University of Indianapolis Opera Theatre presented its annual opera Feb. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center Ruth Lilly Performance Hall. The opera included two one-act performances, “A Game of Chance,” by Seymour Barab and “Dr. Miracle,” by Georges Bizet.
The first opera, “A Game of Chance,” follows three sisters who sit in their squeaky old rocking chairs and knit while wishing for things they believe will make them happy. Over the course of the performance, each of the girl’s dreams is granted by her fairy godmother, portrayed by junior music education major Natalie Covert. The fairy godmother grants each girl’s wish for exactly as she asks, nothing more and nothing less. However, they all soon find out that their “dreams” are not all they are cracked up to be.
The cast included sophomore music education major Samantha Anderson, who portrayed the young girl who wished to be lavished with money but soon found out money can not buy happiness; sophomore music major Meghan Farris, who played the young girl who wishes for nothing but fame and sophomore music education major Tara Bradley portrayed the girl who wishes to be romanced.
(From left to right) Sophomore Ivy Bott, Junior Ron Dukes, and Senior Shannon Christie perform in Doctor Miracle on Feb. 12 in Ruth Lilly Performance Hall. Photo by Badar Alageel
According to cast member and senior music theory and composition major Andrew Wegg, spending five days a week in rehearsal can make anyone grow close to one another.
“It is really easy to get along with someone when they are passionate about what you are passionate about,” Wegg said. “I am passionate about performing and making others smile. And it is the same passion the others share.”
“Doctor Miracle” follows a young Captain Silvio, played by Wegg, in a quest to marry the beautiful Laurette, played by senior performance major Shannon Christie. However, young Laurette’s parents – the local Magistrate, played by junior general music major Ron Dukes, and step-mother Veronique, played by sophomore music education major Ivy Bott – disapprove. It is then that young Silvio devises a master plan to disguise himself to gain Laurette’s parent’s approval.
From time-consuming rehearsals to early-morning warmups, those involved have definitely learned from Hacker’s philosophy to succeed.
“The secret to a good life is to find the purpose for your life and to follow it . . . [and] work hard . . . with hard work, doors will open and close for you,” Hacker said. “Just trust that hard work and the advice of your mentors will get you there.”
