Opera--Auditions

The UL Lafayette Opera Theater will hold auditions for its spring production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operetta, The Mikado.  The auditions will take place in Angelle Hall (in the chorus room) on January 14th beginning at 3 pm.    Appropriate audition material would be any song by Gilbert and Sullivan, a light operatic aria, or a classic, lyric musical theatre piece.  Try to keep it comic if possible. 

Auditioners may also be asked to do a cold reading.

Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 – 8 pm with 4 performances from April 14th through the 16th in Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus. 

The cast have 5 females and 5 males with a chorus.  The role of the Mikado is pre-cast.

Cast Breakdown:

The Mikado, bass

Nanki Poo,  tenor

Yum Yum, soprano

Koko, baritone (Patter role)

Katisha, mezzo or contralto

Poo Bah,  baritone or bass

Pish Tush, baritone or bass

Peep Bo,  soprano or mezzo

Pitti Sing,  mezzo

Contact Shawn Roy at 482-5939 or srr3023@louisiana.edu for more information about the auditions or performances.

The operetta is being accompanied by the UL Lafayette Wind Ensemble conducted by Dr. William Hochkeppel.  The show is being directed by Shawn Roy and choreographed by Kenneth Jenkins.  Sets are by Duncan Thistlethwaite and Lighting Design by Ken Harrelson.  Costumes are by Malabar Costume rental, Inc. 

Opera--Review (UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre)

OPERA WITHOUT TEARS

ULL Opera Theatre presents Too Many Sopranos, an opera buffa with music by Edwin Penhorwood and libretto by Miki L. Thompson under the direction of Shawn Roy.

Opera isn't always serious.  There is a long tradition of comic--sometimes outrageously comic--opera written by greater and lesser composers.  Composers want to turn a buck and pack the house and, believe it or not, most singers have a pretty good sense of humor.  This opera has some heavy-hitting fans among stars of the opera world.  When no one is looking, they like to knock back a few cold ones and do impressions of each other.  Actually, who doesn't?

If you could imagine the writing team of any season of Saturday Night Live! having a go at the shadow operas (fake opera portions which were inserted into musicals about opera stars) of the thirties and forties with a cast composed of Tina Feys and Steve Carrells who are trained singers, you have an idea of what Too Many Sopranos is like.  It gleefully pokes fun at the world of opera with slapstick action, a melodious score which gently satirizes several composers and caricatures of operatic situations and personalities.  In other words, its primary aim is to make you laugh, whether or not you know anything about opera.

In brief, four sopranos are told that three of them must be sent to Hell until there are enough tenors to balance them out in the Heavenly Choir.  Since sopranos and tenors are natural enemies, this presents problems.  As it happens, Hell has an overabundance of tenors, however; so the girls, along with St. Peter and Gabriel go off on a fishing expedition.

This is a perfect student production in two senses.  In the first place, the music is well within the capabilities of a vocal student not yet ready for the Met but headed in that direction and in the second place student audiences will find the show tuneful and approachable.  I think even young children will follow the plot and enjoy the production.

Director Shawn Roy has a commitment to entertaining his audience and his cast is energetic and silly.  The targets include Hollywood figures with caricatures of Nelson Eddy and Jeannette MacDonald and Orson Welles.  Enrico Caruso makes a guest appearance and so does the thankless Bass character singer.  The divas represent Classical, Wagnerian and Romantic Era singers and you could pick your own real-life divas as the models.  Each of the singers is a beacon of narcissism except for the sweet young couple of Just Jeannette and Nelson Deadly whose selfless love saves everyone's bacon.

The show looks good with an impressive set by Duncan Thistlethwaite which goes from Heaven in the first act to Hell in the second act through clever lighting and painting.  Ken Harrelson's lighting is atmospheric and the costuming neatly separates the different singers by period and personality.  The action moves at a crisp pace and the performers sing and speak clearly enough to put all the jokes across.  The two musicians lend able support.  The show is fast, too--under two hours including intermission.  

Admission is ten dollars general admission but free for ULL faculty, staff and students.  It is money well spent.
---Walter Brown

Opera--Performance

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre production of Too Many Sopranos opened Friday night in the newly renovated Burke Theatre on the university's campus.  There will be two more shows, one on Saturday (7:30 pm) and one on Sunday (3 pm).  Tickets are available only at the door.

Jared Price (as the Unnamed Bass) and Alex Hollerman (as Dame Doleful)

Jessica Wiltz (as Madame Pompous) and Nicholas Manzo (as Orson)

Kevin Credeur (as Nelson Deadly) and Meghin Taylor (as Just Jeanette)

 Lana Carver (as Miss Titmouse) and Holden Greene (as Enrico Carouser)

Jenee Luquette (as Sandman)

Joshua Coen (as Gabriel, an angel), Jonah Slason (as St. Peter) and Jessica Wiltz.

Photos by Beverly Harlton, permission from Shawn Roy

Opera--Performance

The cast of the UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre's  Too Many Sopranos is in the final days of rehearsal.  The show opens on Friday, November 5th at 7:30 pm and runs through Sunday, November 7th.

Photos by Joshua Coen, permission from Shawn Roy

Opera--Audition results

The UL Lafayette Opera Theater is announcing the cast for Too Many Sopranos by Edwin Penhorwood.  It is a contemporary comic opera in 2 acts.  
 
The cast:
Miss Titmouse - Lana Carver
Madame Pompous - Jessica Wiltz
Just Jeanette - Meghin Taylor
Dame Doleful - Alex Hollerman
St. Peter - Jonah Slason
Gabriel - TBA (not yet cast)
Enrico Carouser - Holden Greene
Nelson Deadly - Jace Fogleman
Unnamed Bass - Jared Price
Orson - Nick Manzo
Sandman - Jenee Luquette
 
The show is being directed by Shawn Roy.  Set design is by Duncan Thislethwaite.  Lighting design is by Ken Harrelson.  Pianist is Madelyne Godley.  
 
Production dates are November 5th and 6th at 7:30PM and November 7th at 3PM in Burke Hall on the UL Lafayette campus.  Tickets will available at the door only and are $10 for general public and free for UL Lafayette students, faculty and staff.  Call 482-5939 for more information.  

Opera--Auditions

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre is holding open auditions for Too Many Sopranos, a contemporary opera by Edwin Penhorwood, on Thursday, August 6th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm in Room 143 in Burke Hall on the UL campus. There is a cast of 12 people and all are welcome to audition.  Production dates are November 5th, 6th and 7th in Burke Theater on the UL-Lafayette campus. 

Opera--Auditions

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre is holding open auditions for Too Many Sopranos, a contemporary opera by Edwin Penhorwood, on Thursday, August 5th from 4:30 to 7:30 pm in Room 143 in Burke Hall on the UL campus. There is a cast of 12 people and all are welcome to audition.  Production dates are November 5th, 6th and 7th in Burke Theater on the UL-Lafayette campus.  The singing roles available are:

• St. Peter - bass-baritone
• Dame Doleful - mezzo-soprano
• Madame Pompous - soprano
• Miss Titmouse - coloratura soprano
• Just Jeannette - soprano
• Sandman - soprano
• Unnamed Bass - bass-baritone
• Enrico Carouser - tenor
• Gabriel-Angel - silent
• Nelson Deadly - tenor
• Orson - bass

There is one non-singing acting role (actor or dancer)  who must be flexible and able to move well.  Rehearsals for this production will be held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 pm to 8 pm. 


Auditioners are asked to bring an operatic aria in any language (English preferred).  

Theatre--Review (UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre)

Ray Blum reviews the UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood in the Friday, April 9th edition of the Daily Advertiser.  The Georgies went to Nick Manzo and Carolyn Broussard.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre and UL-Lafayette Orchestra production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood opens tonight, March 25th, at 7:30 pm at Angelle Hall and continues through Sunday, March 28th.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

Come and see the UL Opera Theatre's and the UL Symphony's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Solve-It-Yourself Musical!

This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) "puts on" its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper's nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunit? The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of Drood's most talked-about features, which allows the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to the most unusual and hilarious finale!

Cast:
Edwin Drood--Alex Hollerman
Chairman--Nicholas Manzo
John Jasper--Holden Greene
Rosa Bud--Lana Carver and Jenee Luquette
Neville Landless--Evan Melancon
Helena Landless--Meghin Taylor and Ashlee Richard
Reverend Crisparkle--Brian Egland
Princess Puffer--Carolyn Broussard
Bazzard--Beverly Harlton
Durdles--Ken Harrelson
Deputy/Waiter--Nathanael Trahan

Citizens of Cloisterham - Kelly Griffin, Jenny Dupre, Katie Parris, Brittany Monaghan and Jennifer Andrews

Dancers - Kristina Doiron, Courtney Scott, Rebecca LaFleur, Katie Parris, and Ashley Arnold

The show is directed by Shawn Roy, and choreographed by Melinda Caubarreaux. The UL Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Michael Blaney. Set design and construction by Duncan Thistlethwaite, Lighting design by Ken Harrelson and Sound by Nathan Abbott.

Book, Music, and Lyrics by Rupert Holmes.

The show will run Thursday (March 25th), Friday March 26th), Saturday (March 27th) at 7:30pm, with a Sunday matinee on March 28th at 3pm.

Performances will be held at the Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium at Angelle Hall on UL campus.

Tickets will be available at the door for $10 general admission, and free for UL students and faculty.

Theatre--Performance (Musical theatre)

Come and see the UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre's production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the Solve-It-Yourself Musical!

This wildly warm-hearted theatrical experience kicks off when the Music Hall Royale (a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe) "puts on" its flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Charles Dickens mystery. The story itself deals with John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster who is quite madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud. Now, Miss Bud is, in turn, engaged to Jasper's nephew, young Edwin Drood. Our title character disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve-but has Edwin Drood been murdered? And if so, then whodunit? The giddy playfulness of this play-within-a-play draws the audience toward one of Drood's most talked-about features, which allows the audience to vote on the solution as prelude to the most unusual and hilarious finale!

Cast:
     Edwin Drood--Alex Hollerman
     Chairman--Nicholas Manzo
     John Jasper--Holden Greene
     Rosa Bud--Lana Carver and Jenee Luquette
     Neville Landless--Evan Melancon
     Helena Landless--Meghin Taylor and Ashlee Richard
     Reverend Crisparkle--Brian Egland
     Princess Puffer--Carolyn Broussard
     Bazzard--Beverly Harlton
     Durdles--Ken Harrelson
     Deputy/Waiter--Nathanael Trahan
     Citizens of Cloisterham - Kelly Griffin, Jenny Dupre, Katie Parris, Brittany Monaghan and Jennifer Andrews
     Dancers - Kristina Doiron, Courtney Scott, Rebecca LaFleur, Katie Parris, and Ashley Arnold

The show is directed by Shawn Roy, and choreographed by Melinda Caubarreaux. The UL-Lafayette Symphony Orchestra will be conducted by Michael Blaney. Set design and construction is by Duncan Thistlethwaite.  Book, music, and lyrics are by Rupert Holmes.

The show opens on March 25th at 7:30 pm and will continue on the 26th and 27th with a Sunday matinee on March 28th at 3pm. Performances will be held at the Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium at Angelle Hall on UL campus. Tickets will be available at the door for $10 general admission, and free for UL students and faculty.

Theatre--Performance (Musical Theatre)

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre is currently in rehearsal for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which will run from March 25th through March 29th with 4 performances in Ducrest-Gilfry Auditorium in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus.

Theatre--Performance

Shawn Roy, director of the UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre, has announced the cast for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the spring production.

Edwin Drood--Alex Hollerman
Chairman--Nicholas Manzo
John Jasper--Holden Greene
Rosa Bud--Lana Carver and Jenee Luquette
Helena Landless--Meghin Taylor and Ashlee Richard
Neville Landless--Evan Melancon
Reverend Crisparkle--Brian Egland
Princess Puffer--Carolyn Broussard
Bazzard--Beverly Harlton
Durdles--Ken Harrelson
Deputy/Waiter--Nathanael Trahan

Citizens of Cloisterham - Kelly Griffin, Jenny Dupre, Brittany Monaghan and Jennifer Andrews

Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)

The UL-Lafayette Opera Theatre will hold its open auditions for The Mystery of Edwin Drood, scheduled for Thursday, January 14th and Friday, January 15th, in Room 111 (the Art Gallery) of the Student Union on the UL-Lafayette campus.

The seperate dance audition will be held at the same location immediately following the actors/singers auditions.

Theatre--Auditions (Musical Theatre)

The UL Lafayette Opera Theater is presenting The Mystery of Edwin Drood as its spring production. The musical is a murder mystery type show based on Charles Dicken's last and unfinished novel. The audience ends up solving the mystery each night with a possible different ending. The show is set in Victorian England. The show will be accompanied by the UL Lafayette Symphony conducted by Michael Blaney. The production is being directed by Shawn Roy with choreography by Melinda Caubarreaux.

Rehearsals for the show are set for Mondays from 5 to 8 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30 pm. The show runs from March 25th through the 29th with 4 performances in Angelle Hall on the UL Lafayette campus. Auditions will be held at Angelle Hall on Thursday, January 14th from 3:30 to 6:30 pm and Friday, January 15th from 5 to 7 pm. Special auditions for trained dancers will be Friday, January 15th from 7 to 9PM. Everyone must sing an entire musical theater song and have a short monologue or be prepared to cold read from the script.

Roles include:
     Edwin Drood (mezzo sop or belter)
     John Jasper (high baritone or tenor)
     Chairman (character tenor)
     Princess Puffer (contralto)
     Rosa Bud (legit soprano)
     Neville (high baritone or tenor)
     Helena (mezzo soprano or contralto)
     Crisparkle (baritone)
     Bazzard (tenor)
     Durdles (baritone)
     Deputy (tenor)

There is also a chorus of 8 to 16 people, many of whom double as small speaking and singing roles.

For more information, email Shawn Roy at srr3023@louisiana.edu or call the office at 482-5939.