colleagues. Its pretty cool! 

Shameless plug: If you are in the Tennessee area, come check out CINDERELLA April 26th and 28th! It's a fabulous cast and promises to be a very enjoyable evening at the Historic Tennessee Theatre. And while you're in town, don't miss the Rossini Festival, I'll be singing some Gershwin, Cole Porter, and Kurt Weil at the Opera Stage on the 27th. It's apparently a big deal here, and there could be over 2,000 people in attendance. Hope I'm entertaining enough. Still debating weather or not to bring my ukulele or not...mmmmm.....

Performance Notes

It occurred to me that I usually only write about auditions, life on the road and the struggle to find more work. If an alien were reading this blog, they'd probably think I never get the chance to perform and am mitigated to the hallway of Nola Studios, but they'd be wrong! I recently sang a wonderful performances of Ralph Vaughan Williams Donna Nobis Pacem with Tower Hill Presbyterian Church under the direction of the fabulous Lauren Quigley Peithmann. The level of musicianship in the ensemble was truly refreshing. The choir had a rich full sound and the orchestra was just lovely to sing with. It made me wish I had more to sing. It's a beautiful piece  but its all about the Baritone for this one wah-wah. It had been a while since I got to don my favorite concert dress (seen below) though I think it might be time for a new one....

There it is in 2006....
....and again in 2010.

I'm just glad it still fits! AND I  finally got to wear this bright green number on St. Patrick's day!

Last week I arrived in Knoxville, TN to start rehearsals for Rossini's Cinderella and I am having way too much fun. Everyone in the cast is an absolute gem and a real pleasure to work with. There's a lot of running around and general Loony Tunes inspired goonerey. Which can be a bit of a challenge while wearing full mettle panniers:

 Now THAT is some serious hip acton. 

What's a real treat for me, is that one of our cast members was in the first Cinderella I saw at Opera Philadelphia when I was in middle school. They sing there a lot, so I essentially grew up watching this person. So in my mind I'm now on stage with a celebrity. Never in a million years would I have thought that one day I'd get to share the stage with such an experienced thespian and someone I watched for so long. It's a real treat. And a little bit meta.

Off to rehearsal! Act 1 brought Looney Tunes, Three Stooges gags and muppet arms, can't wait to see what Act 2 brings!