Canadian-American actor/soprano Tanya Roberts has performed over 75 roles worldwide, ranging from Baroque opera to contemporary musical theatre. Tanya has appeared with The Ohio Light Opera, Edmonton Opera, Lincoln Center, Michigan Opera Theatre, Azamara Cruises, Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, NYC Chamber Orchestra, Teatro Grattacielo, Long Island Opera Company, Sound of Austria, Lyrique-en-Mer Festival de Belle-Île, Charlottesville Opera, and the Tel Aviv Vocal Arts Festival, among many others.
In 2020/21, in light of the pandemic, Tanya begins the season virtually, appearing as herself in the world premiere of Vince Gover’s operetta Lend Me a Roll. She plans to return to The Ohio Light Opera for the postponed 2020 season, appearing as Mrs. Mullin (Carousel), Mary Wintergreen (Let ‘Em Eat Cake), Saphir (Patience), Prince Caprice (Voyage to the Moon), and Juliane Von Reckenburg (The Mock Marriage); and when cruise ships make a safe return to service, Tanya looks forward to joining American Cruise Lines as a Cruise Director, appearing in a brand new solo show with an all-American program.
In 2019/20, Tanya brought her solo show “Hostess with the Mostess” back to the high seas onboard the Azamara Journey, cruising from Helsinki to Monte Carlo. She also returned as a Guest Artist to the Mineola Choral Society, covering the Soprano Soloist in Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Faure’s Requiem. In addition, Tanya turned her focus to acting, participating in the Fall Method Acting Intensive at The Lee Strasberg Institute and the Winter Musical Theatre Intensive at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. Postponed performances due to COVID-19 include Haydn’s Creation with the Mineola Choral Society, the debut performance of the opera crossover quartet Prosecco at Porch Light in New Jersey, outreach with Sing for Hope, and Mrs. Mullin (Carousel), Mary Wintergreen (Let ‘Em Eat Cake), Saphir (Patience), Prince Caprice (Voyage to the Moon), and Juliane Von Reckenburg (The Mock Marriage) with The Ohio Light Opera. In response to the pandemic, Tanya expanded into voiceover, narrating video projects for The Metropolitan Opera’s Met Chorus Artists and eLearning content for Massage Student Pro.
Highlights from other seasons include solo debuts at Carnegie Hall in Mozart’s Solemn Vespers with the NYC Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Center with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the Very Special Promenades Concert Series and as the Soprano I cover in Bach’s Mass in b minor under the direction of Riccardo Muti, and at Lincoln Center as La Senese in Cilea’s Gloria with Teatro Grattacielo; a 10-month run as Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro) with Sound of Austria in Vienna; touring to over 30 countries with Azamara Cruises while performing in opera and musical theatre cabarets, art song recitals, and as Micaela in Carmen; Valencienne (The Merry Widow), Fünfte Magd (Elektra), and Zweite Dame (Die Zauberflöte) with Edmonton Opera; the title role in Countess Maritza, Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Anna (The King and I), Lilli (Kiss Me, Kate), Frieda (Music in the Air), Dolly Brabazon (Have a Heart), and Eliza (My Fair Lady) with The Ohio Light Opera; creating the role of Dora in Stephen Eddins’ A Devil’s Deal with Opera Theater Unlimited for their inaugural 48-Hour Opera Festival (for which she was awarded “Best Performer”); Mrs. Gobineau (The Medium) with Michigan Opera Theatre; Mozart’s Requiem, Carmina Burana and Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem with the Mineola Choral Society, three appearances on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and a residency at The Banff Centre exploring Viennese Song.
Tanya can be heard on Albany Records as Maude Peck (Dream City & The Magic Knight) and seen on Operetta Archives as Dolly Brabazon (Have a Heart) with The Ohio Light Opera. Upcoming DVD releases include the title role in Countess Maritza and Princess Leontine in The Devil’s Rider. A native of Toronto, Tanya is a graduate of McGill University’s BMus and MMus programs, and typically resides in New York with her husband, bass Ned Hanlon. She is currently riding out the pandemic from Puerto Rico.
(Fall 2020)
Quartet Caroller *Cancelled due to COVID-19*
Various Locations, NY Tri-State Area
The Dickens’ Victorian Carollers
December TBC
Guest Soprano & Cantor
Bronx, NY
Our Lady of Refuge
December 24
Guest Cantor
Port Washington, NY
Our Lady of Fatima
December 25
Guest Cantor
Bronx, NY
Our Lady of Refuge
December 31 & January 1
Self in Vince Gover’s Lend Me a Roll
Virtual World Premiere
Vince Gover YouTube
TBA
Mrs. Mullin in Carousel
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
TBA
Mary Wintergreen in Let ‘Em Eat Cake
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
TBA
4th of July Pops Concert
Main Street Square, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
TBC
Saphir in Patience
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
TBA
Prince Caprice in Voyage to the Moon
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
TBA
Juliane von Reckenburg in The Mock Marriage
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
TBA
Cruise Director Solo Show TBA
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines
2021 TBA
Solo Show “Hostess with the Mostess”
Azamara Journey
Azamara Club Cruises
August 14 – September 21
Fall Method Acting Intensive
The Lee Strasberg Institute, NYC
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute
October 3 – October 28
Quartet Caroller
Various Locations, Tri-State Area
The Dickens’ Victorian Carollers
November – December
Principal Cantor
Ozone Park, New York
Saint Mary Gate of Heaven
December – June
Winter Musical Theatre Immersion
Stella Adler Studio of Acting, NYC
Stella Adler Studio of Acting
January 6 – January 17
Soprano (cover) in Coronation Mass & Faure Requiem
Corpus Christi Church, Long Island
Mineola Choral Society
January 26
Guest Artist in “An Operatic Homecoming”
Port Washington Public Library, Long Island
Port Washington Public Library
March 8
Women’s History Month Showcase *Cancelled due to COVID-19*
Port Authority Bus Terminal, NYC
Sing for Hope
March 25
Virtual Guest Soloist
Wooster, OH
Westminster Presbyterian Church
April 19
Quartet Soprano in Prosecco Pops the Cork *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Porch Light Studios, Glen Rock, NJ
Porch Light Productions
April 19
Ensemble/Alto Soloist in The Creation *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Temple Emanuel, Long Island
Mineola Choral Society
May 3
Resident Artist in Virtual Festival
Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
May 23 – September 4
Mrs. Mullin in Carousel *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 13 – August 7
Mary Wintergreen in Let ‘Em Eat Cake *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 25 – August 7
Virtual Guest Soloist in Sunday Summer Series
Wooster, OH
Wooster United Methodist Church
June 28
4th of July Pops Concert *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Main Street Square, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 4
Saphir in Patience *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 9 – August 6
Prince Caprice in Voyage to the Moon *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 15 – August 6
Juliane von Reckenburg in The Mock Marriage *Postponed due to COVID-19*
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 22 – August 5
Lead Performer in “Standing Ovations”
Azamara Quest
MCO Productions
August 11 – January 22
Lead Performer in “Crossroads”
Azamara Quest
MCO Productions
August 11 – January 22
Micaela in Carmen
Azamara Quest
MCO Productions
August 11 – January 22
La Senese in Gloria
Gerald W. Lynch Theater, NYC
Teatro Grattacielo
September 29
Lead Performer in “Broadway Cabaret”
Azamara Quest
Azamara Club Cruises
October 26 – January 22
Lead Performer in “Trouble in Paradise”
Azamara Quest
Azamara Club Cruises
December 17 – January 22
Solo Show “Hostess with the Mostess”
Azamara Quest
Azamara Club Cruises
February 21 – March 22
Soprano in “Let Freedom Ring” Concert
Temple Emanuel, Long Island
Mineola Choral Society
May 5
Guest Soloist
Wooster, OH
Westminster Presbyterian Church
June 2
Ensign Connie Walewska in South Pacific
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 15 – August 9
Guest Soloist in Sunday Summer Series
Wooster, OH
Wooster United Methodist Church
June 23
Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 27 – August 9
4th of July Pops Concert
Main Street Square, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 4
Frieda Hatzfeld in Music in the Air
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 11 – August 8
Leontine in The Devil’s Rider
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 17 – August 8
Miss Alice Connors in Perchance to Dream
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 24 – August 7
Principal Cantor
Bronx, New York
Saint Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church
August – February
May Fielding (cover) in Il grillo del focolare
Gerald W. Lynch Theater, NYC
Teatro Grattacielo
October 14
Saar, Bertha (cover) in The Red Mill
Christ & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, NYC
Victor Herbert Renaissance Project LIVE!
November 14 & 15
Holiday Special
Ed Sullivan Theater, New York
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
December 4
Baroness of Gondremarck in La vie parisienne
Southold Opera House, Long Island, NY
Long Island Opera Company
December 31
Soprano Soloist in Mozart Requiem
St. Catherine of Sienna, Long Island
Mineola Choral Society
January 28
Victor Herbert 159th Birthday Celebration
Victor Herbert Monument, Central Park, NYC
Victor Herbert Renaissance Project LIVE!
February 1
Narrator & Soloist in Ladies First Concert
Christ & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, NYC
Victor Herbert Renaissance Project LIVE!
February 27 & 28
Lead Performer in “Standing Ovations”
Azamara Journey
MCO Productions
March 25 – June 29
Lead Performer in “Crossroads”
Azamara Journey
MCO Productions
March 25 – June 29
Lead Performer in Art Song Recitals
Azamara Journey
MCO Productions
March 25 – June 29
Micaela in Carmen
Azamara Journey
MCO Productions
March 25 – June 29
Bedside Performances
Henry J. Carter Hospital, NYC
Sing for Hope
July 26
Guest Cantor
Bronx, New York
Saint Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church
July 28 & 29
Venezuelan Mass Guest Cantor
New York, New York
St. Patrick’s Cathedral
September 11
Chorus in Verdi Requiem
Saint Peter’s Church, New York
Orchestra Amadeus
September 26
Installation Mass Guest Cantor
Brooklyn, New York
St. Brendan Catholic Church
October 2
Masterclass with Braeden & Brenda Harris
New York, New York
NOLA Rehearsal Studios
October 8 & 9
Shakespeare Workshop
West 36th Street, New York
The Barrow Group
October 10 – December 12
Guest Soprano with Choir of St. Joseph
Greenwich Village, New York
Church of St. Joseph in Greenwich Village
October 16 & 23
Omega in The Cadi Outwitted (einspringen)
Marc A. Scorca Hall, National Opera Center, NYC
New York Lyric Opera Theatre
October 24
Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte (einspringen)
Marc A. Scorca Hall, National Opera Center, NYC
New York Lyric Opera Theatre
October 25
Dorothy in The Princess Pat
Christ & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, NYC
Victor Herbert Renaissance Project LIVE!
November 16 & 17
Guest Soprano with Choir of Trinity Wall Street
Trinity Church Wall Street, NYC
The Choir of Trinity Wall Street
October – November
Chorus in Bach Mass in b minor
Trinity Church Wall Street, NYC
The Choir of Trinity Wall Street
November 20
Guest Cantor
Brooklyn, New York
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
November 27
Regular Cantor
Brooklyn, New York
St. Brendan Catholic Church
December – May
Christmas Special with Norah Jones
Ed Sullivan Theater, New York
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
December 12
Guest Artist at Swiss Holiday Celebration
Vanderbilt Suites, MetLife Building, NYC
Swiss Benevolent Society of New York
December 15
Soloist in Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem
St. Catherine of Sienna, Long Island
Mineola Choral Society
January 29
Victor Herbert 158th Birthday Celebration
Victor Herbert Monument, Central Park, NYC
Victor Herbert Renaissance Project LIVE!
February 1
Principal Soloist at Valentine’s Gala
Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
February 14
Edmonton Opera Brunch
Royal Glenora Club, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
February 26
Fünfte Magd in Elektra
Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
March 11, 14 & 16
Lady Maude in Eileen
Christ & St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, NYC
Victor Herbert Renaissance Project LIVE!
April 25 & 26
48-Hour Opera Festival
Custom Made Theatre, San Francisco
Opera Theater Unlimited
April 30
Season Preview Concert
Kiwanis Club, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 6
Guest Soloist
Wooster, OH
Westminster Presbyterian Church
June 11
Purity in Anything Goes
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 22 – August 12
Guest Soloist
Wooster, OH
Wooster United Methodist Church
June 25
Ensemble in H.M.S. Pinafore
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 29 – August 12
4th of July Pops Concert
Main Street Square, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 4
May Rooker in Primrose
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 6 – August 11
Countess Maritza in Countess Maritza
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 19 – August 10
Dollbabia in The Lady of the Slipper
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 26 – August 9
Resident Artist in Festival Symposium
The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
August 1-4
Heinrich Strecker Crossover Competition
Stadttheater Baden, Baden bei Wien
Heinrich Strecker Musikverlag
September 16-19
Pope Special with Choir of St. Jean Baptiste
CBS Studios, New York
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
September 24
Edmonton Opera Brunch
Royal Glenora Club, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
October 4
Valencienne in The Merry Widow
Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
October 24, 27 & 29
Christmas Guest Soprano & Cantor
Brooklyn, New York
St. Brendan Catholic Church
December 24 & 25
Kate Pinkerton (cover) in Madama Butterfly
600 W 218th Street, New York
Opera Company of Brooklyn
January 30
Chorus in Verdi Requiem
St. Catherine of Sienna, Long Island
Mineola Choral Society
January 31
“Concert as Theatre” Residency
The Banff Centre, Banff, Alberta
The Banff Centre
February 8-26
Musical Encounter Series
Rolston Recital Hall, Banff, Alberta
The Banff Centre
February 12
Bow Valley Musical Matinee
artsPlace, Canmore, Alberta
artsPlace
February 14
Lieschen in BYOCoffee Cantata (excerpt)
Studio 151, Music & Sound Building
The Banff Centre
February 24
Guest Soprano with Choir of St. Joseph
Greenwich Village, New York
Church of St. Joseph in Greenwich Village
March 6, April 10 & 17
Easter Guest Soprano & Cantor
Brooklyn, New York
St. Brendan Catholic Church
March 24-27
Soprano Soloist in Mozart Solemn Vespers
Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, New York
New York City Chamber Orchestra
April 4
Aline in The Sorcerer
Norwalk Concert Hall, Connecticut
Troupers Light Opera Company
April 16 & 23
Guest Soprano & Cantor
Brooklyn, New York
St. Brendan Catholic Church
May 7
Soprano Soloist in Carmina Burana
Mineola High School, Long Island
Mineola Choral Society
May 14
Season Preview Concert
Kiwanis Club, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 14
Lilli/Kate in Kiss Me, Kate
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 18 – August 12
Excerpts from Walker’s “The Promised Land”
Wooster, OH
Wooster United Methodist Church
June 26
Ensemble in The Mikado
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 30 – August 13
4th of July Pops Concert
Main Street Square, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 4
Dolly in Have a Heart
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 7 – August 12
Gabrielle in La vie parisienne
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 13 – August 10
Emmy/Madame Pelotti in The Dancing Years
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 19 – August 11
Ensemble in The Little Dutch Girl
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 27 – August 11
Young Artist in Festival Symposium
The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
August 2-5
Mrs. Gobineau in The Medium
West End Lounge & Cabaret, New York
Taksu Theatre Company
October 10-13
Soprano Soloist
Various Locations, New York
Hank Lane Music
September-December
Guest Artist in REINCARNATION
61 Local, Brooklyn
Big Words, Etc.
December 9
Christmas Guest Soprano & Soloist
New York, NY
The Church of St. Vincent Ferrer
December 24 & 25
Edmonton Opera Brunch
Royal Glenora Club, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
January 18
Zweite Dame in Die Zauberflöte
Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
January 31, February 3 & 5
“By Request” Cabaret
Oliveto Trattoria, Edmonton
Opera NUOVA
February 1
Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte (einspringen)
DiMenna Center for Classical Music
New York Lyric Opera Theatre
February 21
Susanna in Die Hochzeit des Figaro
Theater Baumgarten, Vienna
Sound of Austria
March 25 to December 30
David Aronson & Sylvia Greenberg Masterclass
Wiener Staatsoper, Vienna
Wiener Staatsoper
July 2
Summer Concert “Um die Welt”
Prachtwerk, Berlin
Opera on Tap Berlin
August 18
Chorus in Stars of Lyric Opera
Millennium Park, Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
September 10
Chorus in Otello
Civic Opera House, Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Oct 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, Nov 2
Angelina (cover) in Trial by Jury
Unity Temple, Oak Park, IL
Unity Temple/Jen Marling Productions
October 12 & 13
Chorus in Parsifal
Civic Opera House, Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
November 9, 13, 17, 22, 25, 29
Wagner & Verdi Birthday Gala
J Building Theatre, Palatine, IL
Northwest Festival Orchestra
November 24
Soloist in Bach Cantata 140
Evanston, IL
Northminster Presbyterian Church
December 15
A Holiday Spectacular!
Harper College Theatre, Palatine, IL
Northwest Festival Orchestra
December 18
Soprano Caroler
Various Locations, Chicago
Holiday Harmony Carolers
Month of December
Christmas Eve Service Guest Soloist
Lake Bluff, IL
Grace United Methodist Church
December 24
Edmonton Opera Brunch
Petroleum Club, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
January 19
Ida in Die Fledermaus
Jubilee Auditorium, Edmonton
Edmonton Opera
February 1, 4, 6
Serpina in La serva padrona
Sabor Divino, Edmonton
Opera NUOVA
February 9
Soprano Soloist/Section Leader
Evanston, IL
Northminster Presbyterian Church
Every Sunday, September to May
Valentines, Wine & Opera
Bin 36, Chicago
Opera Uncorked
February 14
An Evening of Wine & Opera
Bin 36, Chicago
Opera Uncorked
February 23
Chorus in La Clemenza di Tito
Civic Opera House, Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
March 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 23
Soprano Soloist in L’dor Vador
Techny Towers, Techny, IL
Techny Festival of Music
March 9
Hebe/Josephine (cover) in H.M.S. Pinafore
Mandel Hall, Chicago, IL
Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company
March 14, 15, 16
Lucy in The Billy Goats Gruff
Metropolitan Detroit Area
The Motor City Lyric Opera
May 5 – 16
Eliza in My Fair Lady
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 14 – August 8
Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 26 – August 7
Soprano Soloist in L’dor Vador
Wooster, OH
Trinity United Church of Christ
June 29
Chorus in Pirates of Penzance
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 1 – August 7
4th of July Pops Concert
Main Street Square, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 4
Miss Sal Munn in Oh, Lady! Lady!!
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 9 – August 9
Maude/Chorus in Dream City & The Magic Knight
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 15 – August 8
Soprano Soloist in L’dor Vador
Wooster, OH
Wooster United Methodist Church
July 20
Chorus in The Little King
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 23 – August 6
Soprano Soloist in L’dor Vador
Wooster, OH
Westminster Presbyterian Church
July 27
Chorus in Carmina Burana
Millennium Park, Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
September 21
Chorus in Carmina Burana
Carnegie Hall, New York
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
October 3
Chorus in Simon Boccanegra
Civic Opera House, Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
October 15-31, November 3-9
Chorus in Beethoven Missa Solemnis
Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
October 25-27
Chorus in Mahler Symphony No. 3
Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
November 1-3
Soloist in Vivaldi Gloria
Fine Art Center
Northeastern Illinois University
November 27
Chorus in Welcome Yule
Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
December 14-16 & 21-13
Soprano Caroler
Various Locations, Chicago
Holiday Harmony Carolers
Month of December
Christmas Eve Service Guest Soloist
Lake Bluff, IL
Grace United Methodist Church
December 24
Chorus in La bohème
Civic Opera House, Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
January 21-17, February 2-7, March 9-28
Soprano Soloist & Section Leader
Evanston, IL
Northminster Presbyterian Church
Every Sunday, September to May
Chorus in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg
Civic Opera House, Chicago
Lyric Opera of Chicago
February 8-27, March 3
Soloist in Bach Coffee Cantata & Fauré Requiem
First United Methodist Church, La Grange, IL
Salt Creek Chamber Orchestra
February 24
Principal Artist in Very Special Promenades
Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
March 15 & 16
Soprano I Cover & Chorus in Bach Mass in b minor
Orchestra Hall, Chicago
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
April 11-13 & 16
Lucy in The Billy Goats Gruff
Metropolitan Detroit Area
The Motor City Lyric Opera
May 6-17
Anna in The King and I
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 15 – August 8
Chorus in Silk Stockings
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 20 – August 9
Chorus in H.M.S. Pinafore
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
June 27 – August 10
4th of July Pops Concert
Main Street Square, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 4
Chorus in Lady, Be Good!
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 10 – August 9
Gianetta in The Gondoliers
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 16 – August 10
Chorus in The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein
Freedlander Theater, Wooster, OH
The Ohio Light Opera
July 24 – August 8
But what really makes this show - the fifth of seven to open this season - is the return of soprano Tanya Roberts to center stage. In her fifth OLO season, Roberts cements her reputation as a stellar vocalist and all-around fascinating stage presence as operetta star Frieda Hatzfeld. Though the character initially is played for laughs (and there are some good laughs), Roberts quietly downshifts the prima donna to a multi-faceted, sympathetic character… Roberts handles both sides of Frieda with equal care and compassion.
What helps even more is pairing Dutton, in just his second year with the OLO, with the always charming and excruciatingly talented Tanya Roberts, whose Leontine is soft, passionate and headstrong all in one fell swoop. Some of the production’s most memorable moments come compliments of this duo…
Soprano Tanya Roberts made an effervescent co-host and sang with rich tone – getting the evening off to an amusing start with “The Lady and the Kick”… In a cute bit of staging, Roberts later donned a doctor’s coat as she dispended love advice with “You’ll Feel Better Then” from The Rose of Algeria.
Tanya Roberts and Anthony Maida did a swell job as narrators, establishing the background of each scene. Ms. Roberts was hilarious as “the 5’ lady with the 8’ kick”.
"Countess Maritza" -- with composer Emmerich Kalman's daughter Yvonne sitting ringside to cheer on the production and make a lovely curtain speech after -- was distinguished by its compelling leads -- Tanya Roberts, grandly imperious and vocally lustrous as the wealthy lady of the manor, and Daniel Neer as the high-born Baron Tassilo, who has taken a job incognito as Maritza's bailiff. Their acting generated real heat, and they sang Kalman's glorious melodies with requisite passion... an OLO DVD will eventually be forthcoming, which is a good thing as it's very much a performance worth preserving.
Roberts and Best turned up for droll comic turns as step-sisters Dollbabia and Freakette (love those names!).
Among the first characters you meet are sisters Dollbabia (Tanya Roberts), reminiscent of Chatty Cathy on steroids and Freakette (Sarah Best), kind of a mutant Queen of Hearts… It's hard to take your eyes off them. And it's hard to explain why that is. Of course, underneath those wonderfully garish costumes are two outstanding comediennes and serious singers…
If you buy a ticket see “Countess Maritza” during this Ohio Light Opera season, Daniel Neer and Tanya Roberts alone are going to make it worth the trip… it is the soprano Roberts (in the title role) and seven-year-OLO veteran Neer who take a fine production and make it even better. Roberts takes on the title role with gusto, dancing up a storm in “Set the Gypsy Music Playing” and delivering for the entire three hours on the vocal aerobics the part requires. She makes her work look effortless and exhibits the kind of stage presence that says “I belong here.” Pairing Roberts with Neer was a stroke of outstanding casting by stage director Steven Daigle, as both can control the stage alone, or surrender it to the other. Their duets are magic… The chemistry is palpable in “Waltz our Worries Away,” as well as “Be Mine, My Love, Be Mine.”
… a stellar cast lead by the ebullient Tanya Roberts (Countess Maritza)… The duo possesses extraordinary vocal mastery and Ms. Roberts is a gifted comedienne who infuses the farce with a romantic believability that elevates the plot and infuses the whole production with elegance.
In the meantime, Freddie (the son of Sir Barnaby, and brought to life by Benjamin Krumreig), is unhappily engaged to Joan, but is actually in love with buoyant amateur golfer May Rooker, the effervescent Tanya Roberts.
Benjamin Krumreig and Tanya Roberts are the zany, all-too-athletically consumed lovers Freddie and May, whose opening duet, "Till I Meet Someone Like You" makes able use of a golf club and whose one-skip exits say more about their character's current moods than others could say in a Shakespearean monologue... Fans of OLO's brightest -- Best, Brian, Roberts, Krumreig, Devlin, Yampiro and Faulk -- are going to love it.
A wonderful quartet of ‘Angels’ are part of Reno’s retinue: Tanya Roberts, Grace Caudle, Teresa Perrotta and Sarah Best... This batch really lights up the stage.
Bousel and his group had created a 15-minute operatic comedy inspired by San Francisco’s nearly impossible real estate market. Roberts played a rental agent trying to sell Rydman on a haunted apartment… Roberts was awarded the night’s Best Performer award.
The handsome cast proved dramatically believable and sang beautifully. On the dramatic side, Colonet Lester's wooing of Maude, for instance, was quite touching in Holmes' and Roberts' capable hands... Holmes and Roberts performed their teasing "Life Is But A Game" duet with its piquant counterpoint charmingly, and Roberts scored with her soaring "When Love Awakes" (originally Eileen's song) and later with "True Sons of Erin."
The operetta may be titled "Eileen," but it might as well go by the title “Lady Maude,” because she is the true heroine of the piece… Canadian Soprano Tanya Roberts embodied the character and all her complexity quite wonderfully in arguably the standout performance of the night. Moving about with poise and elegance, she always demanded the viewers’ attention… that was especially true of her singing, which was the most mature and vibrant amongst a strong cast… her voice soared into the soprano stratosphere with a tremendous sense of poise and prowess that defined the character. But her shining moment may have been the ensemble “True Sons of Erin,” where her voice initially delicate and tender before carrying through the massive choral sounds around her.
Tanya Roberts created the character of Lady Maude who faced life with grace and good will. Her acting was impeccable...
...soloists Aidan Ferguson, Jason Hardwick, Michael Marino, Tanya Roberts and Geoffrey Sirett were all emotional and powerful.
And speaking of comedy, keep your eye on Tanya Roberts as the German glove maker Gabrielle… Roberts, hysterical though she is, is the type of singer you quite possibly could listen to all day, even if she’s just singing about gloves and shoes. Roberts’s contributions to the finales of Acts II and IV, including, “I’m a General’s Widow” are so breathtaking, they leave the audience breathless.
Tanya Roberts as the glove maker, Gabrielle, shines as her character goes through several incarnations and costume changes. Her comedic timing is impeccable, and the soprano’s solos are lively and commanding.
… there was also standout work from Gretchen Windt (Metella), Tanya Roberts (Gabrielle), and Clark Sturdevant as The Brazilian.
…the comic relief is left to Roberts, who more than delivers with “It’s a Sure, Sure Sign” and alongside elevator operator Henry (Kyle Yampiro) on “Bright Lights.” With the brassy, sassy attitude and a voice to match, Roberts emerges as the must-see highlight of the production.
Tanya Roberts is a gem as Dolly Brabazon. Her gesturing alone as she enters and exits is hysterical. She takes every nuance, movement, lyric and word and makes it exactly, enchantingly and hilariously her own.
Charmingly staged and choreographed, all the players were perfectly cast… Tanya Roberts, Stephen Faulk, Kyle Yampiro, Emily Hagens and Isaac Assor were all tops and great fun, and gave a period-perfect account of Kern’s delectable score.
A poised and accomplished musical comedienne, Tanya Roberts as Aline made me smile throughout the performance, particularly in the scene in Act II in which she has taken the love potion, only to happen upon Dr. Daly, the local curate, a polite and retiring gentle fellow who is also under the spell. Cling to the columns of the portal though she might, Aline begins to exhibit every symptom of being hopelessly in love with him, literally drawn towards him. Ah, rapture! Roberts is a gifted musician and a pleasure to watch throughout… [she] had no problem sailing over the orchestra.
Tanya Roberts, too, lent the show some strong musical moments as Valencienne, and she gave Krysa the comedic overacting I’m sure he was looking for.
Tanya Roberts effectively subscribed to the production’s comic style as Valencienne.
The singing was consistently enjoyable, beginning with a terrific trio of women in the roles of the Queen’s agents. Betty Wayne Allison, Tanya Roberts and Catherine Daniel created some of the most musically satisfying moments of the evening.
The Three Ladies… are compelling vocally and dramatically.
The performances are uniformly outstanding, from Roberts’s full-bodied, resonant soprano to the singing-dancing-convivial chemistry of Gordon and Brian to the delicate vocal work of Nelson.
Some of the singers, notably baritone Nathan Brian as Dr. Falke, soprano Emily Nelson as the maid, Adele, and soprano Tanya Roberts as Rosalinda were delightful… Roberts had a good, strong voice that pierced the rafters of the Freedlander Theatre in her Csardas.
“My Fair Lady” was solidly traditional, satisfying both musically and dramatically. There was real dramatic tension between Eliza (Tanya Roberts at my performance), and Higgins.
The successfully delivered one-liners from the Peck ladies of Columbus Avenue (Olivia Maughan, Wendy Marck, Tanya Roberts, Hannah Kurth) prove that the gags land best in the proper dialect.
The two leads, Tanya Roberts, as Anna, and Ted Christopher, as the King, were excellent. Soprano Roberts has a remarkably beautiful quality that made her performance stunning. This musical must radiate from the central character, Anna’s role, and Roberts was musically arresting, technically sound, and constantly on the move as she brought Anna to life. Though very young, she brought the role of a mature widow to life fully with the help of the fine costuming and her gorgeous voice.
Roberts appears at ease in her OLO debut, interacting comfortably with the King’s many wives as well as the children she was summoned to teach. She also develops a chemistry with Christopher that blossoms as the production unfolds.
Faulk and Brian are exceptionally entertaining as the two gondoliers, while Best and Roberts are equally amusing as the two wives. ...the singers are pitch perfect in performing Sullivan’s timeless compositions.
The three customers for the seance are Mrs. Gobineau (Tanya Roberts), Mr. Gobineau (Marian Pop) and Mrs. Nolan (Sarah Nisbett) - all worthy to be heard for their singing abilities.
The singers were uniformly satisfying… In lesser roles, Tanya Roberts (Mrs. Gobineau), Marian Pop (Mr. Gobineau) and Sarah Nisbett (Mrs. Nolan) contributed to the performance’s success.
Tanya Roberts, a pretty Canadian soprano, made an imperious, cold-hearted Alcina (when not writhing on the sofa, trilling away, countertenor between her legs), and then sang the extended heartbroken phrases of “Ah! mio cor” with a yearning that thrilled. The title role is one prima donnas would kill for, and she did it justice in a voice of focused brilliance, agility and impressive size.
The rest of the cast was generally at a very high level, and I’d single out Tanya Roberts as Alcina... This company really deserves your support, and the singers I’ve mentioned in particular should be on your list for the future.
Alcina herself was sung with great depth of feeling and beauty by Tanya Roberts. One doesn’t need to be an island-owning sorceress to foresee a bright future for both of these stars.
The sopranos in the cast were equally impressive. Tanya Roberts (Alcina) had a solid sound which supported her convincing acting as she moved about with abandon, embodying the flighty soul of Alcina with her extreme talent for detail and her beautiful sense of timing.
Roberts’ piercing soprano was perfect for the vocally brief part of Madeline. During her long, silent wanderings through the space, her harsh breathing and her hands scraping against the floors resonated in the space, creating a Poeish inequilibrium.
... the Guild presented a strong cast in this “play with music”, with Tanya Roberts as Kitty... a standout performer.
The singers were outstanding, especially Tanya Roberts [who] navigated the difficult arias with ease and clarity.
... a whimsical princess.
Soprano Tanya Roberts portrayed a Paquette of complete sweetness in sparkling voice.
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