When I know you better I'll tell you my stories about the carload of nuns trying to get into heaven. Until then, I direct you to Opera Project Columbus latest production Too Many Sopranos, a comic opera by Edwin Penhorwood. Here's the deal. Sopranos trying to get into heaven are told sorry girls, we are full up with sopranos. St. Peter advises these divas to pop down to hell and see if some tenors and basses can be saved and sent paradise-way. "Thus restoring the balance." My goodness, you could do an opera like this and recognize specific people hiding behind the fictitious names. Try it this weekend when Opera Project Columbus presents Too Many Sopranos. And no, this isn't an all-soprano show or your high school musical with the girls playing the boy's parts. There was a large cast including fellas needing rescue from hell. I suspect however, the male singers I know would have a better time and be reluctant to leave the flames of the nether world. But I have yet to see the show. Here's a clip form a past production, although it was not presented Opera Project Columbus. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGEbbQ5FBCI&playnext=1&list=PLB3BC4891D87B12F0&feature=results_video Opera Project Columbus began three years ago with a partnership between a local doctor, who provided the money, and a local soprano who recruited the talent. The doc and soprano have moved on. The work of the company is in the hands now of the very capable Dionne Bennett,who should be singing more, and Cristina Benedetti. Alessandro Siciliani, the beloved maestro of the red handkerchief, remains artistic director. Too Many Sopranos and everybody else benefit from the musicianship of Ed Bak, pianist and coach extraordinaire. The cast includes a number of locally-based young singers. Some of them are en route to terrific careers, you know who you are and don't get arrogant, I'm watching you. Perfect for date night, Opera Project Columbus and Too Many Sopranos, at 7:30 pm on March 15 and at 2 pm on March 17. For more information on the show visit the Opera Project Columbus website.
Christopher Purdy is Classical 101's early morning host, 7-10 a.m. weekdays. He is host and producer of Front Row Center – Classical 101’s weekly celebration of Opera and more – as well as Music in Mid-Ohio, Concerts at Ohio State, and the Columbus Symphony broadcast series. He is the regular pre-concert speaker for Columbus Symphony performances in the Ohio Theater.