'Daughter' on YouTube

Click below for a teaser promo of La fille du Régiment on YouTube.

Be sure not to miss the critically acclaimed La fille du Régiment in its final weekend: Saturday, August 7th (8:00pm) and Sunday, August 8th (3:00pm). Sung in French with projected English supertitles. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church located at 733 Union Blvd in St. Louis. Get your tickets by visiting http://www.unionavenueopera.org/ or calling the box office at 314.361.2881 where there are special offers and discounts available!

Critical Notices for 'Daughter of the Regiment'

Sarah Bryan Miller of the Saint Louis Post-Dispatch, Chuck Lavazzi of Operatic Saint Louis (see review one post below), Gerry Kowarsky of Two on the Aisle and Chris Gibson of BroadwayWorld have weighed in on Union Avenue Opera's La fille du Régiment. Here's a sampling of what they had to say:

The Production

"Union Avenue Opera's second offering of the season...is a hard one to cast. ... Artistic director Scott Schoonover assembled a good group of performers. ... Conductor Kostis Protopapas kept things moving brightly, and maintained good communications between stage and pit." --Sarah Bryan Miller

"The second production of [UAO's] 2010 season...is a truly charming piece of work with a pair of leads that I’d put up against anyone on the Opera Theatre of St. Louis stage. ... Conductor Kostis Protopapas does a nice job with the reduced orchestra in what has always seemed to me to be a rather challenging acoustic environment. ... The bottom line is that Union Avenue Opera’s La fille du régiment is a solid production of a lively and tuneful score by one of the masters of bel canto. You couldn’t ask for a better break from the oppressive heat and humidity of a St. Louis summer." --Chuck Lavazzi

"What a treat it was to hear such beautiful singing by [Gregory Schmidt] and by the soprano, Erica Cochran...The production was a winner, especially for its singing." --Gerry Kowarsky

"...Union Avenue Opera has produced a winning combination of mirth and merriment with their staging of this work. ... Kostis Protopapas dynamically conducts the orchestra, guiding the singers and the musicians with skill and precision. Jolly Stewart's stage direction keeps the tone light, and allows for some nice physical business here and there to keep things lively. Patrick Huber's scenery and lighting scheme are both simply, but effectively realized. Lyn DeMoss has also crafted a fine collection of costumes for this military exercise." --Chris Gibson

Erica Cochran

"Soprano Erica Cochran, as Marie, shows a mastery of comic timing and a light, nimble voice that would do credit to a more experienced singer. Coloratura and comedy are difficult enough individually; in combination they can be a major challenge, but Ms. Cochran excels at both." --CL

"Soprano Erica Cochran, as Marie...was pert and perky, and charming throughout. Her voice is light, but she's a true coloratura, with vocal flexibility and high notes to spare." --SBM

"Erica Cochran displays a lovely coloratura soprano voice that's ideally suited for Donizetti's expressive compositions as Marie. Cochran's playful performance is endearing, and she's nicely paired with tenor Gregory Schmidt." --CG

Gregory Schmidt

"Tenor Gregory Schmidt was a standout as Tonio: he has a big, ringing voice with a distinctive timbre of real beauty and the famous nine high Cs in "O mes amis" were absolutely flawless. He's a warm and appealing performer, and should have a great future." --SBM

"[Schmidt's] instrument is clear, accurate, and seamless throughout the role’s rather high tessitura. Opera audience love to hear a tenor bounce high Cs off the back wall and Mr. Schmidt has a head voice that can do just that. The opening night audience couldn’t get enough of it, applauding with gusto after his bravura air “Pour mon âme”— a song reckoned to be one of the most difficult in the repertoire." --CL

"Gregory Schmidt...proves himself quite capable of reaching the high notes this score demands." --CG

David Dillard

"Baritone David Dillard, last seen at UAO as the Police Sergeant in 'Pirates of Penzance,' seems to be making a career out of playing non-commissioned officers; here he was a likeable, vocally secure Sergeant Sulpice." --SBM

"Baritone David Dillard sings the buffo role of Sulpice with appropriate comic gusto and blends nicely with Ms. Cochran and Mr. Schmidt in their trios (“Tous les trios réunis” being the outstanding example)." --CL

Dixie Roberts

"Dixie Roberts is also impeccably funny as the self-consciously upper crust Marquise and while she only gets one really solid air to herself - “Pour une femme de mon nom” in the first scene - she delivers it in fine style." --CL

"Mezzo-soprano Dixie Roberts...played up [her role's] comic possibilities." --SBM

E. Scott Levin

"E. Scott Levin displays his substantial comic skills as the harassed butler Hortensius." --CL

Jolly Stewart

"Director Jolly Stewart has a nice comic cameo turn in the non-singing role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp." --CL

"Director Jolly Stewart is no stranger to St. Louis audiences, but this was her first appearance costumed and bewigged with UAO; she held the stage magisterially in the speaking role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp." --SBM

La fille du Régiment continues running this weekend: Saturday, August 7th (8:00pm) and Sunday, August 8th (3:00pm). Sung in French with projected English supertitles. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church located at 733 Union Blvd in St. Louis. To purchase tickets or learn more about this production, please visit the Union Avenue Opera Website or call 314.361.2881

"La fille du Régiment" Opens Friday Night at UAO

(Pictured: Gregory Schmidt & Erica Cochran; Photo: John Lamb)
A tour-de-force for high coloratura voices, culminated by the aria "Ah mes amis" made famous by Pavarotti with its mind boggling 9 high Cs, Gaetano Donizetti's La fille du Régiment ("The Daughter of the Regiment") will open this Friday at Union Avenue Opera. The rambunctious tomboy Marie, an orphan girl raised by France's 21st infantry and serving as its vivandière, is sure to capture hearts, but how will her 'fathers' feel about her falling in love with Tonio, a mere civilian...and an Austrian? The comedic plot takes a twist as Marie learns of regal family ties and is betrothed to an aristocrat. Will the regiment save their 'daughter' from a loveless marriage?

Soprano Erica Cochran, returning to Union Avenue Opera after her debut in 2007's Suor Angelica (Suor Genovieffa) and Gianni Schicchi (Nella), sings Marie. Fresh from his appearance in The Pirates of Penzance, Baritone David Dillard takes on the role of Sergeant Sulpice, Marie's "head father." Baritone E. Scott Levin, Baron Zeta in last season's Die lustige Witwe, appears as Hortensius. Three artists make their UAO debut in this production, including Tenor Gregory Schmidt as Tonio, Mezzo-soprano Dixie Roberts as La Marquise de Berkenfeld and Baritone Cory Schantz as the Corporal.

UAO Principal Stage Director Jolly Stewart stages her thirteenth production with the company. Sarah Rugo serves as Stage Manager. The design team includes Patrick Huber (scenic and lighting) and Lyn DeMoss (costumes). Pianist Nancy Mayo serves as production répétiteur. Kostis Protopapas, of Tulsa Opera, serves as guest conductor. Protopapas was recently interviewed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about his experience conducting this production. The interview may be read by clicking here.

Be sure not to miss a free opening night lecture on the opera, taking place July 30 at 7pm in the Chapel of Union Avenue Christian Church. (Non-ticket buyers welcome.)

La fille du Régiment runs July 30, 31, August 7 & 8(M). Performances begin at 8pm, except 3pm matinee on Sunday, the 8th. Sung in French with projected English supertitles. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church located at 733 Union Blvd in St. Louis. To purchase tickets or learn more about this production, please visit the Union Avenue Opera Website or call 314.361.2881

Interview with 'Fille' Director Jolly Stewart

Operatic Saint Louis interviewed Union Avenue Opera's Principal Stage Director Jolly Stewart about the company's upcoming production of La fille du Régiment. Stewart recently retired from the performance faculty of Washington University after twenty years of teaching. She founded the University's opera program and celebrated her last school year with a production of Die Fledermaus in March. La fille du Régiment marks her thirteenth production with the company.

Operatic Saint Louis: In preparing this opera, what qualities of the score and libretto intrigued you?

Jolly Stewart: The music is delightful. What a sing for both the Marie and the Tonio. Rip snorting difficult and exciting arias, which are sung with great beauty and style by our two singers, Erica Cochran and Gregory Schmidt. One hears bel canto at its best in this opera.

As far as the libretto is concerned, we tried to get the essence of the story told, allowing the wit and charm of the characters to blossom as much as possible.

OSL: This production will be your first Donizetti opera at UAO. How does the experience compare with staging a Mozart, Strauss or Puccini work?

JS: As a director, the thing that draws me into a piece the most is examining the music and text for the "human-ness" in each character. In the music of Mozart, Strauss, and Puccini we hear and see some of the greatest painters and illustrators of character.

In La fille du Regiment we observe great warmth in the relationship between Marie and Sulpice, who is more or less the "head dad." David Dillard, singing Sulpice, your readers might be interested to know, jumped in at the last minute for a singer who canceled. David has been a most fortuitous addition to the cast.

With numerous arias, duets and trios, Marie exhibits as many feelings and emotions as any of the heroines of the above mentioned composers. We also are able to observe the deep love the whole regiment has for Marie. The Marquise is constantly chased by her past and present demons and finally is able to conquer them by a stroke of great love and generosity. Tonio is also exuberantly defined by Donizetti in the famous "high C aria". Then later in the Romance, we see him at his most vulnerable and appealing, as he tries to win the Marquise's approval.

Staging a full Donizetti opera has been an unexpected joy and pleasure.

OSL: Donizetti's score certainly does not want for engaging, sprightly arias and ensembles. Among them, do you have any favorites in particular? What should audiences look out for?

JS: Goodness! Fille is packed with jewels. For exquisite lyricism I would choose Marie's "Il faut partir". For pyrotechnics you can't beat "A mes amis" (the famous tenor aria) and also surprisingly Marie's little aria within the trio at the top of Act II. For me the most delightful piece is the trio Marie, Tonio and Sulpice sing in Act II. Absolutely delicious.

OSL: Have any arias or ensembles been a particular joy or challenge to stage?

JS: The aforementioned trio was a challenge because there is a lot of stage business or choreography. I tried to simplify it by almost always doing the same gesture on the same little word phrases. It is intricate and tricky, but so much fun.

OSL: The success of La fille du Régiment can rise or fall on the strengths of its leading soprano and tenor, given the precedents set by Joan Sutherland, Beverly Sills, Natalie Dessay, Juan Diego Florez and Luciano Pavarotti. What qualities did UAO look for in finding the best possible Marie and Tonio?

JS: Stamina is certainly an important quality, but so much more. In a house the size of Union Avenue Opera, the audience is a real participant. Because of that, we look for people who not only can sing the roles extremely well, but who are also believable visually. Erica Cochran sang with Union Avenue Opera a few years ago in the Puccini Double Bill, so we know her work very well. She is a wonderful singer, extremely musical, a very good actress and has the perfect personality for a "close up" Marie. Greg Schmidt sang a great audition for us in New York and also came highly recommended by Kostis Protopapas, our guest conductor.

OSL: Union Avenue Opera will be presenting Fille in its original French with a libretto driven partially by spoken dialogue. Which version of the Saint-Georges & Bayard dialogue will be featured in this production?

JS: With the expert help of a close friend, Bruce Donnell, who has staged this opera many many times at the Met, San Francisco and numerous other houses, the dialogue has been adapted from several different versions. Kostis and I did some more adjusting as we got into the dialogue rehearsals.

OSL: Dialogue in a foreign-language opera can prove to be more difficult than musical passages, where the inflection is given by the composer's setting of words. How have your singers adapted to the demands of the French?

JS: It has been a challenge for us all, but I think, a good one. Kostis has been immeasurably helpful. We have all learned from him.

OSL: In coordinating the design and look of this production and its locales/era, what sort of inspirations have you had with scenic designer Patrick Huber and costume designer Lyn DeMoss?

JS: I was interested in creating a cartoon look for the sets, cut outs, etc. Then I wanted to throw onto that a very real and touching story.

Patrick Huber, as always, immediately came up with ideas which were exactly what I had imagined. We talked about the artists Paul Klee and Edward Gorey as a starting place. I think mostly for the whimsical feeling I was looking for. I had not worked with Lyn DeMoss before and have found her to have a great and beautiful imagination.

We decided to do the piece not too long after the start of the 19th Century, because of the conflict at that time in Tyrol between the French and an Austrian rebel, Andreas Hofer.

OSL: Audiences will be treated to your cameo in the brief but hilarious role of La Duchesse de Krakenthorp in Act Two. How does it feel to be back onstage after years of being on the other side of the footlights?

JS: Now that's a loaded question! I am looking forward to it. With the help of Sarah Rugo, my excellent Stage Manager and Assistant, I think I can leave the director's seat for a few minutes.

Operatic Saint Louis: What would your "sales pitch" be for anyone unfamiliar with or unsure about attending La fille du Régiment?

Jolly Stewart: I can give you a really good one! I had never seen a live version of the opera before. It would not have been on the top ten wish list of operas I have yet to stage, but I have fallen head over heels in love with it. Beautiful music, very touching story, singers you have to love, conducted by a wonderfully musical and exacting conductor.

La fille du Régiment runs July 30, 31, August 7 & 8(M). Performances begin at 8pm, except 3pm matinee on Sunday, the 8th. Sung in French with projected English supertitles. Venue: Union Avenue Christian Church located at 733 Union Blvd in St. Louis. To purchase tickets or learn more about this production, please visit the Union Avenue Opera Website or call 314.361.2881

Union Avenue Opera: 16th Season Overview

Union Avenue Opera's 16th season commences on July 9th with Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance.

THE PRODUCTIONS

Audiences this season at UAO will ride the high seas and frolic on the beaches of Cornwall with Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance then traverse the rocky Tyrolean Alps of Gaetano Donizetti's La Fille du Régiment and experience love turned to obsession, Russian-style, in Tchaikovsky's Pikovaya Dama ("The Queen of Spades"). The season concludes with a newly-formed holiday tradition: Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors. (Further information on Amahl will be released in the coming months.)

THE CREW

Chicago-based director Mark James Meier stages the upcoming The Pirates of Penzance. UAO Principal Stage Director Jolly Stewart will return later this month to stage La Fille du Régiment and teams up with guest conductor Kostis Protopapas, of Tulsa Opera. Director Tim Ocel returns to stage Pikovaya Dama, his first full production at Union Avenue Opera.

Set Designer Patrick Huber has designed a festival set for the summer season. Costume Designer Teresa Doggett is at the helm for The Pirates of Penzance and Pikovaya Dama, and Lyn DeMoss will make her costume design debut with UAO on La Fille du Régiment.

THE ARTISTS

UAO is excited to welcome back artists from past seasons.

Cast of Pirates: Robert Boldin (Frederic), Victoria Botero (Mabel, Pirates), Debra Hillabrand (Kate), David Dillard (Sergeant of Police), Denise Knowlton (Ruth), Elise LaBarge (Edith) and Thomas Sitzler (Samuel).

Cast of Fille: Erica Cochran (Marie), David Dillard (Sergeant Sulpice) and E. Scott Levin (Hortensius).

Cast of Pikovaya Dama: Keith Boyer (Tchekalinsky), Mathew Edwardsen (Ghermann), Jon Garrett (Master of Ceremonies), Debra Hillabrand (Paulina/Daphnis), Elizabeth Schleicher (Masha), Thomas Sitzler (Narumov), Cecelia Stearman (Countess), Sylvia Stoner (Lisa) and Clark Sturdevant (Tchaplitsky).

Several artists make their UAO debut this summer:

• Baritone Todd von Felker (Pirate King, Pirates and Tomsky/Pluto, Pikovaya Dama)
• Soprano Stella Markou (Chloë, Pikovaya Dama)
• Baritone Andrew Papas (Major-General Stanley, Pirates)
• Baritone Nick Probst (Sourin, Pikovaya Dama)
• Mezzo-Soprano Dixie Roberts (La Marquise de Berkenfeld, Fille)
• Baritone Cory Schantz (Corporal, Fille)
• Tenor Gregory Schmidt (Tonio, Fille)
• Baritone Jordan Shanahan (Prince Yeletsky, Pikovaya Dama)
• Members of the Ensemble: Sopranos Caetlyn Van Buren, Lindsay Keller, Sarah Rodewald, Leann Schuering and Rachel Smith; Baritones Lawrence Lewis, Greg Storkan and Kevin Nicoletti.
  

Jolly Stewart will also make a special cameo in La Fille du Régiment as La Duchesse de Krakenthorp!

THE EVENTS

UAO continues its educational outreach to the public an event in conjunction with its production of La Fille du Régiment: High Tea on Saturday, July 24 at Union Avenue Opera. Patrons will have tea and petit fours, hear musical performances and get a sneak peek at the sets, costumes and staging of Fille. Ahead of the opening of Pikovaya Dama, UAO offers a Poker Night on Saturday, August 14 at the Regional Arts Commission Building. There will be a poker tournament complete with drinks and refreshments. Prizes will be awarded. For more information visit the UAO Website and visit this blog in the coming weeks.

TICKETS & PRODUCTION INFO

The Pirates of Penzance runs July 9, 10, 16, 17, 18(M). La Fille du Régiment runs July 30, 31, August 7, 8(M). Pikovaya Dama runs August 20, 21, 27, 28. All performances at 8pm, except matinee performances (marked 'M') at 3pm. Productions sung in original languages (English, French and Russian, respectively) with projected English supertitles.

To purchase tickets or find more information about UAO, please call 314.361.2881 or visit http://www.unionavenueopera.org/