Oberlin

Ah yes, Oberlin WINTERTERM.

"What is winterterm?" The non-obie might ask...

Well, during the month of January, students complete individual or group projects of their choice, either on or off campus. For Oberlin Opera Theater, this project comes in the form of a Winterterm Opera!

In past productions, such works as Bernstein's Trouble in Tahiti, and Britten's Turn of the Screw have graced the snowy tundra of Oberlin during January. This year, the opera of choice was Edwin Penhorwood's contemporary Opera Too Many Sopranos , An operatic satire beginning with four sopranos, Madame Pompous (Elissa Pfaender '15), Dame Doleful (Nicole Levesque '15), Miss Titmouse (Emily Peragine'14) and Just Jeanette (Danielle Cheiken '14), who have all died from freak accidents on various operatic stages. They arrive at heaven's gates, where St. Peter informs them that there is not enough room for all of them in the heavenly choir. Much to their indignation, they are forced to "audition." When no choice can be made, St. Peter tells them of the Redemption Clause, which allows them to go to hell (where all the tenors and basses reside) and redeem one man for every good deed they accomplish--if they can shed their diva attitudes and fame-driven sense of entitlement.

Too Many Sopranos was directed by returning Oberlin Opera Theater faculty Sally Stunkel, and musical direction was provided by Daniel Michalak.

All in all, the performance was a great success!

Here are some photos of what you may have missed...

The cast of "divas". Elissa Pfaender, Danielle Cheiken, Nicole Levesque, and Emily Peragine

The infamous "gospel".

Crazy-eyed Madame Pompous planning to attack the trouble-maker coloratura, Miss Titmouse

The ever popular Act 1 Finale kick-line

Performed in Oberlin College's Asia House Lounge.