Maybe the Opera House is haunted by a Phantom...

With the arrival of Phantom of the Opera, it's only natural to invite you to come and find out if the Phantom really does haunt the House. So come and discover a secret passageway and even a dungeon at Haunted in the House this Halloween!

On Halloween 2009, 10:00p - 1:00am, the Detroit Opera House with be transformed into a haunted palace, inside and out, where everyone will be able to mingle, dance, drink and be merry!

If you're a true Halloween Spirit, you can dress up to enter one of the House's costume contests and win some pretty awesome prizes.

Not only will this event be THE place to be on Halloween, but it is also a great way to support that local arts/entertainment community! “Launching Haunted in the House is a way to try and re-engage the young people that may attend one of our larger events like BravoBravo!,” says MOT Director of Development Mary Parkhill. “We want the next generation of arts supporters to begin to take ownership of the Detroit Opera House, too." All proceeds from Haunted in the House will go to support the dance and opera programming at the world-class Detroit Opera House. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

Tickets for Haunted in the House are $35 general admission and $75 VIP tickets that include access to a VIP lounge with an open bar and hors d’oeuvres for one hour, an Opera House Dungeon Tour and valet parking. Guests must be 21 or older, please.

Sounds like a GREAT time to me! See you there!

<3
Jonelle

And now for the other intern!

As stated previously, Wendy is one of the new interns here at the Opera House and I, Jonelle Pariseau, am the other. :D I graduated from MSU this past May with a Bachelor of Arts in communications and public relations. I also have an extensive dance background that has recently come to include being the Owner/Artistic Director of Studio 8 Dance Arts Center of Southeast Michigan LLC. The studio is a new venture that allows me to continue my passion for the dance arts, which is the main reason I was so excited to receive the position here at the Opera House.

I think it might go without saying, but I really enjoy going to the theatre. My favorite show that I've seen recently is Avenue Q. It is a great show for the twenty-year-old-crowd - VERY funny! I also LOVED RENT. I guess it rubbed off on how much I liked it since Rebekah, our supervisor, gifted me a RENT poster this morning :). (It's gonna look great in my room!)

The Detroit Opera House / Michigan Opera Theatre have a great Dance & Opera season ahead. With shows like Phantom, Nabucco, and The Nutcraker, everyone will be able to find som reason to come down to the Opera House!


Stay posted as Phantom has just opened (September 8-27)and there will be tons of 'insider happenings' you'll want to know about!

A Haunting Tale...

My first day as one of the new interns here at the Detroit Opera House was even better than I anticipated. My name is Wendy German. I am an English major as well as pursuing my Arts Management Certificate at the University of Windsor. I will be seeking a career in the theatre/entertainment industry upon completion of my degree. First up was a grand tour of the beautifully restored Opera House. There are so many amazing spaces, lounges, rehearsal halls, staircases and of course the spectacular stage. There was even a secret passage, slightly unnerving when the current show is about a Phantom haunting an Opera House!

Since I have only seen the movie, I am thrilled to be seeing Phantom of the Opera, the musical, for the fist time on stage. A real connection grows between the actors and audience during live theatre so I am expecting to be both mesmerized and enchanted! In anticipation I have been looking up lyrics, and listening to the music. I confess I even changed my screensaver to a picture of Christine and the Phantom. Here are some particulars that might interest you about the touring production that opened here last night. The chandelier is 1,000 pounds (it is massive, I went and peeked) and has 35,000 beads and 50-radio controlled lights. There are 165 wigs used to compliment the 230 costumes for the show. I’ll post again once I have seen the production and let you know what I think. I hope you get a chance to see for the first time, or indulge again in the haunting tale of seduction and despair.

Fond Memories at MOT...

My 5th floor view of Comerica Park is going to be missed when I leave today. My co-workers and this incredible building will both be missed as well. Today is my last day interning in the Communications department at MOT, and though I’m excited to return to school, I’d like to savor this summer experience.

Over the past two months, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Detroit Opera House. As the Public Relations and Marketing Intern, I was able to work on press and media kits, explore the marketing aspects of Twitter, and improve my communication skills. Most of all, I was able to experience the day-to-day operations of an opera house. But let’s not forget my exposure to the more lavish side – BravoBravo! 2009 was definitely the highlight of my summer!

As I say goodbye to the building, I know this isn’t my last time to set foot in the Detroit Opera House. Just today, I was recorded singing “Vedrai, carino” (Don Giovanni) for a $1 million dollar Michigan arts grant that MOT will be competing for in August. The competition for the grant relies on Internet donations, so resources such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube will be used. The video of me singing was posted on YouTube - at least I can say I left my mark!

There are many people here at the Detroit Opera House that I would like to thank. First and foremost, Ms. Rebekah Johnson and Mr. Michael Hauser for all of their guidance. Mr. John Grigaitis for taking endless pictures for my blog, and keeping the department on their toes with his witty humor. Ms. Kathi Kucharski for letting me work / attend BravoBravo! 2009, which will remain the most memorable party yet. And of course, I cannot forget Dr. David DiChiera, who has made Michigan Opera Theatre what it is today, and ensures what it will be in the future.

A little bittersweet, but I have had a wonderful experience interning here. Classes start up again at UNC in August, so that’s where I’ll be! And who knows…maybe next time I step into a “role” at the Opera House, it will be a role on the stage – not behind the desk. =)

Welcome Aboard – LATOH Presents H.M.S. Pinafore

My mom and sister are both proud members of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society – and while I am not yet a member, I’ve always been a fan. So when I heard that the Learning at the Opera House (LATOH) Operetta Camp was performing H.M.S. Pinafore, I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Pinafore, one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most famous works, is a comedic operetta that plays with love triangles and the separation of classes. Naturally, the captain’s lovely daughter falls in love with a sailor, sparking the initial romantic conflict. Will Josephine find true love with her sailor? Or will she be forced to marry the dreadful Sir Joseph Porter? Well, lucky for us, the LATOH Operetta Camp has been working hard, preparing for their upcoming performance. And one of the directors, Ms. Julie Smith, promises it to be one of the most “outstanding and remarkable groups” yet.

Ms. Smith, a doctoral candidate at Oakland University, says, “Kids come from all different areas, with all different talents. Every child is welcome regardless of ability.” Along with Ms. Smith, voice specialist Wendy Bloom guides the campers, providing them with exceptional vocal and theatrical training. And though the camp runs a tight schedule, Monday through Friday, 10am to 4pm, there is no doubt that the youth are enjoying themselves. In fact, let’s see what some of our Pinafore leads had to say:

Why did you decide to do the LATOH Operetta Camp?
“It’s different from being in shows at school; operetta is a whole different ball game from musical theater!” -Raquelle Wilson (Buttercup)

So how’s the show coming along?
“Blocking can get a little tricky, but it’s going to be a great show.” -Duncan Burns (Captain Corcoran)

Have you done LATOH before?
“Yes, this is my 4th year, I love it.” -Mitch Kosters (Dick Deadeye)

Why do you think LATOH is an important program?
“It’s important to introduce classical opera and its culture to today’s youth so traditions can continue.” -Nick Baker (Sir Joseph Porter).

Are you excited for the performance?
“I’m so excited for the show. It’s Friday July 24th, and my family and friends are all coming to see me.” -Madeline Thibault (Josephine)

How has your experience with LATOH influenced you?
“I’ve been performing with LATOH for 6 or 7 summers, and now I’m going to Bowling Green State University to study Vocal Performance.” -Sarah Buckley (Camp Intern)

I think Sarah Buckley is a perfect example of this program’s success. Learning at the Opera House not only provides premier training and performance opportunities for young adults, but also encourages the pursuit of a career in the arts. And with this encouragement, a young Josephine could be one step closer to finding her future role onstage at the Detroit Opera House.

LATOH Operetta Camp will perform H.M.S. Pinafore on Friday, July 24th, at 6pm. Tickets are $5 at the door

**See Slideshow above for rehearsal photos!!**

Center Stage: Dancers fill the Opera House with ABT Summer Intensive

The sounds of pattering feet, dressed in pointe shoes and ballet slippers, have filled the halls of the Opera House for the past two weeks. This is thanks to the American Ballet Theatre Summer Intensive, whose Detroit program has been hosted at the Detroit Opera House for 12 years now.

Being held in only five cities, ABT Artistic Director, Kevin McKenzie states, “The mission of ABT’s Summer Intensive is to cultivate a universal understanding of the art form at its highest level.” And a universal understanding it is; 130 of the most talented pre-professional dancers have come together for the four-week program. Their backgrounds range diversely from places such as Italy and Brazil, to our own Michigan, which is represented by 22 local dancers. Offered at four different levels, dancers often return year after year to gain elite experience and exposure.

The partnership between American Ballet Theatre, one of the world’s most prestigious dance companies, the Detroit Opera House and Wayne State University make the Detroit program possible. Throughout the program, young dancers are exposed to instructors from New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, to name a few, and are engaged in four classes a day. The mix of classes incorporates three in dance and one in lecture, discussing topics such as choreography, nutrition, and acting. The dancers shuffle from the Detroit Opera House to Wayne State University depending on the day and are housed in Wayne State dormitories. All of this leads up to a final showcase at the end of the program, which will be held on Friday, July 17th at 1pm and 4pm.

The final showcase is a performance you won’t want to miss. Ms. Samantha Shelton, a 13-year instructor with ABT Intensive, who also teaches at Wayne State University, Rochester School of Dance, and Spotlight Dance Works, gave me some insight into the performance: “Each level will perform two pieces; one is part of ABT repertoire, and the other is choreographed specifically for them.” Ms. Shelton went on to explain that the “violet” group will dance the famous “Paquita” ballet from ABT rep, in addition to an original piece set to Vivaldi, which she will choreograph. ABT national directors will fly in to watch the final performance, making it prime exposure for up and coming ballerinas.

As I observed a rehearsal of the “blue” group, one of the four levels of dancers, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the blockbuster hit, Center Stage. The film follows dancers in an ABT Intensive program, leading up to a final showcase that determines their professional careers. “Similar, but a bit less dramatic,” is how Ms. Shelton compared the Detroit program to that of the movie. But as I watched the girls in black leotards and pink tights, with their hair pulled back into perfect ballet knots, I kept thinking: the next prima ballerina could be perfecting her fuetes and piqué turns - right before my eyes.

The ABT Summer Intensive final performances will be held on Friday, July 17th, at 1pm and 4pm on the grand stage of the Detroit Opera House. Tickets are available at the door prior to the performance, and are $15 for adults and $10 for children under the age of 15.