"Ariadne auf Naxos" with a twist

Everyone says opera needs a “makeover” in order to become relevant to the 21st century audience. (Well not everyone, just those who want butts in seats.) While sitting with my colleagues during the intermission of the dress rehearsal of my current production “Ariadne auf Naxos,” we got to thinking about how we would make opera more contemporary (but with full tongue-in-cheek.) So we decided that if we were to recast opera with figures from the world of popular music, people would sit up and listen (while others would die immediately on the spot!)

So here is the cast list for a 2013 “Ariadne auf Naxos”:

Ariadne-this role requires a big voice, a diva presence and someone capable of great phrasing. The natural choice is someone with a real voice and great style like Jennifer Hudson who certainly knows about tragedy and has the acting chops to carry an opera.

Zerbinetta-this role is filled with vocal fireworks and requires an extended range. Years ago, Mariah Carey with her fabulous whistle tone would have been the obvious choice, but she is no longer the “coquette” and the crown of vocal gymnastics queen seems to belong to Christina Aguilera.

The Composer-This was a tough one as it requires a fiery personality, a strong voice and an ability to look good in a pants suit. For some reason, Nicki Minaj seemed a good option although I’m sure once I publish this I’ll think of someone more appropriate.

The Three Nymphs-Who else could reinterpret the three nymphs while still retaining their own individuality? Why Destiny’s Child of course.

The Dance Master-With his ability to be lithe, light on his feet and filled with an innate sense of rhythm, Justin Timberlake would be ideal for this fantastic supporting role.

Harlekin-Has to be young, handsome, but still able to be the comedian. He also has a wonderful tune to sing and yet has to be able to sing in a group. Adam Levine fits the bill. Former Mr. Jessica Simpson and 98 Degrees alumni, Nick Lachey would be his cover.

Scaramuccio, Truffaldin and Brighella-Tight harmonies and complex dance moves means we could choose between the more experienced Boys II Men or just take 3 of the 5 One Direction members and teach them how to really sing well.

The Music Teacher-He needs to be someone who can “school” the young ones on how to do things and has the respect of everyone in the business. The Artist Formerly Known as…now known as Prince is perfect!

Bacchus-Last but not least, the role of Bacchus requires a great stage carriage, a voice filled with raw emotion and grandeur to spare. The only possible singer: Aretha Franklin. After her “Nessum Dorma” it’s clear she loves opera and knows the tenor rep.

Have another opera you’d like to see recast? Let me know.

Peace,
Eric

Crazy or an opera singer?

One of the joys of NYC is being on the subway next to someone and you hear that they are having a full-blown conversation. You look up and realize that there is no one on the other side of the conversation and see that they are actually muttering to themselves. It is usually accompanied by a rather funky stench, a shopping cart filled with plastic bags and frequent outbursts about what Nene just did. But there are those times when you see someone and they seem perfectly normal as they are dressed in the latest trends and are sans extra baggage and yet, they are clearly talking to…no one. I would get a kick out trying to figure out what it is they are whispering to themselves and if they truly see the person to whom it seems they are addressing. What makes a seemingly normal looking New Yorker have a whole train ride of one-sided chit-chat?

It wasn’t until about a week ago, while in the midst of perfecting my latest role of the Music Teacher in “Ariadne auf Naxos,” that it was brought to my attention that I have a habit of muttering the text in rhythm under my breath and to the casual observer, it would seem that I am skating right into Cuckooville. In my defense, I have had to learn six new roles this season and have another new role to learn in a month so lots of repetition is a must. I know I have a role down cold when I can pick any spot in the opera and can rattle off the words like they are second nature. However, I was not aware that the rattling was out loud and could be viewed by others as someone on the way to Crazy Town.

My mind flashed back to all those seemingly normal folks I had seen having one-sided conversations and I realized that they were, like me, working out the nuances of an upcoming role. My theory was confirmed this morning as I went for a walk and realized, that unbeknownst to my conscious mind, I was mumbling the Music Teacher’s lines while walking down the street. Now, anyone who chooses the life of an opera singer has to have a touch of the crazy in them, however the next time you see someone chit-chatting to the air, have faith that they just might be the next great opera singer preparing a new, challenging role…or they might be Crazy Louie coming to bum a quarter. It is New York after all.

Peace,
Eric