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Jun 08
2012
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Trained Singers Win the Roles - Study Voice in ConnecticutPosted by: Horovi on Jun 08, 2012  
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CURRENTLY IN REHEARSAL
Right now (June 2012) four students of the Christina Rovics Vocal Studio are rehearsing leading roles in three different musical theater productions in Fairfield County and adjacent parts of New York State. Summer time productions flourish in our area, namely Musicals at Richter in Danbury and the Brewster Theatre Company in Brewster, New York. The shows in production at Richter are Bye, Bye, Birdie and Brigadoon. Brewster is producing The Full Monty. Another of our current students, a high school senior has been the recipient of several awards this year, and she, along with two other seniors are college bound. Each performer has a story to tell that got them there, stories that unfold day in and day out as we work with some of Connecticut’s most outstanding talent.
AN OUTSTANDING YOUNG TALENT
Evan from Ridgefield (age 11) won the role of Randolph in Bye, Bye, Birdie at Musical at Richter. [link] In May Evan was one of 5 boys chosen out of more than 500 who were auditioned to be in the cast of Godspell 2032, a showcase production at Circle in the Square Theater in New York City. [link to our blog] Previously he had leading roles as Willy Wonka at Yorktown Stage, Oliver in the show Oliver at Tarrytown Theater, and The Artful Dodger (from Oliver) last summer also at Richter. He is required to sing boy soprano in one role while belting in the other, and he can do both well. Evan also studies piano with Howard Rovics.
JOINT STUDIO RECITAL BOOSTS TWO SINGERS
Matt Wilcox and Dianna Waller ( a graduate of Shenandoah College in Virginia where she majored in musical theater) gave a joint recital at the Danbury Music Centre sponsored by the Christina Rovics Vocal Studio. They sang a full program of contemporary musical theater repertoire, five solos each plus five duets accompanied at the piano by Howard Rovics. Immediately afterwards they each landed leading roles in local productions. Matt has the role of Conrad in Bye, Bye, Birdie. Dianna will be singing the role of Meg in Brigadoon, both in Musicals at Richter productions.
Dianna recently finished doing eight performances of the acting role of Ruth in Blithe Spirits in the Brewster Theatre Company to critical acclaim. [link to our blog] At the same time, Dianna is also now rehearsing the role of Georgie in The Full Monty, a forthcoming production of The Brewster Theatre Company.
A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR ACHIEVES STATEWIDE RECOGNITION
Laura McKee, a senior at Immaculate High in Danbury won the Halo award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for her performance of Ellen in Miss Saigon. She will be doing the role of Margot in a local production of Legally Blonde in July. Laura was a member of the 2011 CT State Chorus, the 2010 Western Regional Chorus, and this year received State recognition for her musical theater performances which have been numerous. Last summer Laura did the leading role of Rosie in a New Fairfield production of Bye, Bye, Birdie.
THE CHORAL CONNECTION
Speaking of choral singing, one of our older students, Lana Levine is leaving soon on a European trip with The Connecticut Choral. She is also a member of the very select eight voice Adesso Choral Society, a group that specializes in new music for women’s voices. Adesso concerts take place several times a year mainly in Connecticut under the direction of Margaret Collins Stoop.
TWO COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS
High school senior Charlie Yolen performed the role of Prez in Pajama Game at Ridgefield High in 2012. He’s attending Columbia University in September. PJ Mansfield, a senior from Brewster High cultivated a most extraordinary basso voice this year, aced a series of college auditions and finally chose to major in music education at Mansfield University in Pennsylvania. He is also a skilled violist. His impressive repertoire is entirely made up of art songs and opera, i.e. Handel, Mozart, Schubert, Caldara, Faure and Gershwin. PJ is currently rehearsing for The Full Monty in Brewster as well. He appeared in Brewster High’s production of The Secret Garden a few months ago.
FROM NORTH HAVEN TO BETHEL FOR SINGING LESSONS
LaurIn Gagne (who travels 60 miles to get to her voice lessons in Bethel) sang Adelaide in Guys and Dolls in 2011 and Laurie in Oklahoma! this year at North Branford High School. She will be a senior next year and has professional credentials as an actress and singer. Sarah Loughrin (age 14) who attends East Ridge Middle School in Ridgefield also sang the role of Adelaide. Both girls became adept at bringing down the house with their comic accent.
TWO SINGING SONGWRITERS FOLLOW THEIR CREATIVE PATH
Some students follow their own original path, creating music on their own terms.
Emily DeGirolamo (age 15) from Newtown High has studied with Christina for many years often appearing on studio concerts. She is equally adept at both belting and singng classical music. In the last two years her passion has been songwriting in which she accompanies herself at the piano. She has some twelve original songs (words and music) to her credit and her own Youtube channel.
STUDIO SPONSORED EVENTS
These, the people we have named are the ones who have been distinguishing themselves in community productions. We make an effort to provide performing opportunities throughout the year for our many other students who are eager to sing in public. This season 15 students participated in studio sponsored events, many performing for the first time. Audience members (mostly parents, relatives and friends) notice the remarkably self-assured singing that comes about due to solid training, practice and encouragement.
These are the young people who will have the edge in future years. Go to Our Blog and browse through the videos. We love to give them a chance to share their best performances on our YouTube channel through Our Blog. Here are three different examples to illustrate.
Matt singing What Is It About Her?
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