I first worked with Aaron Lamb, Producing Artistic Director for Harlequin Productions, when Olympia Symphony collaborated with Harlequin for Sweeney Todd. Performing that show remains one of my favorite musical experiences of my life. What Aaron brings to every show is astounding and I cannot wait to see what he brings to the narrator role for the Olympia Symphony performance of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale.
I reached out to Aaron to answer some questions about his upcoming collaboration for The Soldiers Tales and here are his answers. Simply by reading Aaron’s responses I got even more excited for this performance than I already was and I hope it affects you in the same manner.
Mando: What were your first thoughts when we asked you to narrate The Soldier's Tale?
Aaron: My first thought was, "Oh, exciting! I would love to collab with OSO again. Narration? Piece. Of. Cake." Oh, the ignorance of my few-months younger self. :) In fact, I said yes before I knew the piece. Now that I understand the scope, I'm deeply humbled by Alex's trust, grateful and excited to be able to share the stage with everyone, and yes - I will admit, a little frightened.
Mando: What is it like to collaborate with an orchestra?
Aaron: Well I was a musician first: I grew up playing the piano, violin, and viola. I played the viola in our regional professional orchestra when I was in high school, and that made a tremendous impression on me. Being able to sit among a group of people and create that beautiful noise? It was the most exciting and humbling experience of my young life. I've made a career and a life in the collaborative arts, having shifted to theatre - but still there's nothing as exhilarating as sitting in an orchestra and feeling how much more we can create together than we can by ourselves. It's a true gift.
Mando: How did you prepare for this part?
Aaron: I've listened to many recordings, and because I'm a musician the score is very helpful. The real work is learning the text so I can tell the story clearly. As a theatre director, I look at who the characters are, and how I can best differentiate them so the audience can follow the story. As an actor, I'm always looking for the why. Why does The Soldier give The Devil his violin? Why does The Devil take interest in The Soldier? What's so special about Yvonne? etc. Ultimately, I'm approaching this as I would any piece of theatre.
Mando: If the Devil appeared to you, what would they offer you for your soul?
Aaron: Well, fortunately I can't speak for The Devil, so I don't know what he might choose. I know what might be tempting, however: an unlimited budget and a permanent endowment for Harlequin - enough to make ambitious theatre forever and pay every artist what they deserve. But isn't that what every artist wants? Unlimited ability to create, and an unending and always supportive audience.
Mando: Since collaborating with the Olympia Symphony for Sweeney Todd and now the Soldier's Tale, what is your dream collab with the OSO?
Aaron: Always, the next one.
