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June 19, 2009
Fulfilling on a dream
Local actress Zaradic performs in Les Misérables.
BAILA LAZARUS
It's always inspirational to hear someone talk about having their dream come true. For Sylvia Zaradic, that dream was to perform in Les Misérables and she is having that chance this year on the Arts Club stage.
Zaradic has been interested in performance most of her life and remembers seeing the show for the first time.
"When I saw Les Misérables when I was 20, it really helped me find what I was searching for as a performer," she told the Independent between shows. "I hadn't defined what I wanted to do because I love so many things in the arts. When I saw Les Misérables, it was a real light bulb moment."
In the show, Zaradic takes on not one but nine roles with multiple costume changes, including turning into an old woman who buys Fontine's hair in Act I. It requires the ability to be incredibly versatile in character and voice, said Zaradic, adding that she has to be able to get right into the scene with completely new motivation very quickly.
"You're heart has to really be in it," she explained. "You're working to support what's in the scene. You have to observe and involve yourself and motivate yourself and embrace what's happening."
Over the years, Zaradic has spread her performance abilities across many spheres, which has enabled the 41-year-old to be perfectly prepared for her parts.
She teaches singing at Capilano University, she has experience in operatic score with characterization, she's working in a show that requires strong singers, she's worked on numerous acting gigs in Vancouver and she has one more card up her sleeve that has set her up for the roles – she is a voice-over expert.
With 12 years of experience, she has mastered the art of changing personas.
"Versatility is important," she said about her career work. "If you can do multiple characters, that's important."
Some people might also know Zaradic for her part singing with Olam for five years, particularly in a performance at the Chutzpah! festival. She also used to teach classes at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver's summer camps.
Now, "summer camp" for Zaradic is daily and sometimes twice daily shows of nine character changes each. But she loves the challenge.
"I feel very blessed," she said. "I feel blessed in this time to be doing what I love to do."
Actually, Zaradic could not have chosen a better time to perform in Les Misérables. Although it's always been a big-theatre show, being able to perform in the Arts Club means being part of a smaller cast and therefore more exposure in the performance. She also gets to meet some outstanding performers. Those playing lead roles of Jean Valjean (Kieran Martin Murphy) and Javer (Réjean Cournoyer), as well as the lead student role of Enjolras (Jonathan Winsby), were outstanding. Cosette (Kaylee Harwood) and Eponine (Rebecca Talbot) were not as powerful, but were still superb.
Adding to the show's popularity has been the Internet phenomenon of Susan Boyle who appeared, and made it to second place, on Britain's Got Talent. Singing "I Dreamed a Dream," the 48-year-old had her video spread across the web in mid-April to more than 67 million views (at the time of writing). It caused ticket sales for Les Misérables to double at the Arts Club. The press released quipped, "We want to give Susan Boyle her first kiss." Her video broke numerous records on YouTube, including the top most-discussed video of all time in the United Kingdom, and second- most viewed of all time in the entertainment category.
Les Misérables runs until July 19 on the Stanley Theatre Industrial Alliance Stage. Call 604-687-1644 or visit artsclub.com for tickets.
Baila Lazarus is a freelance writer, painter and photographer. Her work can be seen at www.orchiddesigns.net.
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