Man of La Mancha audition song - ALDONZA

[caitlinette]

Posted: 12/2/09 at 11:46pm

I'm going to audition for this part in two weeks and need suggestions for a song. Throw em at me! And thanks!!

[WOSQ]

Posted: 12/4/09 at 4:30pm

Aldonza is a hybrid. She's a dramatic soprano who is asked for a delicate head tone and also a full chest sound.

She was written for Joan Diener. Find the original cast recording of Kismet from about 1953. That was Ms. Diener's other big hit. Listen to her songs. This may steer you a bit in the right direction.

Incidentally Joan Diener was married to the director of La Mancha and Kismet, Albert Marre. After they hooked up (with Kismet I think) she didn't work for other directors. She was in a lot of turkeys: Home Sweet Homer, La Belle, Grand Hotel, Cry For Us All to name four. He made sure that her material showed off her voice (and volumpuous figure) to great advantage. She also occasionally sang in regional opera companies.

Her voice is impressive. All succeeding Aldonzas in the original production had matinee alternates. Joan sang 8 shows a week.

[caitlinette]

Posted: 12/5/09 at 2:47am

Thank you so much!!