Rosebud women share once-in-a-lifetime opera experience
By Laureen F. Guenther Times Contributor
Photo Courtesy of Leila Keith
Carmen is a young woman who’s wooed by many men. She ignores them and seduces Don José, who’s already promised to marry Micaela. Don José abandons Micaela and goes off with Carmen, but Carmen soon rejects him in favour of the toreador, Escamillo. Micaela tries to persuade Don José to return to her, but he declares his undying love for Carmen, just before stabbing Carmen to death.
This performance is being produced by Mercury Opera, in collaboration with Badlands Amphitheatre and Opera Classica Europa. Anna Goma, a mezzo-soprano from Spain, is performing the role of Carmen. Soloists are also coming from Toronto, Okotoks and Edmonton. Singers from around the province will perform as extras and chorus members.
“I feel so honoured – when do you have that chance to be part of an opera chorus,” said Van Dyke. “I did it because I’ve never been cast in a musical and because I do love singing. This is an incredible opportunity for me to sing with the best in the province, and some world-class people who are coming in from out of the country. I get to sing with them on this beautiful, beautiful set with a really fun story with great costumes.”
The chorus members have a few local rehearsals and two full days and an evening with the entire cast.
But the principal soloists won’t join them until the final weekend.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Lewandowski. “It was delightful to hear (that) the professionals, these singers from Toronto, be delighted with the facility and the environment of the amphitheatre and the Passion Play site. They were just so excited to be in this space.”
The Rosebud women are learning to sing in French, but that’s not their only challenge. They had a lot of laughter about a scene where the men and women extras are directed to flirt.
“What does flirting in opera look like?” Lewandowski asked. “Can I actually learn to flirt without looking like an awkward junior higher? I don’t know if I can actually do that part. Maybe there are junior highers who have mastered this.”
The best part of performing in Carmen, they said, is that they’re doing it with friends.
“I’m doing this because there are other people in my community who are doing this,” said Lewandowski. “They equip and allow me to learn better and faster and be a better me. It’s the people we hang out with that make us good.”
Carmen will be performed Aug. 4 at 7 p.m., in the Badlands Amphitheatre in Drumheller, the site of the Badlands Passion Play. Get tickets at badlandsamp.com or 403-820-2001.