Nico Maiorana as Jesse, Patrick Lynn as Miles, Martin Galba as Angus Tuck, Cassidy Stahr as Mae Tuck | Photo by Nanc Price Photography
Final weekend: Nuova Festival a chance for emerging operatic voices to soar
The NUOVA Opera & Music Theatre Festival continues this week in Edmonton, a chance for theatre and music lovers in the community to enjoy the talents of emerging vocal artists and beautiful orchestral music in mainstage shows that include The Coronation of Poppea (an early music opera sung in Italian, with English subtitles), and Tuck Everlasting (A Broadway musical sung in English).
Opera NUOVA, a training organization for operatic vocalists and collaborative pianists across Canada, aims to bridge the gap between academic and professional careers with concerts and special events. A highlight each spring/summer is the festival, Canada’s largest such event featuring opera and musical theatre works.
Martin Galba as Angus Tuck, Cassidy Galba as Winnie Foster | Photo by Nanc Price Photography
Broadway lovers will want to check out the endearing children’s show, Tuck Everlasting July 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. with an afternoon performance July 16 at 1:30 p.m. The show is based on the children’s book of the same name; a story of longing for adventure and life’s defining moments.
“We’re so excited to share Tuck Everlasting with an exceptional cast of emerging artists from across Canada – ready to shine as singers, actors and dancers. Rob Herriot (Director), Ryan Sigurdson (Music Director), Peter Mills (Choreographer), Cindi Zuby (set designer) and Heather Cornick (Lighting designer) have created a beautiful production that will delight young and old,” said NUOVA’s artistic director Kim Mattice Wanat.
Among the many talented players that alternate in roles, Sherwood Park father and daughter performers, Cassidy and Martin Galba, get to share the stage–quite a rarity!– as Winnie Foster and Angus Tuck for the matinee performance on July 16.
Cassidy Galba as Winnie Foster | Photo by Nanc Price Photography
“Words fail me when I try to describe how it feels to perform with my daughter,” said Martin Galba. “Cassidy and I got to do the final orchestra dress rehearsal and during the opening number, I looked across the stage to see her in a pool of light. My eyes teared up. It took all of my strength to pull myself together and refocus. It’s a feeling that simply cannot be described.”
All performances are at the Triffo Theatre at Grant MacEwan University, 10700 104 Ave. NW, Edmonton. Tickets ($20-$42) are at showpass.com.
The Coronation of Poppea has one more show July 14 at 7:30 at the Triffo Theatre at Grant MacEwan University, 10700 104 Ave. NW. Directed by Mattice Wanat and conducted by Christopher Bagan, the opera is described as THE masterpiece of the early baroque period, with a gripping plot and people who are made of flesh and blood. “The music and singing are glorious – It is a beautiful production which NUOVA is proud to share with Edmonton,” said Mattice Wanat.
