"The evolution of Bertha" or "How to become a drag queen in less than an hour"

Part of the fun of singing in opera is the spectacle: costume, lighting, design, an MAKEUP. As a soubrette-type soprano, I've always been made to look 'pretty' onstage. My roles are mainly scheming maids (Susannah, Despina), children (Gretel), sassy leading ladies (Norina) but singing Bertha with Dallas Opera has opened new character possibilities for me in my performance and appearance! I couldn't help but share the evolution of a freshly scrubbed blond sans makeup, into my drag-tastic alter ego, Bertha.

First, no makeup. Not bad? This is what I look like most days

This was the fun, but scary-looking part: applying the base makeup, and the waxing down of the eyebrows. Here's what my makeup artist used on me to achieve this alien-type look http://www.makeupmania.com/products/Kryolan-%252d-Eyebrow-Plastic.html

Here, you'll notice my lovely painted eyebrows, outlined lips, my fetching wig-cap, but no eyelashes or highlighting yet. This is when I begin to first see how expressive my face can get! I wasn't even really trying to cartoon-it-up for this picture, yet, the makeup makes every tiny feature POP!

AHA! The wig and eyelashes really add something, don't they? When you're singing in a 2000 seat theater, definition with makeup can make or break a character's appearance. My makeup artist was told to 'avoid blending' because it softens a character, whereas Bertha ain't soft.

But you can't stop there, you've got to keep going! Add my second wig and a horrified expression, and you've got Bertha, or as I like to think of her: Berthissima! Again, every expression I make is doubled, or even tripled, by this excellent makeup design.

Here's Bertha, doing her best Norma Desmond impression...

...and finally, Sassy-Bertha. Bertha with a secret, or if you will, Bertha trying to look pretty and soft. Nope. Still frightening.








Well, I hope you've enjoyed stopping by! Next blog topic: deciphering knitting directions without a map.