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REVUE, A new opera troupe

REVUE

The program

Song of Purple Summer, from the musical "Spring Awakening"
In His Eyes, from the musical "Jekyll and Hyde"
New York, New York, from the musical "On the Town"
Elegance, from the musical "Hello Dolly"
O Mimì, tu più non torni, from Puccini's "La Boheme"
My lover sailed to be, from Menotti's "The Old Maid and the Thief"  

The cast

Soprano Elyssa LeMay '14 from Peculiar, Mo.
Soprano Hannah Buto '15 from Lake Zurich, Ill.
Soprano Rowan Crow '16 from Coal Valley, Ill. 
Mezzo Christine Harb '15 Davenport, Iowa
Tenor Dylan Hinrichs '13 from Sterling, Ill.
Tenor Corbin McGhee '13 from Geneva, Ill. 
Tenor Chris Ward '15 from West Aurora, Ill.
Baritone Brian Jozwiak '15 from Vernon Hills, Ill. 


A new Augustana College ensemble has been formed in the fall of 2011 from the Opera@Augustana program.

REVUE is a eight-member musical drama group whose 20-minute performance, along with additional topics of instruction and discussion, is being made available to the community and schools. The current program presents a series of duets, trios, and group numbers from opera and musical theatre, some hilarious, others steamy.

REVUE developed out of an interest to both offer an additional performance outlet and further performance outreach in the community.  Director John Pfautz wanted to create an opportunity for students to perform unique and varied repertoire as well as connect with the community and potential prospective students. Pfautz hopes that REVUE will give Augustana's voice program a "face that identifies with taking seriously the performing of operatic and musical theatre repertoire, and makes it delightfully approachable to all ages."

Augustana students are thrilled by the new and more intimate performance outlet, particularly the opportunity to explore musical theatre. Corbin McGhee '13 expresses that REVUE has become a place where he can "gather with friends, sing challenging repertoire, and grow in musical ability." He hopes REVUE will spur additional interest in the fine arts within the community and schools.

Christine Harb '15 finds REVUE accessible in how it offers a "sneak peak into the world of musical theatre and opera." Aldis believes REVUE will not only offer such a glimpse into the performance realm but also has the ability to "create connections and bridge the gap between opera and musical theater for high school students, and college students, who may have misconceptions or negative views about either genre."

The 20-minute program featuring duets from operas and musicals can be accompanied by any of the following educational units:

1. Vocal pedagogy issues: singing both classical AND musical styles (15 min.)

2. Opera's not really that different: common themes in musicals and operas (5 min.)

3. The joys and struggles of a singer/actor (5-7 min.)

4. Question and answer: your student to ours (3-15 min.)

REVUE and Opera@Augustana are directed by John Pfautz assisted by Saul Nache, guest director, and Gail Baldwin, pianist.

For more information and booking, contact Sam Schlouch, (309) 794-7833.