Feature Fridays

Marcus Dilliard (lighting designer)

Of what previous work are you most proud?

Marcus Dilliard (Lighting Designer)

Uncle Vanya, The History Plays, The Cherry Orchard, Resurrection Blues and M. Butterfly for The Guthrie Theater, Turandot for Minnesota Opera, The Cunning Little Vixen for Portland Opera, Tartuffe and The Miser for Theatre de la Jeune Lune.

With what show would you most like to be involved and why?

The Ring Cycle – because it’s The Ring Cycle. And The Tempest, when it’s time to close the book.

How long have you been working in opera?

30 years

What do you think makes Minnesota Opera unique from other companies?

Courage and imagination, a rare combination these days.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

My first thought was my wife and two daughters but assuming that they wouldn’t be too happy living on a deserted island, I’d have to say fishing tackle, matches and a lot of Tastycakes.

What has been the most challenging piece you have worked on and why?

Frankenstein, a million years ago at the Guthrie. It took me forever to figure out the aesthetic, so every minute of tech rehearsal was self-inflicted torture.

How has music changed your life?

Music and light are different manifestations of the same emotions. Learning that gave me a way of communicating with the world.

Are there any favorite backstage stories/moments you would like to share from this or previous productions?

Just recently, sitting backstage during Act II of Cosi fan Tutte on opening night, watching the moonrise on the Magic Garden. Thanks to a programming glitch, the moonlight was bright red. That doesn’t happen in the movies.

What are your top three favorite operas?

Only three? OK, The Cunning Little Vixen, The Flying Dutchman and Dialogues of the Carmelites.

Have you ever had hot dish, and if so what is your favorite variety?

Yes, of course. “Beef stroganoff” hot dish.

Mark Stephen Campbell (librettist)

What advice do you offer aspiring artists?

Ignore people who give you advice.

Who are your biggest inspirations?  

I could come up with some highfalutin names but I have to say I draw the most inspiration from the people I’m currently working with. And in this case, the producers (notice I mention them fir$t), the director, the conductor, the cast (especially) are a constant source of inspiration.

Of what previous work are you most proud?

The best parts of Later the Same Evening, Bastianello, and Songs from an Unmade Bed.

How long have you been working in opera?

About 10 years. I started when I was 8.

What do you think makes Minnesota Opera unique from other companies?

Oh, jeez. I dunno. Many reasons. But I think it helps that Minnesota Opera is in Minnesota, a state that demonstrates a very real understanding of the importance of art in our lives. If Minnesota Opera were in Wyoming that might not be the case.

What is your favorite Twin Cities destination?

Right now, the rehearsal hall. I hope that will change, however, when Minnesota Opera allows me travel on my own.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

Hmmmmm. Well, let’s take this question in a different direction because you could bring ONE thing and it would get you off of the deserted island (like an amazing cell phone). Okay, I’ll just answer the question: a food source, a water source and Bill Burden’s sense of humor.

What has been the most challenging piece you have worked on and why?

Maybe The Inspector. Humor can be difficult business.

Are you really as scandalous as they say you are?

What does “scandalous” mean? It makes as much sense as “promiscuous” or “sacrilegious.”

Have you ever had hot dish, and if so what is your favorite variety?

I have not and eagerly await anyone’s invitation to ask me to partake of this delightful regional culinary specialty!

Tommy Glass (chorus)

What made you decide on a career in the arts?

Well, I’m actually a student at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, and I’m majoring in Vocal Music Education and Vocal Performance, so I’m not quite to the career bit yet haha.  However, music specifically is something I’ve always connected with and the feeling of performing well in front of an audience makes me feel alive.

What is your favorite Twin Cities destination?

My favorite Twin Cities destination has got to be the Lakes area.  Walking around Calhoun and Harriet or relaxing on a dock on Harriet has got to be one of the most beautiful and enjoyable things about the area.  Sunsets over Harriet with the Minneapolis skyline in the background are to die for.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

I would bring my iPhone, my headphones, and my guitar.  I could probably entertain myself endlessly that way.

What has been the most challenging piece you have worked on and why?

Since I’ve only been in two operas, I’d say Silent Night is the toughest.  I have a small part (French Soldier #2), and some of those rhythms are killer.  When it all gets put together however, it’s pretty cool.

How has music changed your life?

I think it opened up an area of myself that I didn’t know existed.  Being able to study music and perform it seriously gives way to raw emotion.  Music can be as powerful as you want it to be, and in some of the performances I’ve done, there have been moments I wouldn’t trade for the world.

If you had to choose a different field of work, what would you choose?

Broadcast journalism.  I have a lot of friends who are going into that field, and the work seems so interesting and important.  Plus, I may be no Ron Burgundy, but I like to think I have a pretty decent anchorman voice .

What is your favorite thing about Minnesota?

Most definitely the colors season on Summit Avenue.  Gotta be the prettiest stretch of the Twin Cities.  Or Twins games in the summer.  Target Field is the greatest stadium in all of professional sports.

Do you speak any languages besides English? What are they?

I’m minoring in German, so I’m learning that.  I’ve also been to Mexico several times and took years of Spanish, so I can stumble through comprehending that.

One a scale of 1-10, 10 high, how foxy is James Valenti?

12.  He’s a fox.  And I’m straight and saying that.

Besides opera, do you have any other favorite genres of music? What are some of your favorite artists from that genre?

Though they’re at the exact opposite of the musical spectrum, AC/DC is one of my favorite bands of all time.  I can do a pretty good Brian Johnson impression as well, and can duckwalk just like Angus Young.  Beyond that, I listen to lots of music that’s on the Current.  Bon Iver is definitely one of my favorites.  Plus, he’s from Eau Claire, so that’s sort of within the Twin Cities area!