Opening Night!

Well, we're finally here. Tomorrow is opening night. Come see this wonderfully talented cast weave this beautiful fairy tale. You won't be disappointed!

If you want to hear some more about the show, here's an interview with me conducted by Jennifer Lee Gunson!

Cinderella Interview

John Arsenault
Music Director

You're Just Jealous Because I'm More Prettier Than You.

The title comes courtesy of Grant Wardlow, who plays Dorothy, and pulled that line out of his hat during a performance a couple weeks back. It stuck, and now you'll hear it in his very dramatic entrance onstage.

As promised, a couple photo teasers of the show...it's so visually stimulating...I love it!

Photo: Natalie Burdeny as Madame de la Haltière, Grant Wardlow as Dorothy, and Rachel Stewart as Noemie.

Party-goers at the Palace: Rachel Hart, Elisa Rolston, Jackie Ko, Diana Sandberg, Robin Eder-Warren, Andrzej Jeziorski

Lovers united: Kathleen Morrison as Fairy Godmother, Andrzej Jeziorski as Prince Charming, Anna Whelan as Cinderella, Kevin Lee, Max van Wyck and Diana Sandberg as Spirits

Now is the time!

We're here, folks! Cinderella opens in three sleeps!

We all made it through the technical rehearsal last night (some of us barely so). Dress rehearsals start tonight, and everything seems to be coming together! The costumes are beautiful. The family looks ridiculously over the top. The Fairy scene in the forest is purely magical. There are some stunning visuals, and tonight we'll see them together with the action and the music...this is when it truly gets exciting.

I'll post a pic or two for you folks tomorrow. For now, just a quick reminder that there are still tickets available for every performance. If you're buying tickets at the door, remember to bring cash!

Cheers,
Jeanine Fynn
Artistic Director, Stage Director, Set designer, Programme designer, Set builder/Painter/Sewer, Props shopper, and Proud Mama of this Show

Singer Spotlight - Kathleen Morrison

Name: Kathleen Morrison
Voice Type: Coloratura Soprano
Role: Fairy Godmother
Hometown: Right now it's Vancouver, but I was born and raised in Calgary, AB

Is this your first time performing with DD? Yes, and I look forward to many more!

Favourite thing about the role you are playing? I feel like I get to put the glitter on the beautiful voices of the chorus of Spirits and Elves that sing with me; as well being the protector of Cinderella!! Plus, I'm pretty sure that every little girl has dreamed of having a Fairy Godmother - I actually get to be her!

Where did you find inspiration for this role? Vocal inspiration for me comes from the great singers; Sutherland, Sills, Damrau, and Dessay. Dramatic inspiration comes from believing that everyone deserves the chance to experience true love no matter who they are, or where they come from. Also, sometimes true love needs a helping hand!

Favourite part of this opera? It is during my second aria in Act III. As the Spirits and Elves are sleeping onstage, the all begin humming and singing, but you can't really tell that they are doing it!! Massenet creates this ethereal atmosphere and is the most calming and beautiful sound to be supported by.

What are your rituals before a performance? A hearty meal, a hot cup of coffee, and a quiet place to focus.

What is your favourite opera? Tough call... it might be a 3 way tie between Strauss' Salome, Mozart's Magic Flute, and Verdi's La Traviata.

Ever been asked to do something strange onstage? Absolutely! Directors can be a strange bunch. I think having a giant, loud bite of an apple during Dorabella's aria from Cosi fan tutte right after her dramatic moment ranks pretty high. Tough to time as well!

What's the most difficult thing you've done onstage? Singing in the pouring rain during an outdoor concert getting completely soaked, trying to keep the music, drama, dress, and hair in order. I ended up taking my shoes off because they kept sinking into the grass!

What is your favourite activity that has nothing to do with singing classically? Enjoying great food, drink, company, and conversation.

A lot of singers have day jobs…do you? I sell watches and sunglasses at a small retail store on 4th Ave.

Do you have a secret talent other than singing? I've been told that I'm a pretty good whistler.

You're trapped on a deserted island. What three luxury items do you hope you have with you? A bubble bath, a good bottle of wine, and my dog Brutus!

Tell us a joke.

How do you know when there's a singer at the door?

They can't find the key and they don't know when to come in.

[ed note: this seems like a popular joke. hmmm...]

Singer Spotlight - Natalie Burdeny

Name: Natalie Burdeny

Voice Type: Contralto
Role:

Madame de la Haltière
Hometown:

North Vancouver
Website:

http://natalieburdeny.com/

Is this your first time performing with DD? Yes

Favourite thing about the role you are playing? Madame de la Haltière is a character role. While still able to impose beautiful singing it is a role that really allows you to create a character that is over the top and play with comedic emotions making the rehearsal process a really enjoyable journey.

What are your rituals before a performance? I have not generally been a “superstitious” singer, however I have learned over the years that there are certain things I need to do prior to a performance like ensure I am hydrated and rested.

What is your favourite opera? Carmen! This is my dream role… she is a woman who embraces life, is strong and yet vulnerable and sensuous. The duet between Carmen and Escamillo in Act IV (“Si je t’aime…) is one of my favourite musical moments.

Ever been asked to do something strange onstage? I played the Mother (a portrait that comes to life) in a production of Tales of Hoffman a number of years ago. I was preset in a black box elevated about 16 feet in the air. I had to sit in the dark for 45 minutes not uttering a sound until my entrance onto a very small platform through hundreds of plastic straps to which my
picture was projected on while I waited. It was nerve-wracking in every moment!

A lot of singers have day jobs…do you? Up until recently I worked as a computer programmer and project manager for a global technology firm.

Coffee or Tea? Coffee hands down!!! Double Americano with room for milk!

[ed note: Natalie didn't have a joke for us, so in honour of her, we offer this joke about altos...]
How many altos does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Two. One to do it, and one to ask "Isn't that a little high for you?"

Singer Spotlight - Grant Wardlow

Name: Grant Wardlow

Voice Type: Tenor
Role: Dorothy (Stepsister)
Hometown: Vernon, B.C.

Is this your first time performing with DD? No, I performed the role of Lord Tolloller in last summer's hugely successful production of Iolanthe!

Favourite thing about the role you are playing? My shoes! And having the freedom to do some pretty nasty things on stage.

Where did you find inspiration for this role? Saturday Night Live...and my sisters!

Favourite part of this opera? Definitely the a cappella chorus...I never tire of singing it!

What are your rituals before a performance? I never like to eat a big meal before performing and I always make sure I am well hydrated and warmed up. I always do a walk through of my blocking and before any entrance I check to make certain my fly is done up!

Ever been asked to do something strange onstage? I was once appeared naked on stage as part of a production of Le Nozze di Figaro.

What's the most difficult thing you've done onstage? This show...performing in heels! After a three hour rehearsal, my feet are done!

Favourite role you've ever played? Nemorino in L'elisir d'amore.

What is your favourite activity that has nothing to do with singing classically? It's a toss up between golf and photography.

A lot of singers have day jobs…do you? Not right now, which is good for my golf game but not for my wallet!

You're trapped on a deserted island. What three luxury items do you hope you have with you? My camera, iPhone and golf clubs (with at least a dozen Pro V1 balls)!

Tell us a joke.
How can you tell there's a tenor at the door?
He can't find the key and doesn't know when to come in!

Singer Spotlight - Lisa-Dawn Kilthau

Name: Lisa-Dawn Nelsina Kilthau
Voice Type: Mezzo-Soprano
Role: Cinderella
Hometown: Langley

Is this your first time performing with DD? Yes

Favourite thing about the role you are playing? In addition to having some of the most gorgeous music in the opera, it is the epitome of the childhood fairytale dream. I think every little girl believes herself to be the as-yet-undiscovered princess.

Where did you find inspiration for this role? I loved the story of Cinderella as a child. I wore out the Disney movie by watching it so many times; I could probably still quote you the entire thing word for word. I grew up helping out around the house with chores. The first time I was asked to clean the bathroom as a child, I cried. Princesses could cook and sweep and feed the birds, but they shouldn't have to do the dirty work...

Favourite part of this opera? There are so many beautiful bits! The duets with Prince Charming and the Father are lovely; I think Massenet was at his best when working with two voices. But my favorite parts are when you meet Cinderella alone; her personality and vulnerability really come through in the music.

What are your rituals before a performance? I make sure I have a good sleep the night before, and do a gentle yoga routine to warm up. I like a lot of quiet time before a show; I will go in early and walk through the role alone on set. I prefer being at the theater very early to get into the right head-space.

Ever been asked to do something strange onstage? My first experience with opera was being in the chorus of The Magic Flute. I was one of the magical beasts that threaten Tamino before he tames them by playing his flute. Specifically, I was a giant furry hound-dog, crawling around on hands and knees. I was instructed to lift my leg and shake it when Tamino played his calming melody.

Favorite role you've ever played? I really enjoyed playing the mother in Hansel and Gretel; it was just such a fun, high-energy show to be a part of. The audience loved it, and getting good energy back is such a thrill as a performer.

What is your favorite activity that has nothing to do with singing classically? I love to dance; I have done many different forms, and right now am really into Blues Dancing. Another favorite is West Coast Swing.

A lot of singers have day jobs. Do you? Yes. I work as a tailor. I have always enjoyed sewing, and while pursuing my opera studies at UBC, I was hired to do the costumes for the UBC Opera department. I love the creativity that comes into designing a costume that will add to the performer's portrayal of their character. For the costumes for this production of Cinderella, I am collaborating with Dora, who plays Naomie.

Coffee or Tea? Tea! I love coffee as a dessert drink, but I am a big tea drinker. I will often finish off a pot by myself. But it has to be a tea you can put milk in.

Do you have a secret talent other than singing? I really enjoy 2-D visual arts; drawing, painting, pointillism etc. I wish I had more time to pursue it!

You're trapped on a deserted island. What three luxury items do you hope you have with you? A supply of good quality dark chocolate. A comfortable bed. And lots of books!