
Ethan Vincent Photo courtesy of Berkshire Opera Festival
The Berkshire Opera Festival invites you the travel to a 19th century Christmas Eve in the Latin Quarter of Paris as a band of painters, poets and philosophers fight the winter chill with bottles of wine and fall in love at Café Momus. Giacomo Puccini's Italian opera "La Bohème" will be performed at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, Mass., starting Saturday, Aug, 26. I spoke with baritone Ethan Vincent will be playing the role of Schaunard.
Alexander Wilburn: Hey Ethan, thanks for taking the time in the middle of rehearsal. What's it like at this stage of the rehearsal process?
Ethan Vincent: We're running through the show, fine-tuning it if you will. We start at the beginning and take notes in between the acts, and discuss what we need to fix.
AW: Puccini's "La Bohème" is unquestionably a classic, as a performer, what do you think brings audiences back to this particular opera time and again?
EV: Musically it's a beautiful piece that people connect with tonally, and on a more theatrical level, it is something that people relate to. It's a coming-of-age story of these guys, and it's a love story as well. It's a little different compared to pieces we sometimes do in opera that can feel a little archaic and in need of an update. "Bohème" always rings true musically and in a narrative way as well.
AW: I feel like there's something about it where it's truly timeless, and each decade it's performed you might find something different. Right now, you know, we're seeing a big spike in COVID in the area. So you might think of working artists in struggling conditions.
EV: I think those themes of sickness and health are definitely factors when revisiting this piece, especially now, for sure.
AW: This isn't your first time performing "La Bohème." You were Schaunard in the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, but you also played Marcello at the Columbus Symphony and the National Performing Arts Centre. Between the two roles, do you have a favorite?
EV: Marcello for sure has more singing to do. So as a singer, you're able to find more moments of beauty. But at the same time, the role has its own difficulty because there are areas that are difficult to navigate as a singer. That being said, Schaunard is always a really fun role for me to play. He is sort of the glue that holds the friends together. He's the provider, he's the comic relief. But he's also the one who initiates them to go out and have fun. It's a really fun role to play in contrast to Marcello, who's the brooding, overly sensitive character.
AW: Schaunard's entrance to the show is one of the liveliest, funniest aria's the opera. I've seen it performed with a lot of varying physicality, what's your approach to the scene?
EV: You want Schaunard to feel very seamless and very effortless like he's a really cool guy and he can just take over the space. He's in his own world, and he tells this story, a very elaborate tale, but none of his friends are listening to him. He's brought all of the provisions for everyone but no one is listening to what he's saying. But I hold onto this idea that Schaunard has nothing to worry about, he's got it all under control.
AW: You travel a ton for your work, how has your summer in The Berkshires been?
EV: It's my first time in The Berkshires and it's just so beautiful. It's my second time in this part of the country. Last summer I did some work at The Bard Festival.
AW: As part of the Bard SummerScape?
EV: Yes, we did a bunch of Rachmaninoff there. We did a semi-production of his opera "The Miserly Knight," and then we did "The Bells" which was like a symphonic piece. Being back here reminds me of being a kid and getting to go to summer camp. We saw a double rainbow across the sky, just very casually. My girlfriend is here, and she spotted a bear yesterday.
AW: Oh you will see those.
EV: I'm just surrounded by nature.
AW: What do you have coming up for the 2023-24 season?
EV: In the fall I'll be headed to The Met Opera to cover Riolobo in the brand new production of "Florencia en el Amazonas." After that, I'm going to the San Diego Opera to play Leporello in "Don Giovanni." Then I'm heading to the Washington National Opera to sing Ping in "Turandot."
AW: I'll let you get back to rehearsal — do they say "break a leg" in opera?
EV: We say "toi toi toi" or we say "in bocca al lupo" which means "in the mouth of the wolf" in Italian. It comes from peering out into the vastness of the opera house, the mouth of the wolf.
A collision between a red Suzuki Forenza and a flatbed truck disrupted the morning commute on Main Street in Millerton on Tuesday, May 13. State Trooper Krystal Paolicelli of Troop K said the Suzuki made a wide right turn onto Route 44 from Dutchess Avenue, causing a crash at the hairpin turn. The disabled Peterbilt flatbed truck was carrying a Fontaine trailer and blocked two-way traffic. Police responded to the call at approximately 8 a.m. No injuries were reported.
Photo by Aly Morrissey
Mickey Stringer of of North East, left, checks in with Chris Virtuoso, volunteering on Saturday, May 12 at the Old Town Garage on South Center Street as a Climate Smart Task Force member. Stringer’s loaded pickup was part of a long line of vehicles along South Center as residents used the opportunity to dispose of air conditioners, mattresses, lumber, and other bulk items. Town Supervisor Christopher Kennan said he didn’t recall seeing such a long line of vehicles in past years.
Webutuck valedictorian Olivia Lopane Wickwire
AMENIA — Well-positioned to move into her college years, Olivia Lopane Wickwire, 17, of Millerton has earned top ranking as Valedictorian of the Webutuck High School Class of 2025. Her devotion to a well-rounded school experience began with her enrollment in Webutuck’s pre-K program.
“It means a lot being valedictorian, especially being best friends with your salutatorian,” Olivia said during an interview on Thursday, April 3. Her friend, Gissel Oros, had been named Salutatorian.
“You know your friend realizes how hard it was to get where you are today. It’s very important to me that other people don’t think it’s an easy thing. Gissel understands what it was like to get here and we did it together.”
Olivia has served as the president of the National Honor Society and co-president of the senior class.
“Good time management is important, along with persistence and dedication,” is Olivia’s advice to all students, but particularly those who will begin as high school freshmen in the fall.
Developing leadership skills has been an important focus for Olivia, exemplified by her service to the community.
“Ever since I was young, I never wanted to be a follower; I wanted to be a leader,” Olivia said. “I just love being able to lead people in the right way and I like being an example and good role model for people.”
Olivia appreciated the small school population at Webutuck and the helpfulness of the teaching staff and the students. Her advice to any entering freshman was to “advocate for yourself.”
Olivia has served as a member and current Treasurer of the high school Climate and Culture Club that works to build morale and nurture the school’s environment. The club organized a Wellness Day in 2024 and administers the program that selects Students of the Month.
Sports have also been a focus for Olivia. She competed on the varsity boys’ golf team and the varsity girls’ softball team, serving as softball team captain. She is a member of the Student Council and Environmental Club.
Outside of school, Olivia volunteers in both the food pantry and the Early Learning Program at the North East Community Center in Millerton.
Planning to study biochemistry at Marist University, Olivia described her relationship with her grandmother, Petrina S. Lopane, who lost her husband at a young age to cancer. Her grandmother’s story motivates her toward a career in medical research.
“She’s my everything; she has inspired me,” she said of her grandmother’s important influence.
Olivia is the daughter of Craig Wickwire and Petrina Lopane of Millerton.
Gissel OrosPhoto provided
AMENIA — Having attended the Webutuck school system since enrolling in Kindergarten, Gissel Oros, 18, of Amenia excelled in her studies from the start, serving as a role model for others, culminating in being named Salutatorian of the Webutuck High School Class of 2025.
“It means a lot to have my best friend, Olivia [Lopane Wickwire], as valedictorian because she understands we worked hard to get where we are now,” Gissel said during an interview on Thursday, April 3.
“Both girls are certainly representative of the school, more than just academically,” said Robert Knuschke, high school principal. “They are involved in many activities, clubs, community service and are very active in leadership roles. There is a reason why they’re the valedictorian and salutatorian; it’s because they’ve put the extra time in.”
Gissel has served as co-president of the senior class and vice president of the National Honor Society.
“Stay on top of your work and be sure to hand work in on time. Don’t wait until the last minute,” Gissel said when asked for her advice to young students just beginning their high school years.
Engaged with the community, Gissel volunteers in the food pantry and early learning program at the North East Community Center in Millerton. Her work has included food delivery for those unable to visit in person, re-stocking supplies and helping with the coat and clothing drive.
Gissel competed on the varsity boys’ golf team and as a member of the varsity girls’ softball team.She is also a member of the Student Council and environmental club.
About leadership, Gissel said, “I’ve always been a follower, but as I’ve grown, I’ve seen it’s more important to be a leader.”
Gissel plans to study Criminal Psychology and Law at the University of Albany. Her career goal was inspired by a criminal justice class she took with Webutuck teacher Douglas Matthews.
“I really enjoyed it. The further I got into the school year, the more I realized I wanted to do this,” she said.
“I’ve always had a passion for Criminal Psychology,” Gissel explained. “I just find it cool knowing how people’s brains work and function. With law, I want to help immigrants who don’t necessarily have someone to rely on. I want to be that person to help them through their legal issues.”
Gissel is the daughter of Arnulfo Oros and Elizabeth Martinez of Amenia.
“My parents have sacrificed so much for me,” Gissel said. “I want to be able to repay them and give them everything they still want.”
Greychurch on Main Street expects to begin Caffeine Academy creative classes by September.
MILLERTON — The Village of Millerton is on the move.
Two weeks ago Tallow, “Real Food, Real Fast” opened in the long vacant McDonald’s, and Mad Rose Gallery expanded next door to 3-5 Main Street to a larger gallery with arts classes and community space for performances and lectures upstairs. The newly painted Greychurch is a reminder that there’s still more to come.
Here’s a quick list.
The former Presbyterian Church on Main Street will become the Caffeine Academy with creative classes in the former Sunday school rooms and a community venue upstairs. Owner Alex That hopes to start offering classes by September.
The owner of 54 Main St., formerly Manna Dew, hopes to open a restaurant by the end of the summer with a new name, menu and expanded outdoor dining.
George Whalen III, President of the Bank of Millbrook, is predicting an opening of the bank’s Millerton branch at 110 Route 44 by the end of June if all goes as planned. The Bank of Millbrook purchased the property from Elizabeth’s Jewelry and Fine Gifts in October 2024 for $890,000.
The Millerton Supermarket is still undergoing renovation with an opening possible by September or October according to Kim Choe. The Choes, owners of the Sharon Market, purchased the former Grand Union in November 2024 for $1.75 million.
Demolition of the Village Department of Public Works on Route 22, which was destroyed by fire on February 3, 2025, is expected very soon, said Mayor Jenn Najdek. Once Dutchess County Health Department approves, a new temporary structure will be constructed to house the well and equipment of the Village Water Department.
A new pay-what-you-can food pantry on 56 South Center St., formerly Hathaway & Young, is planning on opening in the middle of June according to Linda Quella of Tri-Corner Feed. The building was sold for $582,000 in January 2025.
St Patrick’s Church on Church Street was closed ten years ago, but conducted a noontime mass in Irish, Spanish and English on St. Patrick’s Day. A celebration of Ascension Day is planned for May 29 in the burial ground conducted by Father Andrew O’Connor. Elyse Harney is spearheading an effort to reopen the church.