Last night I went to Pauper’s Pub (Bloor St. at Albany) to see The Ambient Opera Society’s “Opera on the Rocks”. All the artists involved met at Tapestry in 2006 while going through the LibLab (Composer-Librettist Laboratory) to Opera Briefs process. Composer David Ogborn and writers Lisa Codrington, Leanna Brodie, Dave Carley and Krista Dalby have created a hilarious evening of contemporary opera. Director Liza Balkan has singing actors Alex Dobson, Carla Huhtanen, Jessica Lloyd and Keith Klassen performing guerilla opera amidst the bar patrons and their talents are undeniable. All four demonstrate the skill of sketch comedy actors and still show off their opera chops. Who knew Carla Huhtanen could drive the lane in basketball so well? I actually felt like I wasn’t even at a bar to see a show but instead eavesdropping on the conversations and interactions of different characters in my local pub. Very cool.

I’m pretty sure “Opera on the Rocks” is at capacity or close to it for tonight’s final performance but check out the website at www.operaontherocks.ca to be sure. If you can’t see it tonight I recommend catching it the next time it is mounted.

Many of the creative and performing artists are part of Tapestry’s upcoming production Opera to Go 2008 which runs February 14 – 23, 2008 at the Enwave Theatre, presented in association with Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage 2008. Tickets are now on sale at 416-973-4000 or online.