(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- From an outsider's standpoint, pop and opera are strictly separate entities. But Jersey City singer-songwriter Giselle, whose musical background exists deeply in both, will be blurring the lines between pop and opera; visual and experiential; fantasy and reality; and everything in between with a never-before-seen performance titled “Giselle’s Florence Foster Jenkins Schubertiade Review" on Saturday, May 13th at 8:00pm at the Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC).
As the name suggests, the show is a celebration of music and the arts, and a commentary on the barriers and business that surround them. Conceptualized and produced by Giselle, the “operatic cabaret” will feature more than a dozen local artists who have lent their talents in music, dance, visual art, design, theater, and other artistic disciplines to create a truly unique multi-media performance. Driven by Giselle’s “somewhat unusual history with music” the show will take audiences on an unapologetically strange journey–an unfiltered display of Giselle’s eclectic musical and visual styles - and a true representation of her perpetual creativity.
“This show is unlike anything I’ve ever done before,” Giselle shared. “When I set limitations on myself I don't feel inspired, but now, I get out of bed with the excitement of doing something new–something that makes me a little nervous. I created a good chunk of this show one night sitting at a bar and, even as I work on this project, I bounce around from writing, to editing videos, to picking out costumes, to practicing music, all of which challenge me...I guess it suits my ADD.”
Limitations, perfectionism, and criticism are common in the opera world, where pop allows for more creativity at the cost of getting into a complex business, often leaning toward a lack of respect afforded women and an obsession with youth. This tug-of-war inspired self-reflection, then realization, and now, an celebratory act of rebellion.
“I realized my hesitation to perform opera again was based on my own criticism and the idea that I would disappoint the audience,” says Giselle. “Then, I kept receiving feedback on what I should sing from the ‘business people.’ When I mentioned opera to pop people and pop to opera people, they always wanted me to pick one. There was no acceptance for me to do both—so now, I’m doing both.”
While Giselle has performed for audiences across the country and on the silver screen, she always finds her way back to Jersey City, performing her most recent set at JCTC’s annual Gala at White Eagle Hall. “Everyone I spoke to after the Gala admires Giselle’s talent,” shares Olga Levina, Co-Founder & Executive Producer of Jersey City Theater Center. “We cannot wait for the show on May 13th.”
Tickets are available for purchase online. Jersey City Theater Center is located at 165 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, New Jersey.
"I never thought I could incorporate so many art forms into one performance," Giselle expresses. "I want the audience to experience what’s in my head and why I can’t just focus on one thing. I want to showcase the talent I’m so lucky to be surrounded by. Then I want to do this again and again.”
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