Inspired Freelancer

Adventures in Cleveland: Allison Bencar and her Band

My husband always teases me for my "adventures," which can involve anything from checking out the latest avant-garde gallery opening to traipsing through unfamiliar streets looking for ethnic delicacies. I will admit that I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to experiencing the city and the people in it. I will engage in conversation with just about anyone and my inquisitive nature always leads me to unique experiences.

For a good example of what I'm talking about, let's go back to my junior year of college. I was assigned to write a press release about Sex, Drugs & Rock and Roll, a collection of monologues written by Eric Borgosian (I had no idea at the time that he was on Law and Order: Criminal Intent - and maybe he wasn't back then), for the University Marketing office, where I was an intern. I went to interview the director, and before I knew it, I had committed to singing in the show, which would feature a live band on a large platform above the stage, and which was opening in about two weeks. Beyond having a great time singing songs way outside my classical comfort zone like Heartbreaker and Deja Vu All Over Again, I also met some great people. 

One of the people I got to know better through the show was Allison Bencar. Allison and I had met in the Cleveland State University Chorus, but we hadn't really had a chance to talk much during rehearsals. While preparing for the show, and during its weekend-long run, we had some time to get acquainted. Allison is one of those girls with an effortless, classic beauty and a vintage sense of style that evokes a sense of graceful beauty, like that of Audrey Hepburn. At first she might seem a little quiet, but as soon as she takes the stage, everyone around her is instantly captivated by her innocent yet sophisticated range of expression. Even my boyfriend at the time couldn't stop talking about her, and I suppose I never really blamed him. She was, well, she is something special.

A Dramatic Soprano

(though technically, I'm more of a lyric soprano...)

This Friday was "Opera a la Carte," a performance by the Cleveland State University Department of Music's Opera Theatre Workshop class. I sang La Scia Ch'io Pianga, an aria from Handel's opera Rinaldo. As Almirena, I had been torn from my lover and cast into a hellish place alone. The aria is sad, lonely and angry at at once, and I was happy with my performance. It was also wonderful to see my family and friends come out for the performance. Thanks Kate, Paige, Donna and Michelle, it was wonderful to have you there. Thanks also to Barry and Sue, and of course my Mom.

My favorite thing about these dramatic pre-performance photos, is the overhead projector in the background, reminiscent of eighth grade science class.

Meet Izzy

If you've ever spoken with me for more than 10 minutes, chances are the subject of my husband has come up. Whether I was telling you about his exciting career or his last name that no one can spell, I'm sure you could tell how much I love him. This past week was his birthday, so I thought I'd introduce him on my blog. So here he is in all his glory: Izzy.

If you were hoping for a more humorous photo, you'll have to.... click below.