Only 3 days away! I have had such a wonderful time preparing for VOC’s production of the Magic Flute this past month that the time has just flown by (like one of Papageno’s cute little birdies)! Cast as the Queen of the Night, my reaction to our very creative director’s concept of a sports-themed children’s adaptation was absolute delight. I love opera “outside of the box” so to speak. Don’t get me wrong, I am indeed still a sucker for the traditional operatic settings with elaborate costuming, sets, lights, etc. However, sometimes a performer (and an audience) craves a new take on a beloved classic.
For me, this production of The Magic Flute is a breath of fresh air for my portrayal of the Queen. When else would I get to play a Wii video game while spinning out some of the most difficult coloratura passages Mozart composed, or get to wear a Metallica t-shirt as part my matronly regal costume? What a challenge and what fun! I am positive my fellow cast mates feel the same. Sitting through rehearsals, I have the privilege of watching and listening to some wonderfully talented performers make it all happen with hard work and dedication – and they are always unmistakably having tons of fun. I mean, Tamino and Pamina get to shake pom-poms, the three Ladies have some pretty cool gymnast’s toys to play with, and Papageno plays a badminton match with his feathery sweetheart. Who wouldn’t be having a blast? I know the audience will love it just as much as we do.
This week, “magic” will certainly happen as we all put in our best effort and attention to detail with a big smile on our faces – well - the villainous Queen may not have a smile on her face, but I can assure you that I will certainly have a smile in my heart.
See Sara Salas perform her role as Queen of the Night in Mozart's Magic Flute this Friday, March 25 & Sunday, March 27. Learn more at http://www.verismooperaclub.org.
“Capable of executing fiendishly difficult fioratura with accuracy…and able to spin a superb legato cantilena”, Soprano Sara Salas has charmed and impressed audiences in the United States and Canada with her engaging dramatic presence and captivating voice.
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