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"Make Milwaukee": Skylight Opera | Andy Wilkowske

by Adam Carr
12:05pm
March 5 2010
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Listen: This year, the theme for our winter arts campaign has been Operation: Make Milwaukee, a "mission very-possible" theme that's had us dashing all over the city featuring dynamic voices in Milwaukee's creative community. That being said, it's time we put the "opera" in "Operation," and we had a little help from our friends at the Skylight Opera Company.
Recently, Skylight put on a production of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, with the role of Figaro played by Twin Cities native Andy Wilkowske. Not a stranger to Milwaukee, he's performed in a number of productions at the Skylight and spends a good deal of time in Milwaukee. A few weeks ago, Andy came into the studios to share his thoughts on Milwaukee and opera.

Andy as Figaro! (Photo from the Third Coast Digest)

"The Power of Opera" -- Andy both describes and demonstrates off exactly what that means: [audio=1] When you think opera, do you think "trashy sitcom?" Listen to Andy's take on The Marriage of Figaro and the Barber of Seville: [audio=2]

A native of St. Paul, Andy reflects on what he's learned about Milwaukee's art community over the years: [audio=3] I'm so happy he sung for me -- it undoubtedly made that piece. What a great sport.

Some extra audio! You know how Andy said "I'm getting butterflies" right before he sings and then he sounds incredible? This is his explanation for those nerves: [audio=4] Andy on his first invitation to Milwaukee and his mindset about the city at the time: [audio=5] Answering the question, "When a friend is reluctant to see a show and end up enjoying themselves, what reason do they give for liking it?" [audio=6] Want to see amazing opera in your own hometown? Get down to the Skylight Opera and have some fun!

Produced by: Adam Carr

(Photo from the Third Coast Digest)