Name:             Mark Pepe
Voice Type:    Tenor
Role:                Maximilian
Hometown:   Vancouver, BC

Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

This is actually my second performance with DragonDiva. The first was singing Frederick in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance.  (Our very FIRST show!)

What attracted you to Candide?

I read the book by Voltaire many years ago, and it was the first time that a book made me laugh out loud. I jumped at the chance to audition for this production because I just knew that it was going to be a blast. And it really is.

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Candide?

My favourite thing is the fact that Maximilian is nothing like me at all. He’s an attention getter and just has to be in the spotlight all the time. No matter what the circumstances.

Where did you find inspiration for your role?

I found inspiration in many places: Saved by the Bell, Seinfeld, even the Magic School Bus!

Favourite part of Candide?

Definitely the “Physics” lesson that Pangloss gives to Paquette. It reminds of me John Cleese giving the Sex Ed lesson in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life.

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

Two things; I always loved music growing up and then I became drawn to drama in high school. Opera is a combination of the two, so it was a natural progression. Also, the sonic power of opera singers with an orchestra is incredible. I’m still amazed by the extremes of emotions that human voice can emit.

Would you recommend this opera to someone who has never seen one?  Why?

Oh for sure! Anyone can be thoroughly entertained with this opera. The entire thing is a farce. It pokes fun at philosophy, religion, politics, and opera itself.

Favorite quote from Candide?

“Objection! What about snakes?”

Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

Cooking! I love cooking.

Favorite non-classical music?

Radiohead.

We're so happy things worked out for Mark to play Maximilian this summer.  I'll tell you a secret... he's HILARIOUS!  Don't miss your chance to see Mark in action.  Ticket information is on our "upcoming" page.

Name: Russell Cripps
Voice Type: Baritone
Role: Voltaire/Dr Pangloss
Hometown: Maple Ridge/Nanaimo/Coquitlam

Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

Nope! It's my third. I was the Lord Chancellor in Iolanthe, and Sir Joseph Porter, KCB, in HMS Pinafore.

What attracted you to Candide?

The mix of brains and wit in the writing.

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Candide?

I get to play bossy and absurd older gentlemen again!


Where do you find inspiration for your role?

These characters get to say and do things I wish I could while teaching in my day job. It's therapeutic!

Favourite part of Candide?

It's hard to say so early on, but I think teaching Sevan 'advanced physics' will be a hoot. Musically, "Make Our Garden Grow" wins hands down.

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

What's not to love about storytelling and music in the most grand way? I did my high school work experience observing Vancouver Opera, and it was a lot of fun.

Would you recommend this opera to someone who has never seen one?

YES.

Why?

It's got all the romance and adventure of traditional opera, but tons of irreverence mixed in to lighten things up.

Favourite quote from Candide?

"... I'm new at this job and rather behind hand with my meditation on the twelfth enigma behind he fourteenth mystery of the fifth revelation. I hate this part!" -it seems meant for the hippies of the West Coast!

Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

"talent" is a strong word. I have hobbies (like knitting) and dreams, but singing's mostly it for me!

Favourite non-classical music?

Pop, musical theatre, and some folk and R&B. Right now, my favourite song is Rufus Wainwright's Jericho, followed closely by Lake Street Dive's cover of Faith.

Any upcoming performances you'd like to share?

Not at the moment! (unless DragonDiva's pub night counts?)

The talented Mr. Cripps often lends us his voice and his acting talent for our shows.  He's a funny and versatile performer, who handles his roles with ease.  Don't miss Russel playing the anchor of this show as Voltaire/Pangloss/Governor.   Ticket details available on our "upcoming" page.

Name:              Diana Sandberg
Voice Type:     Mezzo
Role:                 Ensemble/Baroness
Hometown:    San Francisco, California

Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

No - I was in Pirates of Penzance, The Elixir of Love, and Cendrillon.

What attracted you to Candide?

Sheep.  And another chance to work with Dragon Diva.

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Candide? 

Sheep.  And the comic variety.



Where did you find inspiration for your role? 

Carol Burnett and Johanna Quaas

Favourite part of Candide? 

Auto-da-Fe.  And sheep.

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

The more I sing, the better I feel.  The more challenging the singing, the more rewarding. 

Would you recommend this opera to someone who has never seen one?

For sure.

Why?

The intense silliness, the exciting music, and it’s in English.  Perfect.

Favorite quote from Candide? 

Baa, Baa.

Do you have a secret talent other than singing? 

I like to make funny little things with Sculpey. And I like to knit.

Favorite non-classical music?

Piaf, Billie Holiday, Sondheim, Ella, Pentangle, Cole Porter, Gogol Bordello, Zaz, Lake Street Dive, Gypsy Kings....I’d better stop now.

Any upcoming performances you want to share?

Not yet.

As you heard, Diana has been in several DragonDiva shows, and so we were thrilled that she has returned to us for this exciting production of Candide, lending us her voice and her acting talents.   See our "upcoming" page for information on how to get ticke

Name:              Cathy Merkel
Voice Type:     Dramatic Mezzo
Role:                 The Old Lady
Hometown:    Abbotsford, B.C.

Is this your first time performing with DragonDiva?

Yes, this is my first performance with DragonDiva, but hopefully not my
last!

What attracted you to Candide?

The music of Leonard Bernstein is iconic, with memorable melodic lines and quirky rhythmic motives. Candide paints people in caricature         comically exaggerated, but still readily                    recognizable.

Favourite thing about the role you are playing in Candide?

The Old Lady is a resourceful old codger who, in her own opinion, has never lost the “it” factor.

Where did you find inspiration for your role?

A strange alchemy combining the singing of Crista Ludwig, the comic talent of Cloris Leachman, and the elocution of Natasha Fatale have inspired this my role.

Favourite part of Candide?

The beloved hero, Candide, who in his naive and bumbling way rescues, the princess, remains my favourite role of the opera. With only innocence and altruism in his heart he manages to relieve Cunagonde of her oppressors.

What attracted you to the operatic stage?

A well told tale has long been part of my family tradition, and music has been an integral part of our gatherings.  Opera provides what may be the ultimate combination of story and song.

Would you recommend this opera to someone who has never seen one? Why?

Candide would be a great opera for a first time audience member. The music is engaging, everything is in English, and the storyline is easy to follow. The liberal dose of sarcastic humour doesn't tweak anything but the funnybone.

Favorite quote from Candide?

“Sent off to drown in a leaky skiff...doomed to an eternal diet of crustacea and coconuts!”

Do you have a secret talent other than singing?

I enjoy bargain hunting at thrift shops and sale racks for home decor and items of clothing. I am also an aspiring jazz pianist.

Favorite non-classical music?

I enjoying listening to, and singing, the music of the Black Gospel greats, such as Mahalia Jackson. My playlist includes vintage tunes by Blood, Sweat and Tears, Chicago, and Tower of Power.

Any upcoming performances you want to share?

I will be singing with Jubilate Chamber Choir's presentation of Winter Light, December 14, 2013.

Don't miss your chance to see this amazing new addition to the DragonDiva family in action.  She's a dynamic, engaging, larger than life performer.  She makes a fine Old Lady (but we should point out that she really isn't old at all) :-)

Here's a new post from Catherine Merkel, who is playing the Old Lady in our upcoming Candide!  Stay tuned to learn more about her in our Performer Spotlights:

Gratefulness, thankfulness, and positive thoughts. We intentionally make time at every rehearsal to reflect with appreciation upon the people who support DragonDiva productions. How wonderful it is that there are all kinds of folks who choose to demonstrate their support in a variety of ways!

Driving home from rehearsal tonight, I thought how grateful I am for the patience of Johanna, who smiled encouragingly as I learned the very basic choreography she had outlined for me. I thought with appreciation of Jeanine, who helped me with executing the moves and pacing more effectively. Every time I looked toward Diana at the piano, she nodded back reassuringly. Candide began to take shape tonight, with all its respective pieces falling into place. I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn and grow as an opera singer. I am grateful for the terrifically talented people I am working alongside. And I am grateful for those who give time and provide funding to make this production of Candide possible. ~Cathy

We are now two weeks into our rehearsal process.   Music rehearsals are complete, and we're already staging!  Very exciting indeed.  Stay tuned over the next few weeks to see our Performer Spotlights.  You'll get to meet our cast and find out a little more about them :-)  Our cast members will also be writing blog posts, such as the one below.

We have a couple of exciting fundraisers going on... the first is our event OPERA on TAP; Our 3rd Annual Burger, Beer and live opera! Tickets are only $25!  Join the dragons and the divas for a fun night of singing and drinking.

At the Railway Club in Vancouver, 7pm Annual General Meeting (short and sweet - all are welcome, but will be required to sign up as members to vote)
7:30pm Food, drink, and song! Huzzah!

The night includes...
50/50 draw
$5 pay-to-sing...request any singer!
audience participation...want to sing? $5 gives you a shot with our pianist...but bring your sheet music!

Tickets are limited! Grab yours from cast members or email info@dragondiva.org or contact us through our website to reserve.  This proves to be a fun night!

The second is our indiegogo campaign.  We are already 1/5 of the way to our goal, and keeping DragonDiva alive and kicking!   And now, a word from one of our ensemble members, Tracy Wiens:

What a rehearsal tonight.....huge learning curve as we maneuvered through an earthquake, the inquisition, floggings, burnings, etc. Who knew a hanging could be so much fun?! Don't worry, it is all done in good taste! You will have to come to the show to see exactly what I am talking about It is going to be just hilarious! My favorite part of the evening, though, was to fulfill the wishes of a couple of our newest Indigogo sponsors! Both Emily and Valerie wanted us to think good thoughts of them during rehearsal today. So we did! Thank you, ladies, for your financial support. Hope to see you all at the show next month.....exciting! More happy thoughts.....Love, Tracy

That's all for now, faithful friends.  Lots of fun information coming your way in the next few weeks!

John Arsenault
President, DragonDiva Operatic Theatre