Need something to stream? This version of ‘Julius Caesar’ has Gig Harbor, Puyallup ties
.jpg "Cleopatra performed by Ellie O’Brien (left) and Caesar, performed by Arthur Keast in Pacific Lutheran University Opera’s production of “Julius Caesar” by G. F. Handel.")
Caesar will be from Gig Harbor and Cornelia will be from Puyallup in a production of “Julius Caesar” this week.
Gig Harbor High School graduate Arthur Keast plays Caesar Jan. 27 and 29 in Pacific Lutheran University Opera’s production of “Julius Caesar” by G. F. Handel.
“Learning the role of Caesar has been a golden experience for me,” Keast said via email. “… His songs include a few very fast paced ones that have been really challenging but also exciting.”
Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27, 28 and 29, and 3 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Karen Hille Phillip Performing Arts Center on campus.
The show was planned for 2020 but was canceled in response to the pandemic. In-person tickets are available, and the performances will be livestreamed at plu.edu/soac/webcast.
“Going to the opera is an experience everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime,” Keast wrote. “When emotions are portrayed by a mixture of acting and singing, it deeply touches the heart.”
Former Puyallup High student Caitlyn Babcock will play Cornelia, Pompey’s wife, Jan. 28 and 30.
.jpeg "Caitlyn-Cornelia2 (1).jpeg")
“She is my first principal role, so it was really nerve wracking, but it was definitely a project I’m proud of,” Babcock said via email. “She has so much material to learn, and really takes the consequences of the plot, a lot happens to her. So we have all this beautiful sad music, that still has to vary in emotion and that has been my biggest challenge.”
The roles are double cast. Hugh Davis plays Caesar Jan. 28 and 30 and Rae Hyra plays Cornelia Jan. 27 and 29.
Babcock isn’t the show’s only tie to Puyallup. Puyallup High School graduate Hannah McVay is part of the chorus.
The conductor, James Brown, is a Puyallup resident. He’s the chair of Vocal Studies at PLU.
The stage director is Professor Barry Johnson.
“I think a lot of people would really love the art form if they are able to see a live show with a great story line such as this one,” Babcock wrote.
Tickets are $5-$17. Masks are required, as is proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the performance for adults and children 12 and older.
For more information, visit plu.edu/sing/opera.
