From Mozart To Abba-Peter Monaghan Can Do It All

I’ve said on numerous occasions I live vicariously through the success of others. Lethbridge’s own Peter Monaghan and his remarkable baritone/bass voice has made his way from performing on the stages of the U of L and the Yates to the world renowned Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver. He took time out from a very busy schedule to answer a few questions about his journey to turn his passion for music into a fulltime career.

You’re a Lethbridge native. What does the city mean to you?

Lethbridge is home. Lethbridge was my sanctuary for growth. I’ll forever be grateful to the music community, as they were an integral part to my development not only musically, but personally as well.

When did you first discover a love of music?

I’d always been in band, and enjoyed playing my trumpet, but my true passions for music didn’t arise until I was in the band for CCH’s production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat’ when I was in grade 10. It was then, under the direction of David Mikuliak, that a choir was formed for all grades from the cast and band of the show. That point forward I involved myself in every aspect of music at CCH. From band/jazz band, to choir/musicals, I wanted to be part of it all.

You went to the U of L as a trumpet major. What converted you to the vocal arts?

When I applied to the U of L it was for music education. So I had involved myself in as many groups as I could. Being a Bass vocally, I had the opportunity to sing with the  universities prestigious chamber choir the ‘U of L Singers’, as well as sing with the Opera program as well for their productions.  I was also heavily involved in the orchestra as well with my trumpet. At that time there were many conflicts between the two programs as not many students were trying to do both. So I had to make a choice, and at that point in my life, singing was a prominent thought on my mind.

How would you describe your experience at the U of L and who were some big influences there?

My experience with the U of L was life changing. I truly found myself and my passions. I credit my wonderful experience to two people to be specific, George Evelyn and Blaine Hendsbee. George was my first voice teacher/mentor and he was the one who asked me to study in the first place. I’ll never forget him asking, “Have you taken any voice lessons before?” to which I promptly replied, “no”. He then didn’t give me an option, instead, he tells me that I’ll be studying with him. Best thing to ever happen to me. Blaine was the spearhead behind the Opera program. He introduced me to the art form in my first year at the U of L. I was in the chorus for his production of ‘Die Fledemaus’.

You did some New West Shows. As you reflect on your current career, how important was it to be part of that troupes?

 

New West was SO CRUCIAL! Those shows got me out of my little performance box. They challenged me in a way that no university class or production could do. New West allowed me to be myself on stage. The skills I developed from my 6 shows with them I still think about to this day. Brian Parkinson was incredible, always encouraging more out of me. Also it didn’t hurt having the safety net of some of Canada’s top performers by my side (Jeff Carlson, Erica Hunt, Kathy Zaborsky, Scott Carpenter, David Barrus), they really allowed me to relax into the experience. I’ll truly look forward to the day when I have some time to audition for them again!

You completed your Bachelor and Masters degrees at UBC. What was that experience like?

UBC for me was a post-education program. I did get my degrees from them, but had I not gone to the U of L, I don’t think I would have succeeded. UBC was tough, both academically and performance wise. I was involved in 4-6 productions a year as well as doing concerts with the symphony, benefits, donor events, as well as I would have my studies. It really set me up to be able to handle anything in the professional world.

You have performed in numerous operas. Is that something you’ve always loved or was it a case of your baritone voice being perfect for the repertoire?

It slowly evolved for me. I consider myself a crossover artist, so I really don’t limit myself in terms of genre. That being said, most of my training comes from the classical side, so I lean heavily on it. I just love singing, y’know?

I suspect opera is a little different than doing a New West show but I imagine they both require great discipline in their own ways. Your thoughts?

 

They truly do, opera is a refined art form. The study that goes into a role is endless. The work on the other languages, translations. The research is endless. When you show up to a rehearsal for a professional opera company, you are expected to have memorized your whole score. You sing it through on day one. Just recent I was in Pacific Opera Victoria’s production of ‘La Traviata’ and on the first day of rehearsal they staged my whole role. So being prepared in paramount. New West is an organic show, which has its own challenges and disciplines. You find the show together as performers, and in some cases that can be even harder to accomplish.

Can give us a little bit of your opera resume and tell us what has been your favorite role so far?

 

I’ve been rather fortunate the past few years. I had the amazing opportunity to train with Vancouver Opera in their Yulanda M. Faris young artist program back in 2016. This opened many doors for me. I’ve since done 4 productions with them, as well as Pacific Opera Victoria, Opera Kelowna, re:Naissance Opera, Fraser Lyric Opera, and I’ll be making my Edmonton Opera debut in Feb of 2020. I’ve been in shows like, ‘Le nozze di Figaro’, ‘Turandot’, ‘Eugene Onegin’, ‘La Bohème’, ‘La Traviata’ to name a few. I’ve also been fortunate in the musical scene here in Vancouver, I played Beast in Theatre Under the Stars production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, as well as Peter in Company.

 As The Beast In Beauty & The Beast

So to date, my all time favourite role has to be Figaro in ‘Le nozze di Figaro’. It’s one of the few times as a Bass that we get to be the love interest and the hero of the story. The rest of the time we play the Father, villain, or drunkard character haha.

What’s been your favorite venue?

Favourite Venue would have to be the Queen Elizabeth theatre here in Vancouver. The adrenaline of singing to +3000 people is unmatched.

What is the biggest misconception the casual theatre-goer might have about Opera?

The inaccessibility of it. Everyone sees the Viking breaking glasses. But the stories are simple, beautiful, funny, tragic. The whole spectrum. And the music ALWAYS enhances the experience. Everyone is scared of the “other language” aspect. But there are always subtitles.

There’s gotta be a theatre blooper in your past.

Lol I’ll give you a couple! First one is one I’ll never forget when I was performing with New West. I was singing the song “The Devil went down to Georgia” I sang the first line and couldn’t remember the rest. So I looked at the audience and just put my arms in the air and said “whelp”… luckily I had awesome back up singers.

 

The second was from my time at Vancouver opera. I was doing a concert that was fairy tale themed, and I was ‘Prince Charming’, I was singing the song “if ever I would leave you from Camelot. The scene was sleeping beauty and I was the to rescue my princess. I knelt down beside the bed where she slept singing this beautiful ballad and all I heard was a POP sound. When I knelt down, I blew out the bottom of my pants lol… I still had three numbers to finish after that lol. I had incredible colleagues that did their best to hide my backside from the audience. Was rather funny.

Has performing become a full-time gig or do you have to maintain another job?

I’m full-time my friend! I’ve been lucky to have the connections I do. I’ve been going gig to gig for the last 3 years!

What else do you like to do away from music and theatre?

Vancouver’s scenery is spectacular, my wife Nicole and I try and walk as much as possible to enjoy this beautiful downtown. Other than relaxing with my wife I like to immerse myself in video games, board games and binging the plethora of TV out there these days. As an artist finding avenues to get your mind off of your art on your down time is very important. We become so passionate about what we do, we tend to take work home often, especially when you work out of your home like I do as a freelance artist.

Name your favorite movie of all time.

I love all movies lol, don’t really have a favourite. But my favourite TV series of all time is Firefly, or the Office… so many to choose from.

What’s the best part of your life right now?

 

My job is my hobby. Pretty blessed to do what I do. Nicole and I wish that our professions allowed us to be closer to Lethbridge, but alas lol. So we are beyond happy that our jobs are our aspirations. Pretty fortunate.

Tell us about your next big opportunity.

SUPER excited!! I get to play Sam Carmichael in ‘Mamma Mia’. ABBA is a far stretch from Mozart, but the challenge is what’s important. I’m mortified as the role is rather large and out of my comfort zone, but in this profession you must embrace that fear and push through. 9/10 the result is amazing.

What advice would you give to kids starting out in the performing arts?

Sounds cliche, but never quit. Those who make it in this business do so by perseverance. Nothing is instant, there is no such thing as instant gratification. Everything takes time and patience. Most importantly though, have the time of your life. There is no better feeling than moving an audience. Can be tear of joy or laughter, the result for you is the same.

Final thoughts…

Coming from Lethbridge has given me so much pride. The arts community is so nurturing, and allows young artist to blossom. It’s a gift I’ll never forget. Can’t wait to come back and perform there again one day.

The Moonlight Run And Other Stuff

I’m having cup of coffee on a Saturday morning doing some reflecting. Here’s what’s entering the brain zone:

It’s the 32^nd running of the Moonlight Run. I’ve run it a few times and I can prove it because I’ve got a sweat-shirt. It is a very cool event that is very well supported. Thanks to my double hip replacements I don’t jog anymore and as I’ve mentioned many times I really miss it. It always felt so good when I stopped. And a big shout out to Mary Lee Voort who after tonight will have run all 32 of them. Pretty impressive.

There’s a big pro-am squash tournament going on at the College this weekend. I used to enter the annual Lethbridge Open Squash tournament back in the day but that’s another sport that I can’t do anymore thanks to the hip thing. I’ll always remember my bone doctor saying to me as he saw the arthritis in my hip before the first surgery, “You’re going to have to change your lifestyle.” I can’t complain though. There are many people who have waaaaay worse physical problems than me. And I never won the damn tournament anyway so I don’t have to worry about humiliation. Still, squash was a great form of exercise.

It was very cool to meet Ron MacLean last weekend as he and his Rogers Hometown Hockey crew invaded Lethbridge during the University Cup tournament. Ron and I have the late Wayne Barry in common. He was the boss of both of us at one time in our careers. Wayne was his boss at CKRD in Red Deer and for me I tried to emulate Wayne’s comedic radio style when I worked the all-night shift at 1090 CHEC. He later became Program Director. What impresses me the most about Ron is his ability to remember names and events without any notes. He is a very smooth and articulate speaker as opposed to his Coach’s Corner cohort. Ron had a lot of people to talk to so while my time with him was brief I have even more respect for him than I did before meeting him. His Hometown Hockey co-host Tara Sloan was also pleasant to talk to.

Now that the weather has turned we’ve been able to do a couple of Cool Cars, Interesting People episodes. First one you’ll see is with musician Don Robb as he promotes his Cancer Blast Fundraiser. And the second one coming down the pipe will be with Randy Royer. Randy and I graduated together back in 1973 at CCHS and while I took the radio route and became poverty stricken, Randy got into the Hospitality business and flourished. He also has a passion for politics and has written a thought-provoking on line book called Top 10 Reasons Why Alberta Doesn’t Fit In This Canada. You can download it for free. https://albertadoesntfit.com

Agree or disagree with him it’s worth having a conversation.

Watch for some new stuff on our website in the coming days. www.coolcarsinterestingpeople.com

I was out walking the dog yesterday and I realized as he was defecating on someone’s lawn that I was devastated to realize that I was out of poop bags. While I fake picked it up I promise I’m going back to that house to really pick it up. Sorry.

It was a contentious issue when the Hurricanes got booted out of the Enmax for the Men’s World Curling Championships. At the time of the announcement there were a million different scenarios that could play out depending on where they finish in the standings or even make the playoffs. The way it’s unfolding right now, there is a possibility that we may not miss any games. That would be nice. While it’s unfortunate to miss any playoff games at the Enmax, the opportunity to get such an amazing curling event was hard to turn down.

I watched my 3-year old granddaughter Brinley have her final swim lesson for this spring. It’s funny to watch because she currently does not like to put her head under water. Hopefully that will change one day or swimming is going to be a real challenge.

And I’ve said it 1000 times this year. “Thank God February and its Polar Vortex is done with.” That was really nasty. The older I get the more I’m thinking of moving in with former Lethbridge guy Bob Cooney to work on his farm in Belize. (He doesn’t know it yet.) FYI I have an interview with Bob about his life in Belize in an upcoming Blog.

With that, Go Canes. Go Flames. Go Moonlight Runners.

A Random Thursday

There are a number of great events taking place in our city over the next little while starting with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns hockey team hosting the UCup National Championship. It’s going to be an uphill battle as they take on the defending champion Alberta Golden Bears. It’s a single knock-out tournament so a bounce here or there and the next thing you know you’re Belarus beating Sweden in the 2002 Olympics. It can happen. Now if the Horns can channel their inner Mike Babcock like they did when they won a National Title in 1994 or going back a little further and feel the vibe of the 1975 Lethbridge Native Sons who won the Canada Winter Games at the Sportsplex (Enmax) then to quote the great line from Dumb & Dumber, “So you’re saying there’s a chance.”

I hope the rink is packed with fans this entire weekend.

There’s also a great pro-am squash tournament next weekend at the College. It may not have the appeal of national hockey tournament but these guys are amazing athletes and fun to watch.

There’s that World Curling Championship coming next month as well. I know there has been some frustration with the Hurricanes being displaced but it’s not very often the city gets a chance to have such a prestigious event like this. Keeping our fingers crossed, there is a scenario that could happen where we’ll only miss one home game. There will be a great fan experience taking place at Bullys for those who aren’t lucky enough to get a ticket to the game which will be played at Nicholas Sheran.

Turning to books. (How’s that for a segue?) I love the One District, One Book promotion that’s happening. Everyone in School District 51 is getting one book to read this month. It’s a reading activity that unites the community around a common theme, common characters, and a common story. Check out the website. https://1d1blethbridge.wixsite.com/1d1b

The older I get the more I need to defrag my brain. How many times do you go through this when you’re talking to your wife or friend: “What’s the name of that guy in that movie with the alien? You know, he was in that other one with the dog that died…” And then you go through the alphabet trying to come up with the name…A..B…C…D…And then 20 minutes later, “Oh…Michael Caine…!! He was married to….what’s her name with the hair?”

I don’t think it’s Alzheimers but I get so annoyed when your brain fails you. I can almost hear my cerebrum clicking trying to go through file after file. Sigh..

The new 311 service from the City is going to be awesome. When you’ve got a question, you can call it and you’ll get an actual person who will connect you to the right department to get an answer to your concern.

Thank God it’s warming up. Why didn’t I book a Hawaii trip for February? When January was so nice I thought, “Hey we might get through winter unscathed.” Wrong!!!

It put a damper on doing some Cool Cars, Interesting People segment. I’m happy to say there’s some new ones coming up and thanks to Dallas Harty with the amazing Clarence Arnoldussen Collection not only will there be new people to talk to, we’ll be showing you some classic and brand new cars.

I recently visited Vancouver and while I was there I set up a visit with Marjorie who is the manager of the Safe Consumption site on East Hastings Street. I thought I’d pass on my thoughts about the experience.

First off, walking to the site it’s heartbreaking to see the many tents set up in the adjacent streets in front of former businesses where people are trying to exist.

The injection site was filled with patrons. Some were getting ready to use the booths (fewer than Lethbridge) and there were a number of people in the other rooms waiting out their high. Some were in seats, some lying on the floor.

While it was troubling to witness what was going on, paradoxically there was also a feeling of community where everyone looked after each other. It was a sentiment that was expressed by Marjory who says she’s never felt unsafe in the 15 years she’s been working at this site.

Needles are handed out to anyone who asks for them and they can leave the site with them.

As in Lethbridge Meth is the prevalent drug of choice.

Another surprising aspect of my visit was a gentrification of the surrounding district. My sense was that businesses are actually doing quite well despite what is going on around them.

Marjory knows that they save lives at the site. Narcan is available but she says they administer it in small doses so that users don’t come off their high as fast as larger doses.

The site has counselling services available and they continue to work with the provincial and federal governments on long-term solutions.

My biggest take away from the visit was how this group actively seeks out current and past drug users to be a part of the long-term solution.

I’ve just realized that this really has been a random blog posting…Talk soon.

Go New West Young Man, Go New West…

Photo Credit: Angeline Simon

Kelly Reay is the new General Manager of New West Theatre. Kelly is just getting started here in the Lethbridge theatre scene but as you will see he has an impressive background.

Where did you grow up and how would you describe your childhood?

I grew up on a farm just East of Red Deer, Alberta. My childhood was a pretty typical rural childhood – lots of outdoor play, team sports, community hall dances, and chores.  I feel very fortunate to have grown up with a very supportive and nurturing family who encouraged me to follow my passions.

At what point did you discover that theatre was going to be your career?

As a teenager, I fell in love with film. I had big aspirations to pursue a career in the film industry, and looked at theatre school as a stepping stone into the film industry.  Once in theatre school, I learned that I had an aptitude for the work, and I quickly become very passionate about live performance and the type of collaboration required to create theatre. After graduating from theatre school, I starting receiving work opportunities in the theatre industry, and I never looked back.

Did you have aspirations of acting or was producing and directing your passion?

I knew from the very beginning that I had no desire to be on stage. I’m a terrible actor!  I always knew that my passion was in the behind-the-scenes work. I started my professional career as a stage manager, and there was a natural progression into directing and producing.

Can you give us some of the highlights of the work you have done with past theatre companies?

I served as Artistic Director of Calgary’s Sage Theatre from 2004-20014. Sage Theatre is a small but mighty professional theatre company that specializes in cutting-edge contemporary theatre presented in intimate spaces. During my time with the company I produced or directed over 40 productions. I also co-founded, in 2005, the Ignite! Festival of Emerging Artists, a festival specializing in showcasing the work of emerging artists from around Alberta and beyond.

Most recently, I served as Festival Producer of One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo, Calgary’s International Festival of the Arts. In two years as Festival Producer, I helped bring dozens of international and national productions to the Alberta stage.

I have also been very fortunate to have directed numerous productions for a many theatre companies across the province, including Vertigo Theatre, Lunchbox Theatre, Shadow Theatre, Downstage Theatre, Verb Theatre, University of Calgary and Red Deer College.

What did you know about New West?

Prior to moving to Lethbridge, I knew a little bit about New West. I knew that it was Lethbridge’s professional theatre company that had been around for decades. I knew a number of artists who had worked for the company and I knew of the company’s strong reputation.

Is there any intent to totally revamp New West?

Totally revamp? No. But we will be looking at strategic, well-managed growth. With me being only two months into my tenure, I am still learning about the company and the company’s place within this community. Plans are to develop a new strategic plan this summer as the company enters its 30th season of producing theatre in Lethbridge. We want to identify opportunities for growth, and I want to learn about what Lethbridge wants from New West Theatre.  I want to see the company thrive and flourish for the next 30 years and beyond.

Discuss the challenges theatre has across the country (including here in Lethbridge) and what can be done to create a more vibrant theatre scene?

There are a number of challenges that live theatre is facing in Lethbridge and across the country. I think one of the main challenges is remaining a viable entertainment option in the age of Netflix and online streaming. It is hard to compete with the price and comfort of home entertainment, so live performance must be able to offer a unique experience that home entertainment is not able to offer. Theatre must be inventive and innovative and embrace the things that make live performance a unique, communal experience.

Another significant challenge facing the theatre business is the changing economy. Most theatres operate as a not-for-profit charity, largely dependent on public funding and the generosity of donors and sponsors. In an uncertain economy, fluctuating levels of funding can be a significant challenge for any not-for-profit venture. To counter this, we must continue to be relevant and demonstrate our importance to our communities.

You’re given a $1 million dollar grant to do whatever show you want to do. What would it be?

My dream show is The Who’s Tommy. In my opinion, it is a rock n roll masterpiece of pure theatrical spectacle.  A close second would be a production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton. Both shows combine my tremendous love of music and high theatricality.

Name a song that immediately takes you back to a significant part in your life.

Walk of Life by Dire Straits. It was a song that was always played at community dances, weddings, and on the radio in the 80s. Hearing the opening keyboard notes along with Mark Knopfler’s “woo-hoo”s  immediately take me back in time to being a carefree kid, surrounded by community and family.

What advice would you give kids who are taking theatre right now?

While this can be a tough business, it is entirely possible to make a good living in the theatre industry. Be resilient, versatile and adaptable. Learn how to use your skills across many different areas, and don’t pigeonhole yourself into once particular niche. It is hard work that requires ingenuity and perseverance, but you can make a good living!

Why is theatre an important part of any city anywhere?

Live performance of any kind is essential to building a community. Live performance gives a platform for artistic expression and identity. Live performance is a shared experience that is entirely unique from night to night. It is a communal experience of sharing, storytelling, evocation, and entertainment. It is an artform that has been around for centuries and is very important in helping to build a proud cultural identity of a city.

Let’s get provocative. Describe what you would love in a new performing arts centre in Lethbridge.

I think versatility is a very important aspect to any performing arts centre. The ability to accommodate a wide range of performance sizes and styles is essential to creating a vibrant, well used and well attended centre. This kind of versatility helps to cultivate a diverse and vibrant performing arts ecology that contains many different types of offerings for a wide range of community needs and desires. It would be great to have all the bells and whistles of a state-of-the-art performance centre, but it also needs to be able to embrace the fact that not every type of performance needs all the bells and whistles.

What’s your assessment of the talent you’ve witnessed so far in Lethbridge?

Top notch. I am very excited by the see how talented and vibrant the arts scene is in Lethbridge. It is very encouraging to see so many talented artists choose to make their home in Lethbridge, knowing they have a place in a dynamic and flourishing arts scene.

What is your number one goal for New West Theatre?

Hmmmm…. Not sure I am able to state a number one goal so early into my tenure.

But I do know one very important goal as we look to the future of New West Theatre: I want to see significant growth in the younger demographic of the company’s audience base. The company is very well supported by its audience, but seems to me that there is much room for growth in audience members in their 20s and 30s. This is a challenge faced by our entire industry, and we have to learn how to strengthen our reach into this key demographic. I like to ask myself what the audience will look like in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years? If we don’t get younger people into the theatre now, it is hard to imagine that these individuals will suddenly start attending as they get older.