In 2008, a small group of island opera lovers banded together to take on the challenge of establishing a full-fledged opera company. Considering the Byzantine complexity of producing an opera, the mission seemed daunting. Yet as Vashon Opera heads into its seventh season with the production of Gaetano Donizetti’s witty “The Elixir of Love,” the company is flourishing, thanks to the dedication of its founders and countless hours of support from island volunteers.
“Vashon Opera runs on volunteers,” said artistic director Jennifer Krikawa. “We wouldn’t exist without them. They give their talents, time, support and enthusiasm.”
In a recent email, Krikawa listed a partial compilation of the numerous tasks that needed to be accomplished for each opera — from major efforts like designing and constructing of sets to the minor but necessary pinning of wigs.
Susan Hedrick, a longtime islander, was an early Vashon Opera volunteer. While she’s worn many hats, including those of her characters when she sings in the chorus, her current job is volunteer coordinator. A dedicated opera fan, Hedrick deeply appreciates the unique nature of Vashon Opera.
“It’s such an amazing thing to have a real opera company on this tiny island,” she said, “and we can do it because of people willing to jump in behind the scenes and do some things they’ve never done before. … They come back show after show and volunteer in different ways.”
Karen Perla keeps coming back. She’s been painting sets for several years. She likes to see the different approaches taken by each set designer. And though she admits she’s not a diehard opera fan, Perla values what Vashon Opera does for the community.
“It’s interesting to get such big name singers to come here and to give the Chorale singers and musicians a chance to participate in quality opera,” she said.
Cindy Stockett says she didn’t know much about opera before volunteering except that her one experience attending an opera was not her cup of tea. She said Vashon Opera has given her a very different understanding.
“We have supertitles (in English), and you are right there, close up,” she said. “The biggest thing for me was when I cried at “Madame Butterfly.” I was very moved by it and really surprised.”
Stuart Tribble, on the other hand, began listening to the Texaco-Metropolitan Opera years ago over the radio. He’s worked on the Vashon Opera sets for the past five years and is now the set-build manager. He donates his time because he loves the art form and knows that without volunteer effort, there would be no opera on Vashon.
The sets for “The Elixir of Love” include a New York City brownstone, circa 1915, that becomes the backdrop for some of the comedic opera’s famous duets and arias. Barry Johnson, who played Frank in “Die Fledermaus,” will return to play Dr. Dulcamara. Andrew Krikawa, who played Figaro in “The Barber of Seville,” will perform as Sergeant Belcore. The principal roles of Nemorino and Adina will be sung by Robert McPherson and Kristin Vogel, each making their Vashon Opera debut. Vashon singers will again fill out the chorus led by Joe Farmer. Musical and stage director, conductor and orchestral arranger James Brown presides over the production.
The volunteer stories are abundant and glowing. But perhaps the most surprising tale comes from newcomers Eric and Nancy Hostika, who recently moved to the island from Hawaii — in part because of Vashon Opera.
“The opera was one of a hundred different things about the island (that influenced their move) … but it was the initial magnet for us.”
The opera will play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Vashon High School theater. A reduced rate dress rehearsal will be held on Sept. 9. For show and ticket information, visit vashonopera.org.
