Excitement Builds in Charleston for “Caught in the Act!” Opera Performance
Charleston is buzzing with excitement as the College of Charleston Opera gears up to present an exhilarating show titled Caught in the Act!. This performance promises a delightful mix of scandalous scenes taken from some of the most beloved operatic and musical theatre works. Featuring compositions by celebrated composers like Mozart, Massenet, Tchaikovsky, and Sondheim, this concert is part of an innovative series at the College showcasing a diverse range of music that highlights the incredible talents of student performers.
A Unique Theatrical Experience
Under the direction of Saundra DeAthos-Meers, the production is carefully crafted to suit the skills and experience of its current performers. “Once we have heard everyone, we can determine the level of experience in the repertoire and voice type,” she explains.
With this knowledge, the team selects the repertoire that best complements the singers. The process begins with students learning the music independently before collaborating with two very talented faculty pianists, Lorna Barker and Wojciech Milewski. It’s a hands-on approach that helps build both musical and acting skills, as the students receive coaching specific to the genre and era of each piece they perform.
A Cast of Fresh Talent
This year’s performance will spotlight a remarkable group of performers. The cast is a mix of seasoned singers and enthusiastic newcomers, all contributing to the show’s vibrant energy. DeAthos-Meers shares, “Our Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop consists of five freshmen, six sophomores, one junior, five seniors, and three Post-Baccalaureate Artist in Residence participants.” The diverse range of experience adds depth to the performance.
DeAthos-Meers expresses what excites her most about this production: the growth of the students. “We benefit from this as an audience through their beautiful singing and wonderful storytelling,” she says, emphasizing the emotional connection that music can create.
The Visual and Emotional Feast
Not only will the audience enjoy stunning vocal talents, but they will also experience impressive technical elements that bring the production to life. The lighting design by Eddie Frye, an alumnus of the CofC Department of Theatre and Dance, adds a visually captivating dimension, while supertitles will assist in understanding the scenes performed in foreign languages.
“The show contains a series of thrilling numbers that are varied in style, language, and genre,” mentions DeAthos-Meers. This variety means that there is something for everyone, making it a perfect evening for both seasoned opera enthusiasts and those new to the art form. “Personally, there is something that is my favorite in every piece. I love the drama of Manon, I love the characters in The Marriage of Figaro, and I love the choreography of Chicago!”
Mark Your Calendars!
Don’t miss out on this fantastic event! Performances of Caught in the Act! will take place at the Chapel Theatre located at 172 Calhoun St. Showtimes are set for October 25 at 7:00 p.m., October 26 at 6:00 p.m., and October 27 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are priced at $13 for students and $25 for general admission.
Ticket availability can be found at the George Street Box Office, located at 44 George St., or via email at gsbo@cofc.edu. You can also reach out by calling (843) 953-4726. A full schedule and more details are available on the College of Charleston’s official website.
So gather your friends and family for a night filled with enchanting music and thrilling performances. Caught in the Act! is sure to be a memorable experience for everyone!
