Meet the Hercules Artists: Zachary Owen
Part 4 - Zachary Owen
Zachary Owen is a second year Marion Roose Pullin Studio Artist, and will appear as Lycos in our new cutting-edge performace Hercules vs Vampires. We asked him a few questions about his role and thoughts on the production.
1) Since Hercules vs Vampires is such a different production from traditional operas, how was the preparation to sing as Lycos different from your previous roles?
Lycos was a slightly different preparation process for me due to the fact that I had to make my vocal decisions based upon what is happening in the film. Usually, it’s up to me to pick vocal colors and effects based on my own dramatic interpretation. Obviously in this case, the whole process was kind of backwards. Luckily, my character is portrayed on screen by the one and only Christopher Lee, so I actually really enjoyed watching him as I put the music together!
2) What kind of person do you think is going to love seeing Hercules vs Vampires?
Hercules vs Vampires is a fun, campy and hilarious evening at the theater. It is the operatic equivalent to an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. If you like singing and enjoy watching old B-movies, this is your show!
3) What do you love (or hate) about Lycos as a character? Is it fun to play the villain?
I personally love playing the villain. They are usually the more complex and interesting characters in any given show. Lycos is no exception. He is a man driven by his ambition, and provides a wonderfully sinister counterweight to the optimistic (and arguably dull witted) protagonists.
4) Welcome back to your second year as a Marion Roose Pullin Arizona Opera Studio Artist! What’s your favorite part about being in Arizona?
My favorite part of Arizona is the sunshine! Granted, I am away during the hot summer months, but the winters here are so bright and moderate. It makes me want to go outside every day!
5) What’s one thing audiences might not know about this upcoming production?
Hercules vs Vampires is going to be a less-formal and more wacky night at the opera than you may be used to! Come have some popcorn and enjoy the show!
Read Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 5
Hold on tight for an out of this world event! Hercules vs Vampires combines operatic singing and 1960s pop culture, synchronizing live music with the 1961 cult classic film, Hercules in the Haunted World. Watch as the original film, starring bodybuilder Reg Park and horror legend Christopher Lee, is projected above a live orchestra and singers performing the music to a new, original score. You’ll thrill as the mighty hero Hercules journeys through the underworld, battling fiendish monsters to rescue his beloved! Action packed, outlandish, and fun for the whole family, Hercules vs Vampires offers a fresh take on this gorgeously campy Technicolor world.