“Opus” in On The Town

There are just three chances left to see the play Grand Rapids’ Press writer John Phipps called “a work of art.” Interested in learning more about this amazing show? See what writer Kristin Austin had to say in On The Town:

It’s all drama as the Lazara String Quartet prepares for the performance of their lives in Actors’ upcoming production

Published: Monday, January 24, 2011, 10:54 AM
By Kristin Austin

Playing for their lives: Actors' presents "Opus." Photo Credit: On-the-Town

When preparing for a concert, musicians face pressure and passion that provide drama all its own.

That is why former concert violist and now playwright Michael Hollinger thought the work it takes to prepare for a performance would translate into a good play. So, he wrote Opus, the drama-filled and often humorous story of the Lazara String Quartet. Three of the quartet’s members fire the fourth, a talented but troubled violinist, and hire a gifted young woman unsure of her career path as they prepare for the performance of their lives.

Actors’ Theatre will present the West Michigan premier of Opus this month. Director Jeralyn Pinsky said she simply fell in the love with the play and hopes the audience will too.

“Opus is ninety minutes of the world of a string quartet,” she said, describing the play as “classical music with witty, bright, and interesting characters and relationships, unique staging, and beautiful music. And, of course, dramatic conflicts.”

Grand Rapids Symphony Music Director David Lockington agreed drama can stem from the pressure and emotions musicians feel during the rehearsal process. “We all have to pace ourselves so that, like athletes, we peak at the time of the performance,” he said. “The demands of playing together and in tune are enormous. It requires great technical skill but also an ability to listen beyond your own instrument or small group surrounding you.”

Lockington continued, “Of course we are all flowing with the emotions of the music, but we are also having to communicate with our colleagues on a very intimate level and sometimes this can be difficult. Communication is, in general, quite difficult. We have to be strong in our convictions and vulnerable at the same time. Somehow we have to trust each other!” …

(Read the rest of the article here, on www.mlive.com)

Remaining Performance Dates for Opus:

Feb. 3 – 5, 2011 –  all shows at 8PM

For tickets, call the box office at 234-3946 (The box office is open from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or purchase them online anytime at www.atgr.org.