#TAABeauty Cast Spotlight: Ensemble and Featured Dancer Christian David

 We have been fans of Christian David's musical work for a long time -- we're so excited that he is finally joining us on stage with TAA's "Beauty and the Beast!" 

We asked him some questions about his life, in and out of theater and music -- hope you enjoy getting to know him a bit better as much as we did!

You do a lot with music -- can you please tell us about the rest of your musical life and what it means for you?
My musical life is devoted to ministry. I have had the opportunity to travel and minister through song, and it's the most rewarding experience I could ask for! This is what I believe my purpose and destiny, to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ through song.

When it's not music, what else do you do with your life?
When I'm not doing music (which is very rare) I'm also a graphic design artist. I have my own business in which I design flyers, business cards banners and also do video and commercial editing.

Why musical theater?
For me, there is so much joy I get out of theater, both on stage and off. And I believe this to be true for the community as well, those who perform and those who don't. It offers the same experience to all...a chance to get a way and go to another place that's outside of your life for a while. A chance to live through breathtaking music and story telling. I believe, now more than ever, this is important. Giving people an outlet from this harsh world we live in.

Tell us about TAA's production of Disney's Beauty and the Beast...
This production is filled with so many genuine people who just love to perform. An awesome group of people who really just love to be nice. And that's exactly what comes across during performances. 

Any additional thoughts on life?

No matter what, live! Life may throw a harsh temporary reality your way, but there's always hope! Choose to live and not look back on what was and will never be again!

He didn't mention this in the interview, but we have to!  Christian's CDs are fantastic!  Find his work on iTunes and Amazon and GooglePlay!  

See and hear Christian and the rest of the spectacular TAA Beauty and the Beast cast perform at Visalia's LJ Williams Theater August 18-21!
For tickets call 559-972-8417 or visit Brown Paper Tickets Online

TAA Frankenstein Artist Spotlight: Brooke Rogers as Elizabeth Benning!

TAA is so excited to have amazing actress Brooke Rogers join us on stage this season!  An incredibly versatile actress, Brooke is stunning in serious and period pieces, but in this comic romp her sparkling wit will have everyone rolling in the aisles as she portrays Elizabeth Benning, Frederick Frankenstein's "madcap fiancee!"

"I'd say any adults with a sense of humor should see Young Frankenstein and have a great time, and adults without a sense of humor should see it so they can get one!"



 We asked Brooke a few more questions about her life in theater and current project... read her other thoughts below!

 1) What roles have you played in recent years and what are your all time favorites?  I just finished playing Anna in The King and I at COS and had an amazing time. It was the first musical I had done in YEARS and the fact that I got to be in such a classic show playing one of the roles I have always wanted to play made it extra special. A couple years before that, I did The Glass Menagerie as Laura, which was another dream time. I'd love to do that show again, I love it so much! I got to be both Belle and Mrs.Potts, which was awesome. At CAL STATE FULLERTON, I had an incredible experience in being an ensemble show called The Spoon River Project as well as The Laramie Project. Both let me explore many diverse characters and it was not only exciting, but it was provided great growth.

2) How is Elizabeth Benning the same/different from any of these? Does she present any particular challenges or fun for you? Elizabeth is SO different from most roles I've played!! It's one of the reasons I was so stoked to take it on, apart from the fact that it's Madeline Kahn's character in the movie. I've played big, out-there characters like Miss. Hannigan in Annie and Nanny in Baby with the Bathwater (who I think is the most Elizabeth-like role I've had). It's going to be hard letting myself be as big and bold as I can be! I'm so freaking excited. She's definitely the dirtiest broad I've ever played, that's for sure. BRING IT ON!

3) Why Theater? Is this kind of art important for the community? Yes yes yes yes yes yes yes. I've seen theater inspire many people, may it be backstage, onstage, or in the audience. The theater community goes past just the cast and crew. The community is incomplete without an audience, so being able to be a part of a show and connect the outside world with the artistic world is an honor, and from the audience point of view, it's an honor to be invited into the story being told.

4) Why see Young Frankenstein?   Um... because it's hysterical. Fans of the movie will get to see many beloved moments live onstage. Even those who haven't seen the movie will have a blast. It has a definite melodramatic element which makes the site even funnier! I'd say any adults with a sense of humor should see it and have a great time, and adults without a sense of humor should see it so they can get one!

Come see Brooke and the rest of the incredible #TAAFrankenstein cast May 26th-28th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia!  
For tickets, call Kym at 559-972-8417 
or go to http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2540771

TAA Butterfly Spotlight -- Lauren Farris, "La Madre"

 
 Lauren Farris' crystal soprano tone and perfectly centered pitch make her a favorite in the Tulare County area for some of the most difficult classical works.  Performing works as diverse as coloratura opera repertoire to Bach's St. John's Passion, Lauren is always riveting and beautiful.  Here are her thoughts on performing with the Theater Arts Alliance in Puccini's masterwork, Madama Butterfly...


What made you decide to join the Butterfly cast?

I’ll pretty much sing anything that Puccini has written, given the chance! His music is what made me fall in love with opera over fifteen years ago! I was gifted a vintage copy of the Prima Donna album when I was in high school, and as I was flipping through the book I came across a piece by Puccini and I’ve been hooked ever since.

What is your vocal and theater training?
I have a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and have a diverse performance background- I’ve been cast in lead roles in straight plays as well as musical works and enjoy both, immensely. Along with performing, I’ve been a musical director and/or accompanist for several performances as well. I enjoy being on both sides of the performance process.

What is your favorite part of a rehearsal process?
I really love the initial sight-reading part of rehearsal- I enjoy a musical challenge and testing myself. I also really enjoy the hustle at the end of the process where you’re not sure if everything is going to come together in time and then somehow, it always does!

How is Butterfly different and/or the same as other shows you've done?
I’ve not participated in any local opera performances since moving back to Visalia, so this will be my first one here in town! Although I’ve sung Puccini in recital settings, I’ve never performed even as much as a scene from one of his operas.

What is your favorite section of this opera?
My favorite part is Butterfly's “un bel di vedremo” aria because it’s absolutely magical.

What is your "day job" and other hobbies in life?
My “day job” is teaching voice and piano in various venues. I teach private lessons, I am on staff as a voice teacher at the Ruby Slipper Performing Arts Academy, and also an Associate Voice Teacher for College of the Sequoias. I’m an old soul so in my free time I enjoy sewing, needlework, designing and creating. I also have an online business where I source and resell vintage treasures!

What is your next musical project?
I will be performing as a soloist for the COS Chamber Chorale’s performance of Carmina Burana in May and as a soloist for Poulenc’s Gloria with the TAA in June. I’m really looking forward to both!

 Hear Lauren's beautiful voice and the rest of the #TAAButterfly cast March 4th and 6th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia!
Tickets at:  Brown Paper Tickets: Madama Butterfly

TAA Butterfly Cast Spotlight -- Elizabeth Hampton, "Il Cugina"

Elizabeth in the TCOE production of "Peter Pan"

Elizabeth Hampton is what we call a true "Triple Threat" -- she can act, she can dance, and wow can she sing!  She played the Ballerina Doll in TAA's production of the Nutcracker Ballet and at fifteen has already been in many dance shows and musical theater productions.  
In the Theater Arts Alliance production of Madama Butterfly, Elizabeth plays "il Cugina" -- Butterfly's young and outspoken cousin. 

You've done a lot of dance and musical theater -- what about opera? 
This is my first opera production.  TAA gave me the opportunity to audition along with the rest of the season and I thought, "why not?!

What is your favorite part of the rehearsal process? 
My favorite part of the rehearsal process would have to be singing with such a talented cast. 

How is opera different from other things you've done?
Madame butterfly is very different from any other shows I've been in for many reasons but the main reason is it is in a different language!

What is your favorite section as a singer?
My favorite part to sing is O Kami! everyone sounds phenomenal there and its just fun to sing!

You obviously spend a lot of time on singing -- what are your other interests? 
I practice all genres of dance, study many different musical instruments, and oil paint.

Future goals?
My goals are to continue my career in theatre and move to New York!




 
What can we see you in next after TAA Butterfly?
My next show is Billy Joel's "Movin' Out -- the Musical" produced by TCOE

See Elizabeth Hampton and the rest of the TAA Butterfly Cast March 4th and 6th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia
Tickets at: Brown Paper Tickets: Madama Butterfly 
 

Elizabeth has the same exuberance on stage and in life!

 

 

TAA Butterfly Spotlight: Ensemble Member Scott Rogers!

Ensemble member Scott Rogers is one of the best people to work with in the Tulare County theater community, and we are grateful whenever we win the fight with the Ag Show or planting or harvest and get to have him in a show!

Why did you decide to be part of Madama Butterfly?  
A different experience. I have never done an opera before, and what a great one to start with! 

What is your favorite part of the rehearsal process?
When it all starts to come together. I know that when I get the chills during rehearsal we are there and the audience is going to feel it too. 

You've been part of many shows; how is this one different? 
Butterfly is very different for me, not only is the music difficult, but memorizing and pronouncing Italian is hard! 

What is your favorite section as a singer?
I enjoy the men's chorus entrance section; not only do we (the tenors) get to trade off with the women, but also with the baritones as well. Then we swell together and hit the big high notes.

Scott in "real life" as a thriving Tulare County Farmer

What else interests you besides music and theater? I love to travel, especially with my family. I would like to visit all the great theaters around the world someday. 

Do you have any future goals in theater work? To keep working and getting better. I hope I can continue to do what I love. Live theater is so much fun. So much work but the rewards are great. 

Why perform?
 I love to make a connection with the audience, and make them feel what the composer wanted them to feel. 

Future theater projects? Not sure yet, "Chicago" would be a blast! We will see what the future brings.



See Scott Rogers and the rest of the #TAAButterfly cast March 4th and 6th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia! 
Tickets at:  Brown Paper Tickets: Madama Butterfly

 

Scott in the "Master of the House" scene in the LCA production of Les Miserables

TAA Butterfly Spotlight: Ensemble Member Kat Goodin!

How many people can say that their first experience doing theater is in an opera?  This is true for beautiful mezzo-soprano Kat Goodin.  Though she has sung choral masterworks such as Handel's Messiah, this is her first time putting on a character for the stage -- and it seems like she has been doing it all her life!

Why did you join the TAA Butterfly cast?  I wanted to join the cast because I love to sing! 

What is the best part of the rehearsal process?  I really love that moment when the group is working on a vocal piece and it just clicks, everything comes together. 

What are your other interests?  My day job is Speech-language pathologist, working in the school district with kids. Interests are music, cooking, and spending time with my family. I'm also a little addicted to clothing, shoes, and accessories. 

Why opera?  I believe music is universal. It brings dimension, healing, and purpose to life.

See Kat and the rest of the #TAAButterfly cast March 4th and 6th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia!  Tickets at Brown Paper Tickets -- Madama Butterfly

TAA Butterfly Spotlight: Tiffanie Trujillo, "Suzuki"

Tiffanie Trujillo is an outstanding emergent professional mezzo currently studying at Fresno State.  Tiffanie is simply a treasure on stage.  Her acting is incredibly detail-oriented and her voice flawlessly rich and beautiful.  It will be very exciting to see where this young singer goes in her career, but for today, here are her thoughts on playing "Suzuki" in the Theater Arts Alliance production of Madama Butterfly.

Tiffanie playing the title role in "Carmen" at FSU

Tell us about your role in TAA's "Madama Butterfly:  I play Suzuki, Butterfly's faithful servant. Suzuki is an important character because she fuels the emotional direction of the audience in many situations. She is a subtle voice of morality and sympathy through her very being which, in turn, highlights the tragedy. Her sympathy toward Ciocio-san functions as an extension through which the audience can relate to as a third-party while her unique relationship to Ciocio-san gives insight into the world of Madama Butterfly.

What are some other roles you have played?  In the recent past, I've performed the role of Carmen and premiered the role of Ortensia in The Secret of Luca. This year I will be premiering the role of Mamà Guadalupe Lucinda y La Flor de La Nochebuena.

Tell us about your operatic training:  My operatic training has its roots in the Vocal Performance program at Fresno State, but I have also taken part in masterclasses and programs outside of my university performance studies. At the NOA convention in 2015, I had a masterclass with maestro Willie Anthony Waters, and that summer I participated in Lingua e canto -- a summer program in Italy. This summer, I hope to return to Italy to continue studying opera and the Italian language.

What are your future goals?  My short term goals are to graduate and enter a masters program in opera performance at a conservatory either in the USA or in Europe.

What is your favorite moment in Madama Butterfly?  One of my most favorite moments in Madama Butterfly is the duet between Pinkerton and Butterfly. How tender, glimmering, whimsical, and intensely passionate! Puccini paints all sorts of motion and color that truly capture the moment when love flourishes for the first time between lovers and Nature looks at itself with new eyes.

Who should come to see this opera and why?  Anyone should come to see this opera because it is a story that will both tenderly caress and jar your heart; therefore, it will nourish your sense of being.

 
Come and experience Tiffanie Trujillo and the rest of the TAA Butterfly cast on March 4th and 6th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia!




Tickets at:  Brown Paper Tickets: Madama Butterfly

TAA Butterfly Spotlight: Ensemble/Uffiziale Adrian Oceguera

The Theater Arts Alliance production of Madama Butterfly is starting to take beautiful shape, and over the next few days I want to introduce the members of the cast, especially the fantastic chorus that provides some of the most exciting moments of the show! 

This spotlight is on Adrian Oceguera, an extremely talented tenor from Selma.  This is his first work in opera, and he has dived in wholeheartedly, even to the point of covering for the lead tenor during ensemble rehearsals!  Adrian also plays the secondary "Uffiziale" -- the official that oversees the marriage between Pinkerton and Cio-Cio San.  

What made you decide to join the Butterfly cast?
I have never, nor did I ever think I would, perform in an opera, and it seemed intriguing to me, so I took a jump and joined the cast. Plus, it was an easier decision knowing I could get my niece involved as well.

What is your favorite part of a rehearsal process?
My favorite part has always been learning a new song. The songs in this show have proven to be challenging, but are definitely helping everyone grow as musicians and people. 

How is Butterfly different and/or the same as other shows you've done? Well there's singing! While I've not been in many shows, almost all of them have involved singing. That's how they'd be the same. How they're different? Well, I'd say the difficulty has definitely been turned up a few notches, as well as it all being in a different language. 

What is your favorite section to sing? My favorite section is the one that starts with "Bello non e' in verita bello non e'," sung by the chorus. There are so many different parts going on at one time and you have to be perfect rhythmically and tonally for it to sound well. The challenge has been accepted by fellow singers and I. 

What is your "day job" and what are your other hobbies in life? I am a Software Developer for Madera Unified School District and I also own my own karaoke business. I consider myself a craft beer connoisseur and am also a competitive bowler. I've played in multiple bands throughout my time, playing both bass and guitar, and most recently opened up for mega bands from the 90's. So that was exciting! 

What is your next theater project? Right now, I am gearing up for multiple shows. After Butterfly, I am playing the title role, Frederich Frankenstein, in Young Frankenstein with Theater Arts Alliance and I will also be in Shrek! with the Raisin' Cain Players out of Selma, CA 

Come and see Adrian and the rest of the incredible Butterfly cast on March 4th and 6th at the Main Street Theater in Visalia! 
Tickets at:  Brown Paper Tickets: Madama Butterfly

Let's get this Christmas Party Started!