Help Wanted: Verismo Opera Filling Super Roles

If you've ever thought about appearing on stage but can't sing or dance, sign up for a supernumerary role. Many volunteer opportunities are available behind the scenes.

Fort Lee’s lengthy history as the birthplace of the motion picture industry is well known. But there’s another bit of history that some people don’t know. For more than 20 years, the town has also been home to the New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera, the only professional, grand opera company based in North Jersey under Artistic Director Lucine Amara. While leading actors such as Mary Pickford, Lionel Barrymore and many others were seen in town making movies, people from everyday walks of life also appeared in the background as extras performing non-speaking roles in a busy street scene or a crowd on the set. Just as its counterparts in the movie industry, Verismo Opera is getting ready to launch the 2012 productions of Giuseppe Verdi’…

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Sing Your Heart Out: Auditions Underway for Verismo Opera Chorus

The NJ Association of Verismo Opera invites singers—both amateur and professional—to audition for the Verismo Opera Chorus.

If you've ever thought about appearing on stage and singing your heart out, the NJ Association of Verismo Opera wants you. The Fort Lee-based nonprofit continues its season, "A Year of Love, Suicide, and Tragedy," presenting authentic, grand opera productions. On Wednesday, auditions began and continue into March for new members to join the Verismo Opera Chorus. “We invite youngsters and adults with a willingness to sing in great operas to join the Verismo Opera Chorus. Our company is known for providing the crucial training and support to the stars of tomorrow,” said Verismo Opera Artistic Director and Metropolitan Opera star Lucine Amara. Choristers will appear in the company’s productions of Il Trovatore on April 22 and Madama Butterfly…

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5 Things You Need to Know

BOE, Council Meet, 40th Anniversary of Closing of Palisades Amusement Park This Week

A quick look at some of what’s going on in Fort Lee this week

Below is a quick look at five things you should know about this week and/or might not want to miss: Number one: The Fort Lee Board of Education will hold its regular business meeting Monday. The meeting is at 8 p.m. in the Fort Lee School No. 1 library. You can download the agenda for the BOE’s regular meeting by clicking here or by visiting the school district’s website. Number two Monday also marks the 40thanniversary of the closing of the Palisades Amusement Park. The Fort Lee Museum at 1588 Palisade Ave. host a special ceremony commemorating the occasion. As part of this ceremony, the Fort Lee Historical Society will present former Palisades Amusement Park vice president and chief of public relations Sol Abrams with the Fort Lee Museum…

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