DragonDiva is on the move!

Hi folks!  Just checking in after a very busy tech week for Old Maid and the Thief.  DragonDiva is now on the move... we leave tomorrow for our show at the Gabriola Island Theatre Festival.  This organization reached out to us this year to invite us to participate in their festival, and we saw it as a great opportunity to do something new and exciting at DragonDiva.  This festival promises to be a great deal of fun... I only wish we were able to stick around longer and see some of the other shows!  It's going to be a whirilwind trip... ferry to Nanaimo tomorrow night, then overnight in a hotel.  Saturday we get up bright and early to travel to Gabriola, grab some breakfast, and then head to the stage for our 12PM tech time to set up the show.  Showtime is 2:30, and it should be a blast!  Then, right back on the ferry to get home. 

Rehearsals have been a blast.  It's hard to believe how far the show has come in the last few weeks.  We went from sketching things out in the basement of the New West Arts Council building, to teching a show with full sets and costumes and wigs and all that stuff that comes with tech week.  The pics in this post are from our first tech rehearsal so unfortunately you can't see the ladies with their wigs, but I can tell you, they look amazing!  Here's where we started:

That's Ms. Diane Speirs looking so joyful at the piano... while Grace (Kayla Matzen) flirts with the Sound Man (Henry Chen).  It's no wonder Diane looks so happy, this is a fantastic cast!

And here's a few pics of where we were yesterday:

That's Miss Tood (Lisa-Dawn Kilthau) and Miss Pinkeron (Christina Lewell) singing for our "radio audience" with the rest of the employees of the radio station lounging about as they get a break.

Grace (Megan Bryden) flirts with our Radio Announcer (Joe Ritchie).

Don't miss your chance to see this fantastic, creative telling of a staple of the American opera repertoire, get your tickets today!

Meet a DragonDiva - Joey Richie

Joey Ritchie Radio Announcer

Name: Joey Ray Ritchie

Voice Type (if a singer): not a singer…well showertime singing only...

Role: The Announcer

Hometown: Halifax, NS

Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

Why, yes, yes it is. Riley called me up one night, not so long ago, when I was in the middle, or nearing the end of, a good bottle of red wine and asked me if I would like to do a part that just seemed so “me”. Naturally I was flattered and accepted immediately.

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Old Maid and the Thief?

One of the best things is the opportunity to be able to flirt with all, and I do mean all, of the other actors during the back-show. A truly talented troupe of titillators and teases.

Where did you find inspiration for your role?

I love the inflection of the old British Pacific speech that studio actors used to talk: Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Kathryn Hepburn, Bette Davie etc. So them, and all the wonderful old cigarette ads that are still online from the ‘40’s.

Favourite part of Old Maid and the Thief?

Gosh, I love all the parts with me in it… hmmm…but I do also love being in a show that is so endearing and full of beautiful voices - so all of it?

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

The opportunity to work with world-class on-stage and directorial talents.

How would you describe opera to someone who has never seen one?

Sometimes a sound that comes out of a human being can delight your senses so much that the skin on your whole back can tighten and percolate with a wash of joy - I get that from this show.

A lot of singers and actors have day jobs…do you?

I am also a drama teacher and a volunteer for the Vancouver Crisis Centre. I am a student in the process of acquiring my Counseling Psychology Masters…and I serve spinach dip at Milestones on the weekend like a good actor.

Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

I can bounce up and down, quite high, on the floor using only my back muscles.

Favorite non-classical music?

I loooove every schmaltzy ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s song ever written. I am a bit of a know-the-lyrics-to-every-song kind of guy.

Any upcoming performances you want to share?

My wedding next August is the most exciting show in town. :-)

DragonDiva - Why Old Maid? Also - an update on DragonDivas of years gone by....

Hello folks!  I thought tonight I would give you a quick update on Old Maid and the Thief, and another piece of DragonDiva news...

First, a little bit about what led us to this show.  This is DragonDiva's 5th anniversary and we have had our ups and downs along the way.  Lots of ups, actually, and more and more coming our way all the time.  But, last year was a hard year.  Our board was burnt out, and we didn't know where we were going as a company.  But, we have a new board this year.  And everyone is very enthusiastic and very much involved in the success of the company.  We also decided we needed to start doing things a little differently if we were going to survive, both economically and artistically.   Those discussions led us to the conclusion that we should produce Old Maid and the Thief - in its original radio opera format.

This show is so aligned with what we originally started out to do - produce operatic theatre, not just operas (thus our name...).  This show is definitely theatre.  We have assembled a very strong cast with strengths in a number of areas.  Each of them is an opera singer or has a love of opera, and it shows.  We have such a committed group of artists to work with, and it's a real pleasure to do so.

And now, some words of praise for our leadership.  As usual, Miss Jeanine Fynn has brought out her creative best in her staging and interpretation of Old Maid.  When she and I started this opera company, we didn't know a thing about each other, only that I was a conductor and she was a director.  Over the years, we have developed an amazing working relationship and friendship.  Sure, we have our spats like an old married couple... but still we have a great mutual respect.  Jeanine is a conductor's dream to work with.  We've always been able to discuss issues and work together to produce a product that works both musically AND dramatically.  This is because we both approach our respective roles as Artistic and Music Director from the same place - that of being opera singers ourselves and knowing full well what it is like to be standing in the shoes of our cast members.  Jeanine has taken her directorial style one step further in Old Maid, creating a "show within a show" and building several layers to the action.  Congrats to Jeanine for another brilliant staging!

I always knew when we started this company that eventually I wanted there to be more artistic influence than just mine and Jeanine's.  But, this was my baby.  How was I going to turn over the reigns to someone else?  Well, last year I finally did.  One day, while singing in an opera at Vancouver Opera, I tuned to Diane Speirs and said "how would you like to conduct HMS Pinafore for us this summer?"  I believe her answer was "yeah, I'd be into that."  And that was that.  I knew instinctively that Diane would be perfect because not only is she a brilliant musician, but she's also a singer, and she is the right kind of person.  It is very important to me that we work in a positive atmosphere at DragonDiva, and I knew that Diane would achieve that.  And she did.  And now, I'm so glad to have her on board as a musical colleague.  She brings a new perspective and whole diffferent set of skills than mine to the table.   I couldn't imagine being happier about turning over the reigns :-)

As for me, yeah, I'm still the Music Director of the company, and yes, I'll conduct again, very soon.  But for now, you'll see me sitting beside Diane, being her "orchestra".

Now for the news... for those of you who don't know, recently Jeanine, I and a number of other DragonDivas attended a wedding.  Yes, Mr. Paul Just and Ms. Carolyn Barker have tied the knot!  And the best part is... they met in a DragonDiva show!  Yes, Paul played Nemorino in Elixir of Love, and Carolyn played Sasparilla, a made-up mute charater that was the assitant to Dr. Dulcamara.  One of the highlights of the show for me was a scene where Carolyn scarfed down a whole cake on stage... but that's a whole other story.   Now they are a happily married couple and we couldn't be more thrilled for both of them.  I think it's a good omen for us...  Congrats to both of you from everyone at DragonDiva!

Please come and see Old Maid and the Thief - you won't be disappointed!!!  I personally guarantee it :-)

John Arsenault

President and Music Director

DragonDiva Operatic Theatre

Meet a DragonDiva - Tracy Wiens

Tracy Wiens Grace

Name:  Tracy Wiens

Voice Type (if a singer):   Lyric Soprano

Role:  One of the three Graces

Hometown:  Salem, Oregon


Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva? 

No!  I have been with Dragondiva since the beginning.  You may remember me as a very sexy Dick Deadeye in last year’s HMS Pinafore, Celia in Iolanthe, Edith in Pirates of Penzance, or The Dew Fairy/Sandman in Hansel und Gretel.

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Old Maid and the Thief? 

I love the music…the harmonies are wonderful to sing when everything comes together.  It is the first time I have sung music like this….I love how it sounds!

Where did you find inspiration for your role? 

I have been watching many Andrew Sisters videos (and other performers) from the WWII era.

Favourite part of Old Maid and the Thief?

In the opera proper, I like the part when Bob first enters the scene.  I enjoy the ladies’ reactions to FINALLY having a man in the house!
 
What attracted you to the operatic stage? 

The music, of course!  I came to opera via musical theatre and dance.  To be able to sing an aria well, is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment.

How would you describe opera to someone who has never seen one?  

It is like a really good book, except all the words are sung.

A lot of singers and actors have day jobs…do you? 

I have just graduated with my Bachelor of Music Degree, and am currently looking for work in arts administration/management, as well as teaching music to the young.
 
Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

I am very good at Facebooking.  But I don’t think it’s a secret anymore.

Favorite non-classical music?

I will always be a rock ‘n roll girl at heart :-)  I also love listening to and singing musical theatre tunes.

Any upcoming performances you want to share?

Actually, I don’t ….which is unusual for me………..I guess we’ll see what the Fall brings to me this year!

Meet a DragonDiva - Kayla Matzen

Kayla Matzen Grace

Name: Kayla Matzen

Voice Type (if a singer): Soprano

Role: One of the Graces

Hometown: Williams Lake


Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

No, I have performed in their past productions of Iolanthe and HMS Pinafore

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Old Maid and the Thief?

The role is extremely different from anything I have ever done. However, the music feels wonderful to sing and the choreo is SO fun to dance!
 
Where did you find inspiration for your role?

Watching old Andrew Sister’s videos ;P

Favourite part of Old Maid and the Thief?

Chiquita Banana (but it is a surprise!)

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

It is extremely fun to sing, especially when I am singing with friends!

How would you describe opera to someone who has never seen one?

This opera would be a great introduction to opera, the music is relatable and the plot is hilarious!

A lot of singers and actors have day jobs…do you?

I have just finished my Bachelors of Education and will be teaching music lessons in Squamish in September.

Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

Knitting! I love to knit!

Meet a DragonDiva - Karen Santos

Karen Santos Laetitia

Name: Karen Santos

Voice Type (if a singer): Soprano

Role: Laetitia

Hometown: Mexico City


Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

No. I first became acquainted with DragonDiva when I performed in their production of Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan. I played Leila, one of the fairies!! Later, I played Gretel from Humperdink’s Hansel and Gretel when the company performed it in December of 2009.

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Old Maid and the Thief?

Laetitia is able to twist logic and manipulate people to the extent that she gets them to do things they would normally not even conceive of doing. She gets away with everything! And at the end of the show, she is still so loveable that people still want her to do well.

Where did you find inspiration for your role?

To me, Laetitia seems like an extreme version of Susanna from The Marriage of Figaro, in the sense that she kind of runs the whole scheme. She can be the most angelic and innocent person and within a second be the mastermind of the whole plot.

Favourite part of Old Maid and the Thief?

There is a line where Menotti absolutely breaks the fourth wall and I find it to be the most hilarious circumstance I have ever come across in opera. Laetitia and Miss Todd are about to break into the liquor store and the orchestra is full of staccatos that imitate their tiptoeing. Suddenly, there is a chromatic ascending bass line. Miss Todd gets startled by this and says, “I heard a noise!” to which Laetitia responds, annoyed: “That’s just part of the orchestration!!!”

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

I think I have always been really dramatic and have been singing since I was really young. I was always into dance and acting and I always loved attention but growing up in Mexico I was never exposed to opera. My parents never ever listened to opera or anything like that. When I started taking voice lessons I told my teacher I wanted to sing opera and ever since then I got the “opera bug.” Now, I am completely infatuated with opera.

How would you describe opera to someone who has never seen one?

Opera singers are like the marathon runners of the world of singing. We are un-amplified and we can sing for about two hours accompanied by a full orchestra and still be perfectly audible. On top of that, we tell all kinds of beautiful stories. Some are romantic, some are comedic, some are based on history, some are completely fantastical, a few are less exciting than others but they are all stories that have thrilled audiences for centuries! In order to tell these stories opera singers must be actors as well and convey the characters we are playing. Opera has a larger-than-life quality to it where every emotion is amplified and stretched as though we had a magnifying glass on human emotion.

A lot of singers and actors have day jobs…do you?

I teach voice and piano mostly to younger kids. I was actually really grateful to get a job that had something to do with what I love the most: music. 
 
Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

Visual Arts. Painting in particular. I actually did a degree in Visual Arts before I did a degree in Opera. I only do it as a hobby nowadays which is what keeps me sane most of the time.
 

Favourite non-classical music?

I literally live in my opera bubble and have no clue about what is current in pop music today. But not too long ago some of my students brought in Lady Gaga and Adele, and I must say I thought they were pretty awesome. Other than that, I like to listen to old school jazz.
 
Any upcoming performances you want to share?

After The Old Maid and the Thief I am planning to take a little break from singing because so far this year it has been non-stop for me.

Meet a DragonDiva - Henry Chen

Henry Chen Sound Man

Name: Henry Chen

Voice Type (if a singer): Baritone

Role: Sound Man

Hometown: Hualien, Taiwan and Vancouver, Canada


Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

Yes

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Old Maid and the Thief?

The sound man is one of the roles where I’m allowed to have the most fun. It was an interesting process figuring out different methods to make the required sound effects using the tools that are available to us, some of them a little unorthodox.

Where did you find inspiration for your role?

I once saw a documentary on videogame production, and it featured an entire section on special effects, including sound effects. The sound engineer played with different objects and sampled their combined percussive sounds in order to create the perfect sound of horse hooves on pavement. I felt like my character is one of those engineers, who in his spare time, might be sampling and experimenting with different instruments.

Favourite part of Old Maid and the Thief?

I find everything about this opera to be enthralling: the history, the comedy, the music, and the characters. The way Jeanine directed the show reveals not only a finished product, but also the process of putting on an opera. I think the development of “offstage” dynamics between cast members is my favourite part. I found the personas to be surprisingly true to life.

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

I hated classical music as a child, until I picked up the flute. Since then, I’ve studied numerous different instruments. It wasn’t until I was in the last years of high school that I started to sing. I was also introduced to drama classes during the same time, which I fell in love with immediately. Combining my love for classical music and theatre, I arrived at the operatic stage.

How would you describe opera to someone who has never seen one?

Opera is an art form with 400 years of history where its melodramatic actors are screaming out their most naked and raw emotions on a stage to an audience that’s willing to sit through an evening of it. It’s not always glamourous, it’s not always beautiful, it’s not always agreeable, but it always hits you somewhere in the head and makes you want to scream along to that lady in the red dress on stage. Because in your mind, you know the emotions cannot be conveyed through speaking; you are compelled to sing.

A lot of singers and actors have day jobs…do you?

Absolutely.

Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

I enjoy photography, especially portrait photography. I’ve made more money taking pictures of people than I have singing about people, which, although unfortunate, helps pay the bills.

Favorite non-classical music?

Oh lord, what do you kids listen to these days? That Ms. Gaga or that Justin Beaver or whatever?

Any upcoming performances you want to share?

I will be performing with the Vancouver Opera in Schools tour of “Naomi’s Road” in the upcoming spring time. It will be my first equity performance, and my first paid role. So it’s a very exciting opportunity for me.

Meet a DragonDiva - Lisa-Dawn Kilthau

Miss Todd Lisa-Dawn Kilthau

Name: Lisa-Dawn Nelsina Kilthau

Voice Type (if a singer): Mezzo Soprano

Role: Miss Todd

Hometown: Langley

Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

No - I first had the pleasure of performing with DragonDiva in 2010, joining them for the title role in their production of Massenet’s Cendrillon. That was a treat!

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Old Maid and the Thief?

I love how wide-ranging the role is. Miss Todd incorporates a little bit of everything, her emotions running from self-conscious girlishness to outrage. I’ve enjoyed feeling her character transform over the past few weeks as we’ve staged the opera scene by scene.

Where did you find inspiration for your role?

I love watching old British murder mysteries. I think Miss Todd is a combination of the colourful characters drawn from some of my favorites, informed of course by Menotti’s very descriptive music. 

Favourite part of Old Maid and the Thief?

Musically I love the duet between Miss Pinkerton and Miss Todd in the opening scene, as well as Bob and Laeticia’s respective arias. But I think the real attraction of this piece lies in the realism of the day-to-day interactions, the masterful way Menotti portrays the relationships between the ladies in the snippets of dialogue and perfectly placed awkward silences.
 
What attracted you to the operatic stage?

I went on a fieldtrip to see Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro when I was about 14, and was entranced by the entire production. That was my only experience with opera, until I started a certificate program in music after I finished high school. At that point I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do with music, but when I went to the opera again at that stage, I was hooked. I love live theater, especially in the sense of physically linking the performers to each other and the audience, and the addition of music using the human body as an instrument just adds to this connection. 

How would you describe opera to someone who has never seen one?

A complete aural, visual, physical, and cognitive artistic experience; it creates an entire world on a stage, and then draws you into it.

A lot of singers and actors have day jobs…do you?

I’m halfway through my Library Technicians diploma, and currently work as a shelver at Vancouver Public Library. People sometimes find it a bit of an odd combination, but I like the quiet downtime the library provides to balance out the craziness of performing.

Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

I love dancing; I do a lot of swing dance, and enjoy a wide variety of other partner dances as well.  I think it is just another form of simultaneously connecting to people and music. And when I can make the time, any form of art; jewelry making, drawing, painting etc.

Favorite non-classical music?

Anything I can dance to! I’m a big fan of all the local swing jazz bands…

Any upcoming performances you want to share?

I regularly sing at the Pan Pacific’s Café Pacifica as part of Burnaby Lyric Opera’s Opera dinner theater nights, and will be returning to join the Vancouver Opera Chorus for this season’s production of La Boheme.