Dominic is dead. Hanna has all the money, and Don Marco has a hit out on her father, a famous nightclub owner. What’s a girl to do?
Our April Tonic Hour story is loosely inspired by the opera The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár.
Join us for The Tonic Hour, a night of improv and music-making, where you create—and star in—your very own opera. Grab your drink of choice (coffee, tea, cocktail, or spritzer) and enjoy some giggle-inducing creativity. Start with a familiar story and bubbly ... view more »
Dominic is dead. Hanna has all the money, and Don Marco has a hit out on her father, a famous nightclub owner. What’s a girl to do?
Our April Tonic Hour story is loosely inspired by the opera The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár.
Join us for The Tonic Hour, a night of improv and music-making, where you create—and star in—your very own opera. Grab your drink of choice (coffee, tea, cocktail, or spritzer) and enjoy some giggle-inducing creativity. Start with a familiar story and bubbly original music, stir in some homemade lyrics with a dash of melodrama, and delight as a whole new opera comes to life right before your eyes!
Our amazing hosts, Joel Esher and Lydia Jane Graeff make the evening, fast-paced and low stakes, guiding you every step of the way to guarantee success. BLO Artists guest as “opera lifelines” for those moments of sudden stage fright. All you need is a spirit of adventure and a sense of humor.
Joel Esher is a musical theater writer and master teaching artist and Greater Boston Area native currently living in New York City. Joel is the Music Supervisor of the Story Pirates, and contributes original songs and lead vocals to their chart-topping podcast. Joel’s musical background and educational approach is rooted in improv and sketch comedy, where he has taught and/or performed with The Second City, ComedySportz, Baby Wants Candy, The Magnet Theater, the Pit Theater, and UCB.
Lydia Jane Graeff is a Resident Teaching artist for Boston Lyric Opera specializing in original opera creation. She also directs and teaches drama as a Teaching Artist for Company One Theatre, Mosesian Center for the Arts, and Wellesley Theatre Project. Lydia also performs for Lyric Stage Company as a cast member of Kidstage at the Boston Children’s Museum and as an improviser for ComedySportz.
FAQs:
But seriously, do I need to know anything about opera? Nope! Not at all.
What technology do I need to participate in this event? We recommend a device that can use Zoom, a reliable connection to the internet. For best experience, we recommend using a laptop or desktop computer, as it might be harder to see everything and participate on a phone or iPad screen.
Will I be on screen? Yes! At least, we hope you will be. This is an interactive event, and you will be working with fellow participants to create an opera together. If you prefer not to be on screen, that’s okay too.
Do I need to bring anything? Just yourself, and your favorite late afternoon beverage.
Anything else I should know? This is a chance to let loose, let your creativity lead the way, and meet new people. Come with an open mind, ready to have fun!
Other questions? Email us at events@blo.org, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
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