This semester is unique in that I get to make my University of Michigan debut in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This whimsical opera has been such a fun and playful process to be a part of, especially getting to depict Tytania, the fairy queen. Based on the Shakespeare fantasy, this literary classic was turned into an opera in the 60’s under the brilliance of Benjamin Britten and librettist Peter Pears. I remember reading the full play in high school junior english and feeling amazed by the comedic character interactions. It outlines the complicated story of Athenian lovers who’s every day lives collide with the uninhibited world of magic. It begs the question, what would life be like if fantasy became reality and we all acted on impulse?………Both Britten and Shakespeare conclude that it would be entertaining and absurd. Watch this video for a general plot overview.
Our production is unique in that it’s set in the 70’s where things are a bit more psychedelic, and men’s pants flared freely. Through thoughtful costume design and incredible lighting, a crazy magical world comes to life. It’s been a joy layering all the different performance elements to create a tangible character. These are some things I’ve discovered along the way:
The Challenges of the Role
- I’ll be completely honest. When I first heard a recording of Tytania’s part I was like, “This music is all over the place.” Everything about the fast moving notes is whimsical and fairy-like.
- Britten will kick your butt rhythmically! You must count for your life and get the rhythms and tempo changes into your body so they become second nature. Much of the learning process is really learning the language of Britten as a composer.
- The music has vocal jumps and leaps that are super athletic! Passive breathing is not an option. These leaps are sometimes as big as an octave and a half.
- My first aria, “Come, Now a Roundel” is all up in the passaggio part of the voice.
- I mean…… falling in love with an ass just ain’t classy lol.
What I’ve Loved About the Role:
- Tytania teeters the line between humanity and a more powerful world of magic. In many ways she’s “other worldly”. Discovering the characters’s dream-like elements has been really fun!
- Floating high notes is thrilling and something I surprisingly enjoy.
- I was greatly inspired by Witney Houston who played the fairy godmother in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella…..Obviously this is a totally different story, but I loved how she was grand, nurturing and had a hint of sparkle in her eye. Houston is magical, but more womanly than Tinker bell, and that resonated with me.
- I love that my character is powerful and clueless all at once. The irony of being a queen who falls in love with a donkey is strangely satisfying. I don’t consider myself nonsensical…….but this role gives me the chance to be completely comical on stage.
- Tytania as a character is very much the physical and musical representation of nature and mystical beauty. Deciding how I want to interpret this and color the notes and words has been a process of discovery. The text is so juicy! Britten definitely knew something about tone painting and using music to illuminate human emotion.
- I rarely ever get to sing with countertenor and it’s been so much fun! Shoutout to Andrew Lipian who plays Oberon. If you don’t know about him, you should!
- The music is beautiful, but diverse. This role really moves all throughout the vocal range and I love that I don’t have to sing the same few notes over and over. The highest note is a C sharp above the staff and the lowest note is middle C.
I’m super excited about this role and I look forward to performing it with such an amazing cast of singers. For more info about show times and tickets check here!