Spotlight On: Don Pasquale’s Jana McIntyre

• Get to know Don Pasquale’s Jana McIntyre•

Soprano Jana McIntyre has been praised for her “dancer’s grace, mercurial wit, and vibrant soprano tone” (Opera News). Later this season, she joins the casts of Palm Beach Opera’s The Magic Flute and Tulsa Opera’s Rigoletto to cover the roles of The Queen of the Night and Gilda. Of course, she is currently with Opera Santa Barbara in the role of Norina for Don Pasquale–a fun time and great reason to return to her hometown!

Opera Santa Barbara is excited to have Ms. McIntyre along for its live drive-in opera adaptation for Don Pasquale, directed by Pacific Opera Project’s Josh Shaw. Get to know a little bit more about Jana ahead of the show at Concerts In Your Car in Ventura, CA on Saturday, April 10 at 7:30PM.

• What’s different about doing a comic opera?
  Jana: Rehearsals are pretty much always a blast… no heavy content and the story is very straight forward. Technically speaking,  timing is everything in comedy and while the choreography is a big help, having this great team to work with and work off of is all one can ask for!

• Favorite Recording of Don Pasquale (or favorite singer who sang in it)?
  For me, it’s hard to beat the Muti recording with Sesto Bruscantini, Mirella Freni, and Leo Nucci.

• What tune from the opera gets stuck in your head the most?
  “Cheti cheti” – constantly!!!

• This might be one of your first opportunities to do live opera since last March. What has the rehearsal experience been like? Any favorite moments?
  Getting back to work is a huge joy, and honestly a relief! It is especially powerful now since we have had this prolonged time off to contemplate what music making and specifically the theatrics that go with opera mean to each of us and to the audience.

• If you could give love advice to your character, what would it be?
  I think Norina has a lot of advice to give… she lives in the present and loves intensely but does not take things too seriously. I will say, I think she goes a smidge over the top with all the crazy stunts she pulls on Don Pasquale… but it is absolutely fun for the stage!

• Best part of being in SB?
  Being HOME! Growing up in Santa Barbara, I have actually been to upwards of 15 productions (including Don Pasquale!) at OSB, it is such a treat to be here working now. Singers are often on the road, and I love getting to know new places also, but being able to eat at favorite restaurants, go to favorite beaches and take hikes – that has been an outstanding part about being here. Our city has so much to offer – that includes OSB!