Academy of Music, Northampton, MA
January 25 & 27, 2019
The following is an interview with Alan Schneider, one of
the co-founders of the Panopera (PO), and one of troupe’s three managers. Schneider
has worn many hats, both literally and figuratively: sung leading roles, sung
in the ensemble, directed, and made sure the shows broke even. Panopera, a relatively new artist-led opera company based in
Western MA, will perform “Sweeney Todd”’ for two performances only.
ITS: How and why did PO start? What is the mission?
PO: The purpose of Panopera since its beginning in 2014 was
and is to make use of local artists and local resources to create performances
for public consumption. Think of us as a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture),
but for the arts- a Community Supported Arts organization. The company presents
some of the best local talent and resources in full length, high quality opera.
Part of Panopera’s mission is “to create a sustainable model
for live opera by employing primarily local talent, cultivating a large and
diverse audience, performing a wide variety of repertoire, and sharing profits
with artists and other creative partners.”
ITS: How are operas chosen?
PO: We choose repertoire based on a few criteria: scale of
the musical forces, since we have yet to present a work with a reduced
orchestration (although our string sections tend to be on the small side),
whether or not we can cast it with primarily local artists, and, for these
first few years, whether or not the orchestra parts are in our library.
ITS: What would you say to potential audience members who
“fear” opera?
PO: I would say that opera is theater, plain and simple,
and, language barrier aside, if you like musical storytelling of whatever
genre, opera will probably appeal to you.
ITS: I’ve noticed in PO photos that the cast members seem to
be dressed in contemporary style. Do you think this makes the work more
accessible?
PO: We give no thought at all to making a work “accessible”
beyond what one does normally to make any production clear and consistent. We
believe that the idea that the public needs special help to understand or
appreciate a work of art is unnecessary.
ITS: “Sweeney Todd” -- a wonderful musical, is not an opera.
Why was “Sweeney” selected?
PO: Interestingly, the very first American company to
produce “Sweeney Todd” after the original Broadway production and touring was
the Houston Grand Opera, in 1984.
Here’s an interesting anecdote. (courtesy of Wikipedia) It
is said that on opening night Harold Clurman, the doyen of American theatre
critics, rushed up to Schuyler Chapin, former general manager of the
Metropolitan Opera, demanding to know why he had not put it [Sweeney] on at the
Met. To which Chapin replied: "I would have put it on like a shot if I'd
had the opportunity. There would have been screams and yells but I wouldn't
have given a damn. Because it is an opera. A modern American opera."
Also, we’re in a position to present the piece with its
original orchestration, which is a rare thing nowadays, 2019 is the 40th
anniversary, and we have yet to present a piece in English.
ITS: What are you most proud of about PO?
PO: I am most proud of the group of artists who have
assembled to do each of our projects. I am grateful that so many of my
professional colleagues are willing to invest their time and effort to expand the
theater and music market in the Valley, which will ultimately benefit all of
us.
ITS: What are plans for PO?
PO: To continue to find collaborators, as we have with
Pioneer Valley Ballet, to present an ever-wider selection of opera to the
public.
“Sweeney Todd,
the Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will be performed on January 25th at 7:30pm
and January 27th at 2pm at the Academy of Music, Northampton. For ticket
information contact the Academy box office: 413-584-9032 or www.aomtheatre.com.
