Staff Writer

On Friday, Feb. 1, students will have the chance to witness a compilation of Opera scenes from four different operas at the Doré Theatre.

Some people may normally find opera to be boring, myself included, but after learning what these operas are about, I was surprised to discover how interesting and fun these scenes are.

The opera scenes come from “Rigoletto” by Giuseppe Verdi, “The Old Maid and the Thief” by Gian Carlo Menotti, “The Pearl Fishers,” and “Carmen” by Georges Bizet.

“The Old Maid and the Thief” is the comic relief of all the scenes. Robert Hamilton II, senior music education major, plays Bob, one of the leads. Bob is a homeless man that is taken in by Miss Todd, also known as the old maid. Hamilton opens the scene wearing no pants, guaranteeing some laughs.

Hamilton also has a smaller role as Zurga in “The Pearl Fishers.” This tale is about friendship and is a bit more serious. Hamilton said he enjoys playing the different roles, but he enjoys playing as Bob more.

“Playing two contrasting characters is what I like most about this opera, being ridiculous and then serious is kind of a challenge,” said Hamilton. He continued, “I liked playing Bob. He is fun and wearing no pants on stage is kind of fun too,” he laughed.

Tori Provencio, a junior music education major, plays Miss Pinkerton, the town gossip that stirs up trouble in “The Old Maid and the Thief.” She also plays Freasquita, a gypsy, in “Carmen.”

“I love playing Miss Pinkerton for two reasons. One, because I get to act with my sister, Elizabeth Provencio, and two because it’s a good way to stretch your singing muscles, plus to work with other people is interesting and fun,” said Provencio.

Another opera that will be presented on Friday is “Carmen.” This is a story about seduction, and love, among other things. Kristen Falls, senior and general music major, has the lead as Carmen. Falls must portray a woman that is open with her sexuality. In one scene she is tied up for a long period of time.  Falls said it was an intimidating role for her to play.

“She is very different than me and it was scary at first, but it’s always cool to walk in someone else’s shoes. You can be a different person for a little bit,” said Falls.

This performance is graded for the performers. There is a little more pressure to put on a good show, but that shouldn’t be a problem because the students have been rehearsing since September.

Peggy Sears, the director and professor for the students, has toured internationally as an opera singer herself.

“A lot of people don’t know how great our music faculty is,” said Falls. “It’s not just about the singers; it’s about the great help we have been receiving.”

This night is to support your fellow students and to provide you with the opportunity to see something you normally wouldn’t.

It’s different when your fellow students are up there because you know they are in college just like you, and not some old man who you can barely understand with his deep voice and awful accent. These performances shows how dedicated the performers are since they are doing this show on top of a normal course load.

If you would like to attend the show is from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and doors open at 7 p.m. in the Doré Theater on campus. General admission is $10, seniors/students is $5, and CSUB students can attend for free.