Editor’s note: The Capital City Weekly is featuring two divas a week leading up to Juneau Lyric Opera’s Sept. 24 “Who’s Your Diva” competition and fundraiser.
WB: I have a few loose memories of singing at church as a tot, but my first really vivid memory is of dancing in The Nutcracker at the humble age of five. Just before we went out on stage one of the other little ballerinas said “I’m so scared! Aren’t you nervous?” to which I replied “Nope, not a bit!” (Obviously I had yet to master empathy…). I remember it being when I realized that some people do get stage fright and still power through a show, even though I didn’t fully understand it for at least another ten years. I still say bravo to those combatting stage fright.
JLO: Who are three singers who have influenced you throughout your singing career?
WB: First, Maria Callas. She is such an expressive performer and never allowed herself to be boxed in by the limits of vocal classifications. She created her own path as an artist and rocked it every step of the way. The second is Julie Andrews, because ever since toddler-hood my optimal performance career has been largely oriented around doing every role Julie Andrews has ever done. Third, Barbra Streisand. There’s a story here. About a year ago, I had a dream in which I was asked to portray Barbra Streisand in a movie about her life. To adequately grasp all the inner workings of Barbra Streisand, I was going to have to be her best friend and hang out with her all the time. After developing a strong bond, Barbra ended up telling me she had selected me for this role because she felt I was the only person with the vocal prowess to portray her on screen. Best dream ever. Upon waking up and realizing that none of this was in fact, real (devastating) — I drew from it a new life/musical aspiration: to be altogether more like Barbra Streisand.
JLO: Who are local performers who inspire you?
WB: Kathleen Wayne has always inspired me as a mentor and a friend. I admire her versatility as a performer and continue to be astounded by her talent in a variety of artistic mediums. She has fostered my own love of opera as a teacher whilst never trying to put me or my voice into a box, which gives me great respect for her as a friend and teacher. In the grand scheme of things, I would say my greatest source of local musical inspiration is my mom. She has not only served as a lifelong demonstration of excellent musicianship, but also has influenced my love of musicals, instruments, and performing since day one.
JLO: What are three songs you absolutely love to sing?
WB: Una Voce Poco Fa, from the Barber of Seville – because it’s just loads of fun and all the melismatic passages make me feel like a coloratura superstar when I manage to nail them. Plus, it keeps the abs in good shape which is always a bonus. Brandi Carlile’s “Dreams” is a favourite of mine to belt out, and then, maybe “Someone to Watch Over Me” which I somehow never sing the same way twice. *Editor’s note: “Melismatic” is singing multiple notes in succession within just one syllable of text. “Coloratura” is a dynamic type of singing involving trills and other vocal ornamentation, usually sung by a soprano.
JLO: What is your favorite local role or performance?
WB: My favourite local performance probably was JLO’s March 2016 run of “Man of La Mancha,” strictly because we had such a fun and supportive cast and crew, making it a highly enjoyable production to be a part of.
JLO: What is your favorite place to sing (besides the stage)?
WB: Everywhere! The car, the shower, the toilet… especially when traveling, I love finding really old churches with killer acoustics and sneaking in for a song. Or an abandoned mountaintop… there’s really no place that I don’t love singing.
JLO: What is a famous movie or theatre role you would love the chance to play?
WB: It’s SO hard to pick just one, but in the grand scheme of my life I think it comes down to a dead tie between Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady”…or Lady Macbeth. I just can’t choose one. There are like 80 other ideal roles competing.
JLO: What are some of your other interests besides singing?
WB: I really love anything outside: hiking, kayaking, camping – you name it. Although my last camping trip didn’t go quite as planned and I am now rocking a very visible casualty… (Intrigued? Come to the show!) I love my summer job as a naturalist guide teaching people about whales, I love photography… and travel. If I had to pick one overwhelming interest it would be traveling – exploring the world.
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