Cal State San Bernardino Opera Theatre director Stacey Fraser will produce and direct back-to-back performances of Robert Xavier Rodriguez’s compositions “Monkey See Monkey Do” and “Tango” on Friday, May 12, and Saturday, May 13.
Both performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the CSUSB Performing Arts Building Recital Hall. Tickets for the show are $15 for general admission; $12 for senior citizens, CSUSB faculty and staff; and $8 for students.
The first performance, “Monkey See Monkey Do,” is a children’s opera based on a Mexican folktale, and features music that integrates both the European aesthetic and the traditional folk music of Mexico. In the spotlight will be CSUSB opera theatre students and San Francisco-based guest soprano, Morgan Harrington.
“Since I joined opera theatre three years ago I've made friends with people who are now like family,” said CSUSB theatre arts student singer/actor Desihre Manuel. “I've not only grown with these people but I've also grown as a musician and have become accustomed to the act of performing on stage in front of people.”
“Tango,” is a one-act comic concert opera for tenor solo and chamber ensemble and also integrates a confluence of musical cultures: that of the Argentinian tango tradition as well as the European operatic tradition. The piece will showcase professional dancers Faith Jensen-Ismay and Robby Johnson of the critically acclaimed San Diego-based dance company, Mojalet Dance Collective.
“The presentation of these two pieces on our campus is an integral part of our mission to embrace multiculturalism in the arts and to appeal to a modern audience,” said Fraser. “These pieces are full of innovation with respect to the integration of aesthetics from both the European operatic tradition and the musical folk traditions of Mexico and Argentina.”
Named “one of the major American composers of his generation” by Texas Monthly, Latin American composer Rodriguez has written for all genres including music for children. The Washington Post described his music as “romantically dramatic” and Los Angeles Times said it was “glowing with a physical animation and delicate balance of moods that combine seductively with his all-encompassing sense of humor.”
The works will feature set designs by Michelle Ballantyne, lighting design by CSUSB theatre arts student Raymond Jones, and costume design by the Emmy-winning designer Jacqueline Saint-Anne.
“The CSUSB Opera has provided a safe place to be vulnerable, learn, grow, and become a better performer,” said Nicole Perez, student stage manager. “Stage managing for the past three years has allowed me to develop my leadership skills and learn things that will be helpful when I become a teacher and professional.”
Both acts will be conducted by critically acclaimed guest conductor John Mario, and directed/produced by Fraser.
Tickets to the performances may be purchased online.
For more information, call the CSUSB Department of Music at (909) 537- 5859, and visit the department website.