This weekend the Warehouse Performing Arts Center welcomes Opera Carolina for three short operas, including the world stage premiere of Connection Lost: The Tinder Opera. This topical comedy explores the cultural zeitgeist of the dating app Tinder through the eyes of Graham, a newly single man navigating the world of right-swipes and meet-ups.
The 11-minute opera, written and directed by Adam Taylor with musical composition by Scott Joiner, was originally produced for digital media and premiered on YouTube in fall of 2015. David Clarke, a resident artist with Opera Carolina, saw it, loved it, and he and fellow resident artist Anna Harreveld approached Maestro James Meena to propose a stage adaptation of it. Clarke also contacted Joiner to get the musical score.
“The show is so clever, so hilarious, and the music really is very good–the composer is also a vocalist,” Clarke said. Of course, Clarke and Harreveld knew a stage adaptation of a show that relies heavily on digital media and takes place in dozens of locations throughout New York City would present challenges.
Enter Jessica Zingher, marketing director for the Warehouse Performing Arts Center and director for the three operas this weekend.
“I love the fast pace,” Zingher said. “And the immediacy of Tinder connections actually works well in our intimate space–the audience is right there connecting with the performers, who are just a few feet away.”
Also close by will be the five accompanists, on piano and strings.
Clarke was excited to be in the Warehouse space because of its layout and equipment.
“One thing that really drew me to the Warehouse was I knew it would be a good space to tie in the digital elements,” Clarke said (the show will utilize the big screen in the Warehouse).
Community Connections
Opera Carolina is making great efforts to get people to “think outside the Belk,” referring to the Belk Theater in Charlotte. It aims to make opera accessible to new demographics.
“Opera and music in general is all about connection – connecting to something you perhaps can’t put into words yourself,” Harreveld said. “I love that this show speaks directly to young millennials, for example.”
In addition to the performer-audience connections, Warehouse Managing Artistic Director Marla Brown hopes that the 3-opera show, which also includes Menotti’s The Telephone and Barber’s Hand of Bridge, will foster some important and unique community connections.
“The opportunity to have Opera Carolina come to our area, and for shows like these, is so exciting,” Brown said. She hopes this is the beginning of an ongoing relationship.
“I hope they like the space, I hope they find it useful, and I hope the community responds well to them.”
More Information
SHOWTIMES:
Thursday, Nov. at 7 p.m. at D9 Brewing Co, 11138 Treynorth Dr
Friday, Nov. 4 at 8 p.m.
Doors open at 7:30 with beverages from D9 Brewing Company
9216 Westmoreland Rd
Tickets $25
Purchase online
About the contributor:
Christina is a local multimedia content producer and digital strategist. Formerly the editor of CorneliusNews.net, she is thrilled to work with the OTC team to once again help tell the ever-evolving Cornelius story. She lives nearby with her husband, Nate, and a small menagerie of 2- and 4-legged beasties.
Christina Ritchie Rogers
Christina is a local multimedia content producer and digital strategist. Formerly the editor of CorneliusNews.net, she is thrilled to work with the OTC team to once again help tell the ever-evolving Cornelius story. She lives nearby with her husband, Nate, and a small menagerie of 2- and 4-legged beasties.
