Sharmay Musacchio
The Duchess
1. Who is your hero and why?
Marian Anderson, opera singer. Ms.Anderson had to endure years of discrimination but rose above it....never giving up, staying true to herself. She became one of the legends of the Opera World.
2. Who are your musical inspiration/s and why?
Marian Anderson, contralto. I was 14 years old when I first heard "The Crucifixion" by Ms.Anderson. Her performance brought me to tears---I knew at that moment I had found my calling, and began on the path towards becoming a professional opera singer.
3. Favorite Role and Why?
La zia principessa/Suor Angelica. Puccini didn't write a lot for contralto/lower female voices. Sour Angelica is one of his most powerful works. The plot, music, and characters bring opera to life in a very magical way. Singing the role of the Principessa has been one of my most rewarding experiences as a professional. The depths a singer has to go to both vocally and emotionally is intense!
4. Tell us about a recent show you have seen locally that whas memorable/excellent..
Great Scott at San Diego Opera. It was a hoot! I brought some friend's of mine (first time opera-goers) And they really enjoyed it--very accessible. (BTC AGREES!!!)
5. Do you have a favorite charity?
One of my favorite charities is Music Unites (musicunites.org) it is the largest leading non-profit organization that supports music education throughout the country. I was lucky to be a part of it while attending the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
6. What is your favorite Italian restaurant in SD?
My favorite Italian restaurant in San Diego is: Marechiaro's on Main St. El Cajon. Their marinara sauce/ravioli's are ALMOST just as good as the ones my Nonna used to make. And their white pizza is molto delizioso!
7. Favorite G&S show/role and why?
My favorite G&S role is: Dame Carruthers in "The Yeomen of the Guard". I debuted his role with St.Louis this past November. I had the BEST time singing all of the arias/duets/trio's and ensemble in this operetta! I feel that Yeomen is Gilbert and Sullivan's closest attempt to opera--it had a lot of depth!!
PAST BTC SHOWS/ROLES:
Tears of the Knife
Critics Pick 2015
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Julia Taylor
Casilda
1. Who is your hero and why?
My hero is my older sister, Melissa. She has a beautiful daughter and manages a career as a Pediatrician! She is smart and sensitive and I've always looked up to her.
2.Musical inspiration/s and why?
I am always inspired by Stephen Sondheim's music. His lyrics are mind-blowing and his music conveys not only the text, but the thought patterns behind the text and what the characters aren't willing to admit aloud.
3. Favorite role and why?
My dream role is Susannah from Susannah by Carlisle Floyd because the character is unbelievably complex and the music is just dreamy. The journey she goes through is so heartbreaking to watch, and I'd like to be able to tell that story to others.
4. Tell us about a recent show you have seen locally that was memorable/excellent...
The Shakespeare Festival at the The Old Globe every summer can't be beat! There is something about experiencing live theatre outside that creates a whole experience that is so fabulous, I'd like to be able to do it every year!
5. Do you have a favorite charity?
I don't currently have a favorite charity, but I like donating toward charities that help survivors of sexual assault and animal shelters.
6. What is your favorite Italian restaurant in SD?
Buona Forchetta in South Park. It is Italian exchange student approved!
7. Favorite G&S show/role and why?
Currently, it's Gondoliers! I fall in love a little bit with each role I play while I'm in the process. I can't help it! The more I learn, the more I love the humor and details that make each show entertaining.
PAST BTC SHOWS:
Princess Ida
Stephen Sondheim Review
HMS Pinafore
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Derek Legg
Antionio
1. Who is your hero and why?
Teachers are my heroes, whether it be a school teacher or private music teacher. I come from a family of teachers and they are so important to our society.
2. Who are your musical heroes and why?
Luciano Pavarotti, John Vickers, Leo Nucci, Giuseppe Giacomini, Stephanie Blythe, Charles Bradley, Hank Williams. The way these singers use their voices amazes me and makes the world a better place.
3. Favorite Role and Why?
Nemorino in the Elixir of Love. It is such a fun character to play and great music!
4. Tell us about a recent show you seen locall that was memorable...
I recently saw Oklahoma! at the New Village Arts Theatre. Oklahoma! was the first show I was ever in. After being in it, I started taking voice lessons because I loved the music so much. My roommate Jack French starred in the show as Curly and he was fantastic. The rest of the cast was superb as well. It was a great production and I highly recommend it. The show features so many classic and beautiful songs.
6. What is your favorite Italian restaurant in SD?
Operacaffe in the Gaslamp District by the Balboa Theater. This is hands down the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to (even compared to the ones in Italy). It has been rated the best Italian restaurant in San Diego multiple times. They also have live music playing on certain days. Go check it out!
7. What is your favorite G&S show/role and why?
The Pirates of Penzances/Frederic. During my junior year of high school, my parents received free tickets to Pirates and they gave them to me. I decided to go because I liked theater, but I had never been to an opera before. This show was what made me fall in love with opera. I was amazed by the singing and by the music. 'Oh Is There Not One Maiden Breast' was the first aria I ever learned as well. I absolutely love this show and it is such a fun story.
PAST BTC SHOWS
Debut!
Jordan Miller
Giuseppe
1. Who is your hero and why?
Currently, my father is my hero. No one has stood by me and supported me no matter what is happening in my life as strongly and as vigilantly as he has, and in my recent years as a father I have only begun to realize the influence he has had on me.
2. Who are your musical inspiration/s and why?
Jonas Kaufmann is my #1 inspiration as he not only has a voice and a sound that resonates with me, he got to a point in his career where he had a completely broken vocal technique, and through sheer will and determination started over and rebuilt his voice into what it is currently is today and while retaining genuine humility has risen to the top tier of today's singers.
3. Favorite role and why?
Enjolras from Les Miserables. A passionate man fighting desperately for a cause that he knows is right, even though it costs him his life.
4. Tell us about a recent show you have seen locally that was memorable/excellent..
I was involved with "Opera en de calle" with the Tijuana Opera this summer, and it was amazing to be a part of an all day music festival. Over 1,000 people were in the streets with a day of dance, music, and opera performances and selections. It was a wonderful cultural experience that I wish we practiced in the States.
5. Do you have a favorite charity?
Autism Speaks.
6. What is your favorite Italian restaurant in SD?
Oggi's Pizza in La Mesa, it's right down the street from my house!
7. Favorite G&S show/role and why?
This one!!! I don't know why Pinafore and Pirates get all the attention, this show is hilarious and has so many great roles for ALL voice types!
PAST BTC SHOWS/ROLES
Tears of the Knife - Satan
Critics Pick 2015
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Martha Jane Weaver
Inez
1.Who is your hero and why?
My mother is my hero and I miss her every day. She was the hardest working, most giving and loyal homemaker, teacher, wife and mother that God ever created. She truly excelled at each and every one of these endeavors: teaching, shopping, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting, cleaning, gardening, canning, freezing, putting up preserves, sewing, knitting, singing in the church choir and volunteering. Her faith was steadfast, even in the most difficult times, when her health started to fail and she went into nursing care. She continued to volunteer and serve others almost to the end of her life. She instilled in me a deep and abiding love of God, family, hard work, music and singing. If I can be half the woman she was, I will feel eternally blessed!
2. Who are your musical inspiration/s and why?
I think my musical inspirations were and are my teachers and coaches. I could list any number of amazing singers and conductors whom I admire, but my teachers and coaches, throughout most of my life, are the ones who molded me and inspired me to be my best at every stage of my development.
3. Favorite role and why?
I’d have to say my favorite (non-G&S) role is Waltraute in Act III of "Die Walküre". Why? Because she’s a freakin' VALKYRIE! I mean, have you heard that music?!?
4. Tell us about a recent show you have seen locally that what memorable/excellent
A few months ago I had privilege of seeing Lamb’s Players/Intrepid Theatre’s production of “Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolfe” at the Balboa Theater in downtown San Diego. I love straight theater because I can learn a lot about character development, timing and chemistry when I’m not preoccupied with focusing on the singing. Every member of the ensemble cast was so strong and believable, and made the story so compelling, that I honestly had no idea I had just sat through a three and a half hour play.
5. Do you have a favorite charity?
http://www.challengedathletes.org/site/c.4nJHJQPqEiKUE/b.6449023/k.BD6D/Home.htm Especially “Operation Rebound”
6. What is your favorite Italian restaurant in SD?
DeMille’s in Normal Heights
7. Favorite G&S show/role and why?
Do I really have to choose one? Ok. Well, if I could choose three, they would be Queen of the Fairies in “Iolanthe”, Katisha in “Mikado” and Ruth in “Pirates of Penzance”. But because I have to choose one, I’ll say Ruth! I have so much fun in the second act, playing a pirate! I love running around with the guys, singing “Cat-like Tread”, and the “Paradox - Away! Away!” scene just might be the most fun acting and singing in all of operetta!
PAST BTC SHOWS:
Debut!
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Jeremy Bottroff
Francesco
1.Who is your hero and why?
Carl Sagan, who brought the universe to our living rooms and made us feel at home in its infinite reaches.
2. Who are your musical inspiration/s and why?
I wish I could answer with something pithy and classical, but in all honesty, it’s all about vocal harmonies for me, whether it be a capella groups like the Nylons or more conventional acts like Simon and Garfunkel, the Indigo Girls, or Yes.
3. Favorite role and why?
Favorite role I ever did? Major-General Stanley from The Pirates of Penzance. The bluster, the over-the-top-ness, and oh yes, probably the most famous patter song ever written.
4. Tell us about a recent show you have seen locally that what memorable/excellent.
I don’t get out to many shows any more, but I saw the Indigo Girls at Humphrey’s last month, and got to sing along with several hundred of my closest friends in the audience. Never underestimate the power of folk music to bring people together and share a love of song and story.
5. Do you have a favorite charity?
Habitat for Humanity, if that counts. (YES!)
6. What is your favorite Italian restaurant in SD?
The late and lamented Sanfilippo’s Pizza in La Mesa, which closed just last month after decades of family-run goodness. I’ll need to find a new one now… Maybe my fellow cast-mates will have suggestions?
7. Favorite G&S show/role and why?
Since I already answered Major-General Stanley above, I’ll go with my favorite role that I have NOT done, and that would easily be the Lord Chancellor from Iolanthe, my one true dream role. A comic role with a chance for genuine drama, and let us not forget the Nightmare Song (which I used as my first ever audition piece in an effort to convince the directors that I was serious). I would also go with Iolanthe for favorite G&S show: oh, the sheer beauty of the music in that one!
PAST BTC SHOWS
The Mikado
Pirates of Penzance
HMS Pinafore
Princess Ida