ABOUT OPERA REVUE

OPERA REVUE
Opera Revue began with the question “Why does opera get such a bad rap?”. We came up with several answers: It’s expensive. You have to dress up. It’s snobby. You can’t drink, except during intermission. You can’t talk. It’s snobby. You can’t get up and move around. And it’s snobby.

So, that’s what we have set out to change. Opera Revue is a great way to introduce opera to people who have never seen it before, as well as a new way for opera lovers to enjoy it. We perform opera and art song in casual bar settings, where our audiences can feel comfortable to talk, drink, and to share the experience with those around them, without breaking the bank to afford a ticket! We aim to take away the exclusive nature of opera, and make it accessible for all audiences.

The Opera Revue “band” consists of soprano Danie Friesen, pianist Claire Elise Harris and baritone Alexander Hajek.

WHAT WE DO
Neighbourhood Shows
Through monthly opera “Neighbourhood Shows” in Toronto bars, clubs and breweries including the Dakota Tavern, Castro’s Lounge, Granite Brewery and Reid’s Distillery, Opera Revue has built a generationally diverse community that mixes opera lovers, opera performers, and the opera curious, with new young audiences finding it fun rather than daunting.
Opera Parody
For our online audiences, we also are known for our operatic “Parody Videos”, where we use our voices, literally and figuratively, to talk about current socio/political issues such as our viral hit Les MisérLoblaws
Cross-over Shows
And finally, our larger-scale “Cross-over Shows”. The past year has included our Inaugural Fall/Winter Season at The Redwood Theatre, including our gala event: Ruckus! at the Redwood - The Circus Edition, and a collaboration with Opera Atelier on Trills, Frills and Chills. Other notable shows have included Tasting Notes: Wine meets Opera, our Opera/Drag show Drag Me to the Opera at The Drake Hotel and our very popular Opera/Burlesque show Risqué at the Rivoli.

Whether you see us casually singing in your neighbourhood brewery, creating bitingly funny parody videos or at one of our large scale cross-over shows, there is something for everyone at Opera Revue.