Music
Press
A SMASH HIT! - WPBF-TV News 25
“Somewhere amid the 18 costume changes, two ego-crazed opera
singers turn against one another... See how high art and high camp
combine.” - Miami New Times
“A delightful introduction to the world of opera. Great voices,
great music — and great gales of laughter!” - Lynn M. Appleton PhD, Senior Associate Dean
“The divas go over-the-top as they attempt to one-up each other,
while their pianist, Paige Turner, soldiers on.” - Star Banner
“AN INSPIRED STAND-OUT
IN OPERATIC THEATER.” - Ocala Magazine
“WHO KNEW OPERA
COULD BE SO MUCH FUN?”
"THE SOPRANOS was never quite like this:
"Baroness Vladka von Loudenstimme has had a long career on the opera stage but for how much longer is anyone's guess. She's still got the pipes but she likes to soak them in booze whenever she can -- as in during every performance. So she hires the younger Southern belle Gwendoline Josephine Bellevoix Bouvier, who fancies herself French and cultured but who grew up in Boar Tush, La., to sing for the audience so she can sprint off stage for a nip.
"One pianist named Paige Turner, 18 costumes, a horned helmet, spear, light saber and a lotta Puccini later, the diva duet becomes a duel. The aim is laughter. That's the premise of Duelling Divas, a comedic entree into the world of grand opera." - Howard Cohen
Discography
This is a live stage show, but you can check us out on YouTube by clicking the links below...
Photos
Bio
"THE SOPRANOS was never like this." (Miami Herald)
The Miami Herald couldn't have put it better. These sopranos have been "blowing away" audiences for years as classical Operatic performers. Taking their observations of the unavoidable comedy in the culture of Opera, these Divas created a show even bigger than their perspective characters' egos (trust us...they're big). A satirical concoction fit for even the most unseasoned Opera-goer.
Birgit Fioravante, a.k.a. Baroness Vladka Von Loudenstimme, received rave reviews at Carnagie Hall. With a voice which many classify as bold and beautiful, Birgit has made new favorites of old Operatic standards. And all the costumes seen in Duelling Divas were handmade by Birgit for use in the show. From Drama to Comedy and everything in between, Birgit has sung it all -- but has never played a character quite like Vladka.
Wendy Reynolds, a.k.a. Gwendoline Josephine Bellvoix Bouvier, is the "younger" soprano as her character frequently reminds the audience. Wendy's strong and silky soprano has won her many awards, including the coveted Guiseppe Verdi award from the Palm Beach Opera Vocal Competition. Wendy has spent many years building up an impressive vocal resume which has helped her capture the true, uh, uniqueness that is "La Bouvier".
Heather Coltman, a.k.a Paige Turner, is an accomplished concert pianist as well as college professor. Playing throughout the United States, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, South Africa and Greece, DR. Coltman has proven herself an amazing solo and collaborative artist . Although some may think the pianist just sits there, Heather quickly learned that Paige can hold her own with these Divas! That is, if there's any spotlight left.
Boasting breathtaking voices, impressive performances, and enough vodka shots to put a frat boy to shame...Duelling Divas is a must see. It's Culture! It's Comedy! It's Opera….with a Twist.
THE DIVA MARTINI
2 Sopranos (the vigourous operatic variety - no substitutions)
1 Pianist (preferably, the professional pear-shaped concert variety)
18 Costumes (with wigs to die for)
A twist of lemon
A twist of a knife
A nip (or two) of Vladka
1 Set (weapons to taste - include at least one spear)
1 Horned Helmet (as garnish, for that "Wagnerian" effect)
Put it all together in a 300-1,000 seat theater and get ready for one of the giddiest binges you've been on in a while. It's opera on steroids - well, vodka...(Bring a box of tissues to dry your eyes...from laughter.)
"The Divas came and rocked the house!" (FAU student) No wonder: "A screaming guitar solo is like a soprano singing," Fioravante says. "There's a power behind it that's in opera, too, that's always attracted me." (Miami Herald)
Links
