Meet Little Red Riding Hood: Kelsey Ronn
Coming up this month: Calgary Opera’s McPhee Artists headline our bite-sized fairytale opera, Little Red Riding Hood, Nov. 28-Dec. 7 at the Mamdani Opera Centre.
With words and music by Seymour Barab, Little Red is a favourite story come to life, complete with a singing Big Bad Wolf! Kelsey Ronn is ready to try on Little Red’s famous riding hood, and we asked her about what’s awesome about performing for young audiences.
Don’t have tickets yet? Grab them before they’re snapped up!
Why do you sing professionally?
Kelsey Ronn: “Life has taken me on many adventures. For instance, I was a figure skater, a Ukrainian dancer, a dog walker, a hospital inventory clerk, to name a few. But nothing fills my cup quite like singing does. I sing professionally because I have a passion for telling stories. I find a personal fulfillment and creative release from singing that no other career seems to match.”
What does it mean to you to be a part of the McPhee Artist Development Program?
“Ever since I decided to pursue music after high school, I’ve been working towards a program like the MADP. Now that I have achieved my goal of being in a young artist program, I feel more ready than ever pursuing a career as a professional singer.”
What are some highlights that you’re particularly looking forward to this season?
“I am looking forward to developing and learning from two special ladies this season. One being the vibrant Red Riding Hood and the other being the cynical yet observant maid, Berta from Il barbiere di Siviglia. Additionally, the casts and directors I will have the pleasure of working with will most definitely be a highlight this season for me.”
What can people expect from your Little Red Riding Hood performances?
“People can expect interactive storytelling and a lively, energetic atmosphere. Audiences are guaranteed to giggle, be left in suspense, and learn something about each character.”
How do you get into character for Little Red?
“I get into character by studying up on my objectives. For instance, how old is my character? What is my characters relationship with the other characters? What is preventing my character from achieving her goals? But also, embodying my little nieces.”
What's unique about performing opera for young people?
“I love getting to show young people how a person can use their voice to project without needing a microphone! I also enjoy interacting with young people while performing because it makes them feel like they are part of the performance.”
Little Red Riding Hood runs Nov. 28-Dec. 7 at the Mamdani Opera Centre, 1315 7 St SW, Calgary. Buy tickets before December 1, and save 50% on select shows!