Opera for Heathens – And the Rest of Us!

I freakin’ loved this show! Loved, loved loved! As a singer with an eclectic background in music, Kevin Armstrong’s Opera for Heathens spoke to my soul. But, you defiantly do not need any musical training to fall on love with this show.

Despite his incredible talent, years of experience and a rich education in music, Kevin Armstrong walked on to stage with the shyness of a new performer. The groupies in the front row had him blushing within a few minutes. And then he sang, and what is it about men singing and playing the guitar that makes them into gods? Kevin played the guitar with complete abandon, and no apologies. Whether he was playing Johnny Cash, Meat Loaf, Jesus Christ Superstar or his own pieces, his confidence and skill on both electric and acoustic guitar had me on the edge of my seat.

 And that voice, my God, that voice! Kevin studied Opera Performance at McGill and then went on to do his apprenticeship in Zurich Switzerland at the Zurich opera house.  While Kevin does sing quite a bit of opera in this performance, he also rocks out with hits from The Who, Queen and Meat Loaf. And if opera isn’t really your thing, you may change your mind after hearing it paired with flamenco and rock guitar.

Between songs Kevin is charming and delightful. He equally thanks and banters with Richard, his assistant and, as we found out after the show, a bass guitar player. He frequently checks in with the audience about their preferences and thoughts about certain bands, songs or operas. There are also few sing-along numbers for those of you who know your rock opera.

If you are going to see Opera for Heathens prepare yourself for an hour of intense musical talent.