SU Opera Theatre to present student-directed and -produced ‘Golden Age of Operetta’ April 25

SU Opera Theatre to present student-directed and -produced ‘Golden Age of Operetta’ April 25April 08, 2009Erica Blustesblust@syr.edu

Excerpts from three rarely performed, early 20th-century American operettas will be featured in Syracuse University Opera Theatre’s “The Golden Age of Operetta” on Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. in the Rose and Jules R. Setnor Auditorium, Crouse College. The production, which is directed and produced by Kate Haar-Lyons, a senior music major in the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the Irving Garage.

“The Golden Age of Operetta” will include scenes from Sigmund Romberg’s “The Desert Song” and “The Student Prince” as well as Victor Herbert’s “Naughty Marietta.” The music blends the lightheartedness of Broadway with challenging vocal lines of the operatic tradition. All selections share the common theme of escape to exotic lands. The audience will be guided through the program by Stephen Meyer, associate professor of fine arts in SU’s College of Arts and Sciences, who will offer historical commentary.

The production marks Haar-Lyons’ directing and producing debut. She previously served as assistant director of the Opera Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of “The Mikado,” which premiered in January. “Golden Age” was inspired by her senior thesis on early 20th-century operetta.”The goal of this production is to feature as many of our talented voice students as possible in solos, duets and ensemble numbers,” says Haar-Lyons. “We really wanted this production to be a beneficial learning experience for all involved.”

The 30-member student cast is also led by assistant director Gabrielle Traub, a sophomore vocal performance major, and musical director Eric Johnson, a faculty member and co-chair of the voice department in the Setnor School. Abigail Ottenjohn, a sophomore music industry major, serves as production assistant, and Benjamin Hoffman, a first-year graduate student in piano performance, will accompany on keyboard. Minimal sets, lighting and costumes will be used.

Founded in 2001, SU Opera Theatre is composed of students pursuing a career in music. In addition to “The Mikado,” past repertory has included Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers” and “Trial by Jury.” In 2006, Opera Theatre students traveled to Florence, Italy, where they performed Luigi Zaninelli’s “Snow White” at the Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

For more information, contact the Opera Theatre office at (315) 443-2512.VPA is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship and commentary. The college provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. Learn more at http://vpa.syr.edu.