For a number of years, Lawlor - a mezzo-soprano with a degree in musical performance and choral conducting from the University of Rhode Island - performed in concerts and with opera companies coast to coast. But "after years of slugging it out, I discovered I didn't have the temperament to continue" in the highly competitive business, Lawlor said. "I realized that music could always be a part of my life, but I didn't want to eat bread and ketchup soup anymore," she recalled with a laugh.
Lawlor came to Brown six years ago, and currently is assistant director of academic outreach and affiliated programs. Five years ago, she and her husband, Tom, created Beavertail Opera Productions to help sow the seeds of opera appreciation to a new audience of adults and children.
Beavertail's offerings are often educational in nature. "Popcorn and Puccini," for instance, presents opera in a casual atmosphere. Each presentation focuses on a different composer. Portions of an opera are sung in English, with a narrator providing the story line and sharing background about the composer, what was going on at the time the opera was written, and how the opera was received. "People learn that opera is a living art form," Lawlor said, "and come away thinking `This is opera? No - this was too much fun!'" She noted that audience members often write back to say "Popcorn and Puccini" inspired them to buy an opera CD or rent an opera video.
Lawlor is the self-described jill-of-all-trades for Beavertail: She sits on the board of directors, is the treasurer, handles promotion and marketing - and yes, she sings. She will reprise her role as Mrs. Noah in Beavertail's spring production of Benjamin Britten's "Noah's Flood," and will share the limelight with her husband (as Mr. Noah) and some 250 children ages 5 through 16 who play the ark's animal cargo and who perform in the orchestra.
In addition, the Lawlors are introducing opera to the students of Providence's Flynn Elementary School by helping them stage a performance of "The Pirates of Penzance." "We went in saying `We don't care if you can sing... how would you like to be in an opera?'" Lawlor said. The children rose to the challenge: They memorized lines, created sets and costumes, learned how to work as a team "and have come out of their shells," she said. The Lawlors hope to expand this program to other schools. - Tracie Sweeney