An Opera by Gaetano Donizetti
Directed by Dodie Rife
April 15, 17*, 22, 24*, in the Roebling Theatre
Rita,
or The Beaten Husband, is a delightful dose of Donizetti in a
one-act comic opera with high octane musical numbers connected
by bits of snappy dialogue on the “politically incorrect” side.
Michelle Berger was born and raised in Montana. She had an
extensive career in Europe and the United States. While she is
primarily known as a classical singer, Michelle has always
enjoyed and performed other genres of music as well.
Michelle started delving into the world of musical theater while
in high school and continued her love of musical theater through
her college years and beyond.
After moving to Europe,
where she lived for many years, Michelle was active in
performing both classical music and Broadway shows. In
Switzerland she toured a series of Gershwin Evenings and
performed in Broadway musicals, as well as opera.
Michelle has sung The Witch in Sondheim’s “Into The Woods”, Liz
in Russ and Haverty’s “Inside Out”, Ado Annie in Rogers and
Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma”, Fastrada in Schwartz’s “Pippin”,
Buttercup in Gilbert and Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore”, Katisha in
Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado”, The Fairy Queen in Gilbert
and Sullivan’s “Iolanthe”, as well as many others.
When
asked to come up with a title for this show, “The Other Side”
seemed to be a perfect choice.
NOVA stages one-act opera 'Rita'
• Jaci Webb
• Apr 14, 2016
NOVA Center for the Performing Arts is presenting a double bill starting April 15 featuring a production of the one-act opera "Rita" and a cabaret performance by Michelle Berger.
Under the direction of Dodie Rife, the classic one-act opera by Gaetano Donizetti about a woman who has beaten incredible odds — after having beaten her husband, of course — will be reimagined in a 1920s-style hotel. Janie Sutton is featured as Rita; the cast also includes Q Staton, Ben Meyer and Jane Van Dyk.
Following the one-act opera, Berger will sing popular selections from Broadway shows in a performance she has titled "The Other Side."
Eric Andries will accompany both performances.
photos Casey Page , Billings Gazette
