Behind the scenes at Oberlin Opera Theater
››› November 5, 2014 | Posted By Daniel McGrew
In Oberlin's production of Weill's Street Scene, Katie Skayhan as Rose Maurrant and Joshua Blue as Sam Kaplan unite to tell a story of Love and Loss - that's two capital L's - on par with some of opera's greatest, tragic romances.
They both graciously agreed to answer some questions about the particular excitements and challenges of presenting Street Scene and of "being" Sam and Rose.
DM - Daniel McGrew
KS - Katie Skayhan, Rose Maurrant
JB - Josh Blue, Sam Kaplan
DM: So, what are you enjoying most about preparing Street Scene?
KS: Probably just revisiting music that has been a part of my life for a long time as well as building and strengthening relationships with my fellow cast members.
JB: It's a completely different opera than anything I've done before. It's given me a chance to explore more varied music and live in a time that I think would have been fascinating to be a part of.
DM: It is a unique piece. And it interrupts a fairly long string of operatic comedies at Oberlin -- not to say...this piece isn't funny. But probably these characters are darker and more complex than you've been given before. What have you found that you, Katie and Josh, have in common with your characters, Rose and Sam?
JB: It's everything in the story. Sam and I both just want to find someone that really understands who we are and what we need in life.
KS: That's true for me, too. Rose and I have a lot in common. We're both young, observant, and passionate. We have big dreams and are strongly impacted by the actions of the ones we love. Without sounding too clichéd, I must admit I feel incredibly emotional and attached to her aria, "What Good Would the Moon Be" as she explains the overwhelming desire that most everyone feels for finding true love. It's the determination that springs from her desires and makes the tragedy work, as the last threads of innocence are stripped from her at the end of the piece. I cannot personally identify with that part, but I feel an obligation to creating a powerful reality and space for her heartbreak. I love Rose.
DM: Beautiful. The piece also has it's challenges. It's a huge cast; it's an epic score; it's high-stakes drama. What have you found to be the primary challenges?
KS: I find balancing the dialogue sections and musical sections to be the most challenging aspect. You have to keep in mind the timing of the lines, but also deliver them in a natural cadence. Building the stamina for this piece has been difficult! Sometimes it's the dramatic dialogue that tires me out more than the singing.
JB: For me it's in the character...finding the right balance in portraying Sam. He's not a "weak" character. In fact, I believe he's too smart for his own good. Sam is book smart, not street smart. It gets him into a some trouble, and often lands him in situations that he doesn't quite know how to get out of.
Blue and Skayhan as Sam Kaplan and Rose Maurrant; Christopher Larkin conducts.
DM: Thanks for sharing these insights with us. One further question... just for fun--
What is the most dramatic or amusing thing you say or sing in Street Scene?
JB: "Oh Rose, I love you! My life is nothing unless I'm with you." or "The night for me is not romantic. Unhook the stars and take them down. I'm lonely in this lonely house...in this lonely town." That's about as dramatic as I get.
DM: Dramatic enough, I guess! Especially that first bit.
And what about you, Katie?
KS: Mine is a spoiler--SO BE WARNED--but it has to be, "She was my mother. Why did you kill her?!"
DM: Wow, quite a question to be asking... Thanks again, you two. And, we cannot wait to see you in Street Scene!
Responses To This Entry:
Leave A Comment: