So I’m an opera fan. I like lots of music genres, but this is one of my favorites. Anyway, I have this friend who is very well connected internationally in the world of opera and knows some major people. The last weeks he has been nagging about a friend of his who is an extremely talented soprano, internationally known, yet, not a number one star. She’s not bad looking, but….
But in this day and age when soprano no longer equals the proverbial fat singing lady, and some very hot talented young singers perform in sold-out houses, the specific singer, who shall remain unnamed, is a) totally out of shape, b) getting rather big, c) iffy as an actress due to the presence of raw, yet not very cultivated acting talent (add to that the extra pounds), and d) devoted to a not so great manager. I gently suggested to my friend, NOT to her since I don’t really know her, but he does, not a diet but going to the gym. I even said that I understand that the gym is daunting, and everyone has to force themselves at some point, but….. I also suggested some acting lessons, even pointed to two major European acting schools who would be thrilled to teach her, and yes, I also pointed out how less talented people than her have been getting golden opportunities because they chose manager X or manager Y.
Friend told me that I’m lucky said singer was not present because she would consider my suggestions unreasonable and would even throw me things!! I mean, why do they ask me if they disagree in advance with what I’ll say?! And why is it unreasonable for people to expect to see a convincing show? Opera is lyric theater, and I think that actors should somehow look the part. I didn’t suggest she become a model type (she cannot) or a size 00 (she would be dead if she did). I didn’t even suggest she dress provocatively to turn into a sex kitten.
I mean, am I wrong?!
Sheesh!
