It may be fair to say that only in Saratoga Springs can one expect an opera to break out inside a night club?
Be that as it may, Opera Saratoga promises just that as they present “The GrooveBarbers” at Vapor Night Club at the Saratoga Casino and Raceway, on Monday, Dec. 15, from 7-9 p.m.
Lawrence Edelson, artistic and general director at Saratoga Opera, is quick to say this is not your traditional opera. Instead, it is best described by the group as a “doowopera.”
“It’s really a great group,” said Edelson. “What I’m trying to do – I’m new to Saratoga – opera can be considered high-brow, but we can have a lot of fun with the music.”
The performance promises a contemporary sound. Instead of an opera that is typically backed by an orchestra, The GrooveBarbers give a tip of their caps to the old barbershop quartet, singing a cappella. Song selections will include familiar doo-wop tunes from the ’50s and ’60s, with traditional opera arias interjected in between, but sung in English.
“Their opera arias are fantastic,” said Edelson.
Each member of this all-vocal powerhouse quartet is a bona fide star in his own right: Sean Altman, Charlie Evett and Steve Keyes are former members of the pioneering modern a cappella group Rockapella of the “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?” television show. Kevin West is a renowned “bald vocal guru.” They have established themselves as the go-to vocal group for rock, doo-wop, jazz and barbershop. The performance will also feature guest soprano Inna Dukach, a former Opera Saratoga Young Artist who has gone on to grace the stages of the world, including The Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
“We’re going to be in line for something unexpected,” said Edelson, adding that the quartet, which originally started in 2007, is full of spontaneity as its members feed off the energy and excitement from the crowd.
When asked if this serendipitous behavior posed a special challenge to the seasoned director, Edelson said, “Oh, I knew what I was getting in to.”
Edelson was appointed to his position in January with a long list of credits as both a stage director and well-respected company leader. As a stage director, he has received critical acclaim for a number of productions. He is best known in the opera field as the founder of American Lyric Theater (ALT), where he continues to serve as Producing Artistic Director. He is now responsible for the oversight of both the artistic and administrative management of Opera Saratoga’s programs.
The GrooveBarbers will mark Edelson’s first, full-scale concert for Opera Saratoga.
“We’re very excited to welcome The GrooveBarbers to Saratoga Springs,” said the director. “I can’t think of a better way to ring in the holiday season than with these amazing singers performing beloved holiday favorites”
He said he was particularly excited to also welcome back soprano Dukach, who appeared with the company a few years ago, and who has since gone on to a stellar international career.
“It is wonderful to see those in our Young Artist program succeed and realize their dreams,” Edelson said.
Funds raised will support a variety of community programs that include the recently launched Saratoga Sings for Seniors and an Opera-To-Go educational tour to reach 25,000 elementary school children each year.
Various ticket packages, which include $35 for students, $125 VIP tickets that include a post-performance reception with The GrooveBarbers and Inna Dukach, are available. Tickets at the door, which are subject to availability, will cost $125. Tickets can be reserved online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/906957.