Ten Questions with John Irvin

Ten Questions with
John Irvin, tenor
Romeo in Romeo and Juliet






1.  Where were you born / raised? 
Atlanta, Georgia.

2.  If you weren't a singer, what profession would you be in?
I would be an ear / nose / throat doctor.

3.  The first opera I was ever in was...
Candide.

4.  My favorite opera is...
Salome.

5.  My favorite pre-show / post-show meal is...
Pre-show:  Museli for breakfast and something light for lunch.
Post-show:  Cheeseburger.

6.  People would be surprised to know that...
I haven't seen a play in Chicago after living there for four years. 

7.  A few of my favorite books are...
Right now... the Italian translation of Frank Miller's Batman: Year One and John Fowles' The Magus.

8.  What do you like to binge-watch?
Stranger Things.

9.  What four people (living or deceased) would you like to invite for a dinner party?
My grandfather, Killer Mike, Janelle Monae, and Karl Marx.

10.  Everyone should see Romeo and Juliet because....
It's both funny and tragic, with beautiful music.

Bonus:  One question you wish someone would ask you (and the answer):
Q:  What's your favorite city outside of the United States?
A:  Salzburg... so far.

Don't miss the chance to see John in Romeo and Juliet, as Shakespeare's classic work comes to ravishing operatic life.  Performances are November 4 and 6 in Overture Hall.  Tickets start at $18; visit madisonopera.org for more information.