Lakeshore Light Opera visits local Elementary school.
Not an opera fan? Lakeshore Light Opera’s production of “Princess Ida” is bound to changethat.
If you were able to catch CBC radio’s episode of Homerun on Thursday, or lucky enough to be at St. John Fisher school yesterday morning, you know exactly what I am talking about. It’s amazing what a dedicated group of volunteers can do.
Yesterday morning at St. John Fisher Elementary School in Pointe Claire, 18 members from Lakeshore Light Opera performed a condensed version of the show to the delight of students and staff. From the moment that King Gama (Don Sesia) stepped into the gym to start the 30 minute performance, the 420 children were completely enthralled.
The opening musical number was well-coordinated and showed off the visually stunning costumes. Marian Siminski, Lakeshore Light Opera’s Musical Director, accompanied on keyboard and directed the singers at the same time. All voices could be heard easily throughout the gym and the chorus was particularly strong.
A highlight of the show was Sesia’s solo about how miserable King Gama is because everyone is being so nice to him. Thanks to Sesia’s hilarious delivery, the children clearly loved it. And when Prince Hilarion (J.R. Gonzalez) tried to sneak in to a women’s university with his friends Cyril (Eric Biard-Goble) and Florian (Cameron Black) by dressing as women, the children were hanging on every word and laughing at every silly dance move. The staff also seemed to particularly enjoy the number.
After the mini-show, the grade six class stayed to ask the performers questions and admire their costumes. This was an exercise enjoyed by performers and students alike.
As explained by Black (who organized this event) the goal is to introduce a new generation to Gilbert & Sullivan in the hopes that they will develop a passion for theatre and perhaps, in ten years or so, be Lakeshore Light Opera’s newest members. But until then – be sure not to miss out: Lakeshore Light Opera’s production of Princess Ida opens Friday March 8th at the Louise Chalmers theatre in Pointe Claire. For tickets: 514-804-4900 or www.LLO.org