STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo., (Top40 Charts / Emerald City Opera) On August 18, 2011, a superb display of the performing arts was taking place inside the newly built
Strings Music Pavilion in Steamboat Springs, CO.Emerald City Opera (ECO)'s production of Johann Strauss Jr's most beloved operetta, Die Fledermaus sold out to a packed audience, becoming the most successful production of the 2011 season.
The cast, performing in English, included well-known names in the opera world, such as New York Metropolitan Opera singers Mark Thomsen, Kara Shay Thomson, Keri Rusthoi, Kathryn Krasovec, and tenor Anthony Kearns.
The sensational Mr. Kearns excelled in his first comedic role as "Alfred," the ardent teacher who attempts to woo his old flame, "Rosalinda." Kearns, who is gaining a reputation for delivering the most challenging roles in opera, captured the "life is a party" sentiment perfectly. Kearns' excellent comedic timing and on-stage charm and passion filled the opera house with laughter, creating a post-performance buzz. Following a lovely waltz overture - the most famous one Strauss composed - the operetta began with a stunning grand entrance by Kearns, his voice first to be heard offstage, as he serenaded his lover with famous arias including "Dove that has escaped," the joyous Champagne Song, and others.
"The Emerald City Opera is thrilled with our sold-out show. The night was filled with splendor and comedic perfection. This cast was exquisite together, and tenor Anthony Kearns was the perfect addition to this production. I hope we can bring these performers here together for another amazing production soon," said Jack Dysart, chairman and C.E.O. of the opera.
"All of the singers were fantastic in their roles, and the cast did a superb job together. Besides getting some of today's most accomplished performers, we were very lucky to get Anthony Kearns to be part of the team. He, as well as the rest of the cast, has definitely left a lasting mark in Steamboat Springs," said Keri Rusthoi, who played the role of "Adele" in the production and is ECO's founder and artistic director.
Said Kearns, who has performed in three operatic productions already this year, in addition to his robust touring schedule: "It was a pleasure performing alongside such a wonderful cast of singers and musicians for this production. Since this was my first comedic role in opera, it was exciting to experience the joy of filling an opera house with laughter."
A 30-piece orchestra of local and national musicians accompanied the production, celebrating the best of Viennese music under the direction of conductor Adam Flatt. The operetta, directed by
David Malis, was the ninth annual main stage production by the Emerald City Opera. Other recent operas performed by the Emerald City Opera include Hansel and Gretel,
George Bizet's Carmen, and The Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti.
Kearns is the youngest and founding member of The Irish Tenors (with whom he has recorded 10 CDs). In early 2012, Mr. Kearns will play the lead tenor role in Charles Gounod's Faust with Opera Naples [FL], a role he previously performed with Opera Ireland (nominated for best production in the Irish Times Theater Awards in 2006). His past operatic performances include: "
Romeo" in Opera Naples' production of
Romeo and Juliet: Then and Now; "Don Ottavio" in Mozart's Don
Giovanni at the Lismore
Music Festival; "Don Jose" in the Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown Glasthule Opera Company's production of Georges Bizet's Carmen; the lead tenor in the Royal Dublin's Society performance of The Lily of Killarney; and finally, as "Rinuccio" in Puccini's comic opera, Gianni Schicci, with Opera Ireland.
Emerald City Opera promotes professional opera and the vocal arts in Northwest Colorado through educational and musical opportunities in collaboration with world-class artists.
https://emeraldcityopera.com
