Dancer Adds to Repetoire through Opera-Lytes

Raymond F. Castro is playing Mr. Maraczek, the owner of Maraczek’s Parfumery, in She Loves Me. Below he shares his journey of how he came to love performing.

So what’s your story? What brought you to musical theatre?

I had started taking ballet in my early 30’s to get into shape–I couldn’t stand jogging. The studio I attended had a dance company that was invited to perform in two operas at Artpark.   I was asked if I would like to be a supernumerary, and I found myself on stage dressed as a paige in “Riggoletto”.   And as ridiculous as I looked, I knew then that I wanted a lot more of performing.

How did you get involved in Opera-Lytes?

I first learned about Opera-lytes at, of all things, a funeral. I was introduced to someone who told me all about performing for Opera-Lytes.   Some time afterward I saw the audition notice in the paper for “The Sorcerer”, and I offered my services as an extra or a dancer.   I was invited to a rehearsal and found myself for the first time in front of the piano.  I was relegated to the base section and have been there ever since.

You went from dancing to singing…anything else you can do?

Recently I have branched out more into serious acting as well.  My first significant role was Paul Sycamore in the comedy “You Can’t Take It With You”,  produced by Hamburg Theater Under the Stars.  But I still do ballets, and just performed as Dr. Coppelias in the Greater Buffalo Youth Ballets production of “Coppelia”. Most of my stage career has been as a dancer.  I love to dance, so any time I can get on stage as a dancer is special for me.

What has been challenging about your role in She Loves Me?

The director, Deb Jasinski, asked me to help with choreography for the show. Opera-lytes is known for great singing, and as usual the cast for She Loves Me is incredible and the vocal sound is amazing.  My challenge has been getting all of the cast more comfortable with movement.

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She Loves Me opens May 15, 2014 and runs till May 18, at the Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Visit www.operalytes.com for tickets!

Opera-Lytes Provides Challenge and Fulfillment for Cast Member

Nicholas Mark Czaplicki recently answered a few questions about his experiences in theatre, how he got involved with Opera-Lytes, and his current role (George Nowack) for the upcoming production of She Loves Me!

Tell us how how you got involved in theatre, and what led you to Opera-Lytes?

My involvement in theater started when I was in elementary school. I was in all the school musicals until I graduated and earned the drama award my senior year. I went to college at SUNY Fredonia and continued performing in shows there. At Fredonia, I had an amazing accompanist, Tricia Betcher. A couple years after we both graduated, I received a message asking me if I still performed and if I would be interested in auditioning for a Gilbert and Sullivan show. I had never done a G&S show before, but I was familiar with them because I sang a couple pieces with my voice teacher in college. I came to the audition, once again reunited with my talented accompanist, and landed the role of J.W. Wells.

This is your third show with Opera-Lytes. Can you say more about that?

I really enjoyed the past shows I have been in through Opera Lytes. I was Captain Corcoran in Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore and J.W. Wells in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Sorcerer. Working with Opera Lytes is a much different experience than working with any other company. First of all, there are so many talented and knowledgeable people. The directors have clear visions, but work with the performers to make sure we look and sound our best. Second, we have a lot of fun in rehearsal, but we are also very professional. We know what work needs to get done, and our directors expect us to get the job done. Finally, we are a family. I have only been with Opera Lytes for two years, but from the moment I walked into the rehearsal room, I felt more welcomed than I have anywhere else. Since then, this wonderful group of people have been some of the most supportive, helpful, and amazing people I have ever known.

Compare “She Loves Me” to other shows you have done.

Before coming to Opera-Lytes, my favorite was a production at SUNY Fredonia of Godspell. This show is very special to me because I’m used to playing the comic relief, and now I am  cast as a romantic love interest. Overall, She Loves Me has been a great experience because all of the characters interact so well, and not one person is strictly the comic relief – we all get to keep the audience laughing.

What were some of the challenges of preparing for the role of George Nowack?

The best thing about performing in a show is the ability to transform yourself into someone new. This is also the challenge. In order to connect with the character,  I did some research such as watching the movie “You’ve Got Mail” , which  has a similar plot. I also familiarized myself with the works of literature referenced in She Loves Me. It has definitely helped me understand the character and the world he lived in.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about coming out to see the show?

I promise the audience will have a great time!!! We have a fantastic cast and crew, and we have great directors at the helm! It’s going to be an incredible show!

 

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She Loves Me opens May 15, 2014 and runs till May 18, at the Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Visit www.operalytes.com for tickets!

 

Small Cast, Big Opportunity: The Experience of an Ensemble Member in She Loves Me

We recently chatted with Emily Yancey, who is performing in the Shopper Trio and ensemble of the May 2014 production of She Loves Me. Emily has been involved in theatre ever since middle school, has appeared in lead roles  in several Opera-lytes productions, and recently appeared as “Laurey” in Oklahoma! with the Lancaster Opera House.

What is fun and exciting about performing in a show?

I always enjoy rehearsals because it is provides me with the challenge of learning new material while determining how best to use my instrument to express the material. It’s fresh and exciting. The actual performances themselves produce a blend of nervous excitement and pride as I get to showcase the hard work I’ve put into a role.

 What is it like preparing for “She Loves Me”, compared to other shows you have done?

The characters in “She Loves Me” are delightfully comical and a pleasure to portray. I get a personal satisfaction from satirizing the materialistic, desperate house-wife personality–it’s one I feel deserves a good mocking.

 What is unique about doing this for Operalytes?

The ensemble for this show is very small. I’m not used to small ensemble shows, and it is definitely a different experience. You end up putting that much more energy into your scenes since there are so few of them.

 How and when did you get involved in Opera-lytes?

I initially found Opera-Lytes through an ArtVoice audition ad for their Opera & Broadway concert a couple years back. I find them a delightful, diverse, and accepting group of people whom I am always happy to work with.

 What is challenging about the role, and how have you prepared for it?

This particular role is challenging in that it is less about beauty of sound and more about personality and color. In that way, I have to produce the character through my voice, which requires more focus and attention than if I were just singing as Emily. I’m learning how to color my voice in comical ways, while still retaining a beautiful sound in areas that it is expected and/or required. This is toning my mental and vocal flexibility and adaptation for character.

 Do you have any promises for the audience? What should they expect?

Though it may not seem it, the music for this show is wonderfully complex. They should expect clear, well-developed characters with an anything-but-simple score to support it. You should also be prepared to laugh.

 Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just wait for the café scene! 😉

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She Loves Me opens May 15, 2014 and runs till May 18, at the Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Visit www.operalytes.com for tickets!

 

Spotlight on “Sipos”

We recently interviewed Dale M.McKim, Jr., who is playing the role of Sipos in our May 2014 production of She Loves Me. This is his first show with Opera-Lytes.

How did you get involved in theatre?

Back in college, a professor suggested that I audition.

What were some of your favorite roles in the past?

Favorite roles in the past include Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, King Duncan in Shakespeare’s MacBeth, and Nicely in Guys & Dolls.

What is the best part about being in this show, or any show for that matter?

She Loves Me is not often done. It is a unique project. But overall, I enjoy the rehearsal process.

What has been challenging about preparing for the role of Sipos?

I have a difficult solo, Perspective, in the first Act.

Can you tell us more about that?

There is a subplot where the character I portray is insecure, afraid of being fired. In the song Sipos outlines, to the male romantic lead, his survival strategy. The song constantly changes tempos–I would guess around 20 times.  I spend about a half hour or so just on that song every  day and I am still not there yet. Thank God for Paul’s patience.

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She Loves Me opens May 15, 2014 and runs till May 18, at the Alleyway Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Visit www.operalytes.com for tickets!

A Policeman’s Part in Pirates of Penzance

Dan Lenard is member of the chorus for the 2013 Operalytes production of The Pirates of Penzance. He is particularly distinguished as one of the fine Policemen!

What is fun and exciting about performing in a Gilbert and Sullivan opera?

Ever since I saw HMS Pinafore at the old Studio arena Theater in 6th grade (A LONG TIME AGO), I’ve had  love of Gilbert and Sullivan! The time was right and its great to be back on stage after so many years away.

What do you like about The Pirates of Penzance, compared to other shows you have done?

I love its Victorian campiness. Its very different from the Broadway musicals I used to do.

What is unique about doing this for Operalytes?

Great crew, great cast, wonderful direction, inspiration!

How they you prepared for your role, and how are you trying to bring out the theme of growing up?

Growing up? This is growing up? This is total regression to my youth!

Have there been any particular challenges for you  in your role?

I can’t read music very well… but I can count!

Have you learned anything from your experience performing in The Pirates of Penzance?

How to read music better.

Do you have any promises for the audience? What should they expect?

A rip-roarious good time and lots of highlights!

Major General Stanley: Plucky and Adventurey!

John Vogt is performing as Major General Stanley for Operalyte’s production of The Pirates of Penzance, opening May 10, 2013 at the Alleyway Theatre, Buffalo, NY. He recently sat down with Operalyte’s Publicity Coordinator, Pamela Szalay, to answer a few questions about his experience preparing for the role.

Question: What is it like performing in The Pirates of Penzance, compared to other shows you have done?

I really enjoy Major General Stanley. He’s not as cerebral as the Lord Chancelor—I played  that role in 2012 for Operalytes’ production  of Iolanthe. The Major General fancies himself really knowledgeable, but he’s knowledgeable in all for wrong places for his career. He makes no excuses for it, either!

Q: How have you prepared for your role?

The same way you get to Carnegie hall, practice, practice, practice! For me it’s all about line memorization and getting the rhyme schemes. I have also listened to several different recordings and have spoken with my brother, who is currently the president the Maine Gilbert & Sullivan Society. He has been in the show several times and has been a great resource.

Q: Can you share some of challenges of playing Major-General Stanley?

There are a couple things. First, there is differentiating Stanley from other patter roles in Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. For example, there is Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore and the Lord Chancelor in Iolanthe. I want Stanley to have his own personality and not be a stock character.

And then there is the patter song itself, Modern Major General—basically, I’ve been consumed by memorizing the lyrics and learning when to breathe so I can get them all out!

Q: Are you learning anything new in this production?

Ballet!

Q: In general, what do you like about performing in Gilbert & Sullivan operetta’s?

I love the structure of the words in the music. It’s genius. The words are intelligently placed within complex melodies. It’s like a musical literary puzzle! And there is such a sense of joy about how the songs are written: the celebration of witty lyrics, the intricate rhyme scheme, mixed with all those wonderful eights and sixteenth notes. I just think it’s fantastic.

Q: Do you have a favorite line from this show?

I love saying “Though I’m plucky and adventury”

Q: Any words for the audience?

I want them to feel Stanley’s energy and  laugh with him!

The Major-General in his P.J.’s?

Related articles

• Gilbert and Sullivan pose challenge for Scottish Opera (scotsman.com)
• Gilbert & Sullivan Part I: A Brilliant Musical Partnership (mbafinearts.wordpress.com)
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The Music Director Speaks!

James Welch is the Music Director for Operalytes’ 2013 production of The Pirates of Penzance. Previously, Mr. Welch has served as Operalytes’ pianist and rehearsal accompanist for concerts and stage productions.

James Welch conducting with the help of a video camera

You are not new to Operalytes, but this is your first time on the other side of the production staff. What are some of the challenges you have faced?

One of the biggest challenges of conducting an Opera or Musical is to create a musical sound that supports the story and character actions.  Then there is the technical challenge of keeping all the  musicians,whether they are performing from the stage or the pit, working together despite the physical separation. In the case of this production, the pit orchestra will be behind all of the staging and I will be conducting from far up and center stage.

So the cast can’t see you? That’s awkward.

Yes, very awkward. Obviously the cast needs to see me to get their cues. We solved this challenge by placing a video monitor at the front of the stage that transmits a live video feed of me conducting in the back.

That sounds a little awkward, too. How did that go?

We tried it last weekend and the cast and production staff was really happy with the result!

Just talking about the music now, what are the challenges of directing  The Pirates of Penzance?

This is the first show I’ve done that has three separate choruses.  There is the women’s chorus and two men’s choruses: one for the Pirates, and another for the Policemen. It has been interesting to work on interplay between them, as well as bringing out all the musical and character attributes.

Do you have any final words for the audience?

We have an extremely dedicated and talented cast and orchestra.  Plus the story is hilarious, and the music is easy to listen to.  When you come see our show, be ready to laugh and have a great night out at the theater.

Frederic Grows Up

An interview with Paul Waara, as he prepares to perform the role of Frederic in the upcoming Opera-lytes production of The Pirates of Penzance.

You have been deeply involved with Opera-lytes deeply for many years: initially as a soloist and lead in several productions, later as the vocal director, and most recently as the musical director. You are also active on the board of directors. After three years serving “behind the scenes”, what brought you back to the stage as a performer?

First of all, The Pirates of Penzance is one of my favorite Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Funny characters, witty and engaging dialogue, enchanting music….what’s not to love? But I have truly missed singing and performing on stage. I am excited that I get to reprise the role of “Frederic”, having last played the role when Opera-Lytes presented this opera in 2006.

George Power, the original Frederic in London (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Can you describe the role of Frederic for us, particularly as you will present him?

Frederic is someone bound by duty, and he is committed to completing his remaining years of service to the pirates despite the hardship (see Pirates of Penzance Q&A). But when he falls in love with Mabel, he faces a dilemma and must decide whether to follow love or duty. In fact, “The Slave of Duty” is the subtitle of the show. As a performer, my challenge lies in portraying Frederic as someone who is ready to go out into the world and see what it has to offer, but must keep his wits as he is pulled in different directions.

Director Lisa Berglund’s concept for this show centers on the theme of growing up. How has this affected your preparation for the role?

As we are still in the midst of rehearsals, I continue to find my footing with the character of Frederic. But I can easily make a personal connection to him, recalling what it was like when I was ready to “leave the nest” myself. And needless to say, a lot of growth has happened for me since 2006, with my singing and in my life. Though Frederic remains “a lad of twenty-one” in the plot, I myself in real life am now a lad of thirty-two! So this has been a wonderful opportunity for me to look back upon my own life adventures the past seven years, all which contain love, loss, great adventures, and a lot of laughter along the way. These things will certainly play a role in the evolution of “Frederic” this time around.

Speaking of that, is it harder or easier to perform a role for the second time?

In some ways, taking on a character for the second time is like putting on an old sweater you wear often. You are well acquainted with the feel, the comfort, and the ease of wearing it. Yet it is still a journey as a performer to bring this character to life again.

Do you have any words to convey to potential audience members out there?

I hope the adventure is as exciting for them when they come to the show as it has been for me thus far!

Please tell us what you think! Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page.

Related articles

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Pirates of Penzance Q&A

A question and answer session with Lisa Berglund, director of the May 2013 production of The Pirates of Penzance.

What is The Pirates of Penzance about?

English: 1880 theatrical poster for an American production of The Pirates of Penzance. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Pirates of Penzance is one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most light-hearted and accessible operas—it tells the whimsical story of an unlucky pirate apprentice. Frederic discovers that because he was born on the 29th of February, even though he has lived 21 years he is technically only 5 ¼ years old and must remain with the pirates until he has celebrated 21 birthdays.

It sounds silly. Is there more to it?

Pirates is a fun show, but it’s dramatically and emotionally exciting because, when the story begins, the characters have made different choices about growing up, and their choices naturally conflict. Pirates has a serious emotional core, which our production will use to relate to our audience.

Think about it: Do you want to grow up? Are you eager to face the challenges of adulthood? To worry about your responsibility to society? To accept what you owe to other people? Be independent? Embrace doubt? Make difficult choices?…Or would you like to play pirates for a little longer?

Can you explain how today’s audience might relate to the characters?

Some characters in the show want to remain children forever. For example, the pirates are enjoying an extended adolescence—they’re like twenty-somethings living in dad’s basement, playing World of Warcraft and failing to pay the rent. Ruth, their pirate maid-of-all-work, might seem to be a responsible adult, but she’s playing,too, insisting that they are all children in the nursery.

On the other hand, the Stanley girls—our ladies chorus—are eager to grow up, even if independence is as simple as dipping naked toes in the tepid waters of the beach at Penzance.

More seriously, for the hero Frederic and his beloved Mabel, growing up means accepting the responsibilities that come with caring for someone else more than one cares for oneself. Both Frederic and Mabel realize that adults can’t hide in games, like children; sometimes they have to choose between two good things, like love and duty.

Could you say that The Pirates of Penzance has it all?

Well, yes. Frederic and Mabel’s struggle between love and duty gives Pirates its emotional core, while the loveable foolishness of their squealing siblings and pirating comrades supplies the opera’s effervescent charm.

Please tell us what you think! Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page.

Related articles

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