UA Opera Scenes: Behind the scenes

Okay, here we go kiddos. I don't make promises I don't intend the keep. Here are some hidden, special things to look for when you come to opera scenes on Friday night. The names in ( ) are the actor/actress that plays the role.

SCENE ONE: THE SECRET MARRIAGE...

I get to introduce it (thus the long explanation here)! It is an opera buffa by Domenico Cimarosa that premiere in 1792 in Vienna. It is about two sisters, Elisetta (the older sister) and Carolina(who is secretly married to her father's secretary, Paolino!!!). There is also the aunt, Fidalma, who is in lust with Paolino. At the beginning of the opera, their father announces that he has arranged a marriage with a count for his eldest daughter. The count is actually a friend of Paolino who was convinced to ask for her hand in order to get a titled husband in the family. The scene is before the Count arrives. When he shows up, he mistakes Carolina for his bride and is upset when he finds out he is wrong. He decides to try to pull a switcharoo and when Carolina finds out she freaks out and yells at her husband. In the end, all comes out and everyone ends up happy.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The book I'm holding is "Love Letter's From a Duke" with a sexy leg on the cover. I am wearing my "wedding band" on my right hand because it's a secret! Look at Elisetta's (Alisha's) jewelry and fun shawl. Also, Fidalma (Lauren) had a limp when we started the scenes and we decided to make it a permanent part of her character, thus the cane. Interestingly, Lauren plays the aunt while I am oldest really and I play the youngest person in our cast. But apparently I am cute and can pull it off ::wink, wink::.

SCENE TWO: MIKADO...

This is by Gilbert & Sullivan (the dream team!). This scene is at the opening of Act Two where Yum-Yum is getting prepared for her wedding by her friends. After they leave, she reflects on how beautiful she is and how wonderful her marriage is going to be in the classic aria "The sun whose rays".

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The cute sashes they all have. Also, how they walk in small steps to fit their characters. The neato fan that Yum-Yum (Kelly) holds has different designs on the front and back. She is also going to be in the last scene, so look out! These girls are so cute in this scene I can't stand it. Sigh!

SCENE THREE: CARMEN...

Do I really need to explain this opera??? Think sex, smoke, stealing and love wrapped around Carmen.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The (fake) cigarettes that are labeled so each gal knows which is which. Each person also has some red somewhere on their person. SEXY. Carmen (Adrienne) is wearing my fishnets. The men then shimmy to Carmen and she does it back. Remember, these men have been lovers of Carmen at one point (the characters, NOT the actors).

SCENE FOUR: TALES OF HOFFMANN...

"Les contes d'Hoffmann" actually which is some stories about Hoffmann's many loves. At this time, Antonia and her father, Crespel, have moved to Munich to escape Hoffmann. Antonia has a beautiful singing voice inherited from her mother, and also an illness, also like her mother, which will not allow her to sing or she will die. This singing was inspired by Hoffmann, thus their move away from him. They have a deaf butler, Frantz, who likes to sing and dance. Hoffmann finds them and Antonia is overjoyed as they meet.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: The rose that Anotonia (Amanda) picks up during her aria (which is flipping hot) is the same as the one in Hoffmann's (Kyle's) coat. Crespel (Spencer) & Hoffmann are actually younger than Amanda, but you wouldn't guess that. Fabulous! One of my favorite parts of the whole thing is Frantz's (Carl's) aria...you'll see why. It's pee-your-pants good. In the end, Antonia & Hoffmann pause, join together, swing around and then he kneels with purpose...not marriage purpose, but rakish purposes.

SCENE FIVE: TOO MANY SOPRANOS...

This is a fairly new opera about four sopranos that are trying to get into heaven, however there is only one soprano spot open in the heavenly choir. The scene involves St. Peter giving them the alternative to go to Hell, get some men and bring them back to balance out the choir so they can all join. This is almost satirical of the typical sopranos thus named and classified: Miss Titmouse-coloratura, Just Jeannette-lyric, Madame Pompous-dramatic soprano, Dame Doleful-mezzo-soprano.

THINGS TO LOOK FOR: Okay, this is the most funniest, especially if you are a singer and especially if you are a soprano. Notice the way each of them is dressed. Miss Titmouse (Jessica) is holding a bag with a dog in it. Madame Pompous (Sarah) has another huge ring similiar to Elisetta's in "The Secret Marriage". The immunity ashes are in a cup with a vampire on it. Gabriel is played by Kelly and is way cute. As I don't want to give anything else away, you may see the rest. Though, I have to say St. Peter (Spencer) does a fabulous job holding his own among all those sopranos.

FINALE! DIE FLEDERMAUS...

This is the end. Funny that I get to sing the role of Adele (with five other girls) when I sang it three years ago. Sigh! The memories.

LISTEN TO: The high note at the end. Hopefully we will all get off that note around the same time.

Thanks for reading and I hope this helps your viewing experience. See you Friday!!!!!!!!!