Opera for Education
by Michael Hixon
"Red, White & Blue" a new musical opera with an educational twist is coming to town for only one night, Saturday, Oct. 6.
Hermosa Beach resident Susan Asbjornson Ziegler, who is producing the opera with her husband, George Ziegler, originally drew inspiration for "Red, White & Blue" when she began writing songs for her young cousin.
"I would write songs for him so it would be easier for him to learn the capitols of the states, the preamble to the constitution, the Gettysburg Address and all the presidents in chronological order," said Ziegler, who is an opera singer and has also modeled, acted and sang in pop bands and on a USO tour. "I was going to make it an opera but just about that, then I decided to combine the three different ideas that I had from three different operas then throw them together."
Besides her idea to educate youngsters about American history, the other two ideas that gelled into "Red White & Blue" includes her desire to spread the idea of "compassion and tolerance" as well as her "quest" to educate people and introduce them to opera.
"I want to get them interested in it and excited about it because they never get to hear it, especially those who are afraid of opera -mostly afraid they will be bored to death," she said.
Ziegler, who has a part in the production besides being the producer, writer and composer, added, "When I give messages that are really important to me, that I want to say, I try not to be preachy about it. I try to let characters demonstrate it in a humorous way."
"Red, White & Blue" is essentially a "play within a play," according to Ziegler, that includes an audition, rehearsal and the show itself that blends rock and opera as well as important speeches and facts about America and the world."
The Zieglers and their Contemporary Opera Co. have produced two other productions that have taken place at the Hermosa Beach Playhouse, including "Diva!" in 2003 and "Cindy Lou," a benefit for the dog rescue group Pug's 'N Pals, in 2006.
When I do produce an opera, I spend at least six months of my life, 18-20 hours a day, getting this together, the writing, the composing, the casting, all the production stuff. It's very important to me that the money goes to charity because that's just who I am. It's just something I have to do and when people ask me, 'Why?' I respond, "Why do people climb mountains?"
"Red, White & Blue" has plenty of South Bay ties. The show is directed by two-time Emmy winner and Torrance resident Thomas Villano, and orchestrated and conducted by Hermosa Beach resident Pancho Burgos, along with musical direction by Torrance resident Daniel Wilson. It stars Manhattan Beach soprano Delaina Brown; Redondo Beach soprano Lisa Boyd; and features the operatic debuts of Mira Costa High School students Oriana Inferrera, soprano, and baritone Adrian Andres. Hermosa View Elementary School student Cole Riddle is on piano and singing tenor.
"Red, White and Blue" will take place at 7 p.m. at the Playhouse located at 710 Pier Avenue at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway. Tickets are $30, $20 for students and seniors.
For more information visit www.ContemporaryOpera.com or call (310) 418-7672