Versatile Performer to Debut in Il Trovatore

Fort Lee’s New Jersey Association of Verismo Opera is recognized for identifying not only the best singers, but also well-rounded performers to appear in its productions. When the curtain goes up on Friday, April 20, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 22, at 3 p.m. for Verismo Opera’s new production, Il Trovatore, at the Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) in Englewood, audiences will see an eclectic performer, tenor Ivan Cardona, debut in his first solo operatic role as the Messenger.

Ivan Cardona is no stranger to the stage. He has acted in movies with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony in El Cantante and Ben Kingsley in The Dictator and performed in several musical productions, including Les Miserable, Evita and Jekyll & Hyde, as well as in cabaret concerts. A versatile performer, Cardona has also done voiceovers for the NBA, First Fidelity, Banco Popular, Law Firms, and recently, was the voice of God for Crown Ministries.

He performed previously with the Verismo Opera Chorus in the company’s 2006 production of Don Giovanni. 

"I've always loved opera," Cardona said. "A friend saw one of Verismo's productions and suggested I get involved. I auditioned for the chorus and was chosen."

The talented musical team of Artistic Director Lucine Amara, General Manager and Stage Director Evelyn La Quaif, Chorus Director Mara Waldman and Conductor Anthony Morss attracted him to Verismo Opera. 

“I was so impressed with the caliber of talent and professionalism, and I was hooked," said Cardona, who received the Golden Voice Award for his performance in Evita and was nominated for best featured actor in a musical for Jekyll & Hyde and The Ambiente Musical Latin Tenor award. "I get to sing some of the most beautiful music written. I get to grow as a singer and learn from some of the best in the business.”

His acting experience and voice made him a good candidate for the role. 

"In thinking about casting the role of the Messenger, I found that Ivan had a good voice and was also an excellent actor. I also felt he had a good 'look' for the role and I wanted to bring him back into the company," explained Waldman. "We should be developing young talents and giving them opportunities to perform with the company that allow them to grow and learn. He is also reliable and thoroughly professional in his preparation and rehearsal demeanor.”

Cardona joins an international cast starring Mexican tenor Roberto Esquivelzeta as Manrico, Canadian soprano Sharon Azrieli Perez as Leonora, Argentine baritone Gustavo Ahualli as the Count di Luna, mezzo-soprano Galina Ivannikova from the Ukraine as Azucena and tenor Joel Cardona from Puerto Rico as Ruiz. New Jersey performers are bass-baritone Steven Fredericks of Tenafly as Ferrando, baritone Robert Peter Jenkins of Midland Park as the Gypsy and baritone James Moy as the Gypsy. New York soprano Jasmine Thomas performs the role of Inez.

Cardona draws from his acting experience in movies and musical productions to perform in Il Trovatore. 

“To me, opera is a movie set to music," he said. "I apply the same principles of acting to my stage performance.  My acting experience has helped me stay disciplined, patient and willing to take any direction needed to get the best performance out of me.”

Cardona was interested in opera as a youngster growing up in Newark. 

“The passion, the power of the voices, great story lines and timeless, beautiful music … I was considered the oddball because I would listen to opera. It was something that I took up on my own. While kids on my block were listening to beat-box, I was listening to Man of La Mancha,” said Cardona, who studied at the Paper Mill Playhouse Theatre School and now lives in Haledon.

The multi-talented actor encouraged Fort Lee residents and other people in the area to see the new production, calling it "an emotional story that is sung to the audience." 

"As actors, we rely on the audience’s feedback," Cardona said. "I guarantee that you will love this production.”

Tickets and Information

Audiences and the public can meet Ivan Cardona and the entire cast after both performances at special "Meet the Artists Champagne Receptions" at the bergenPAC Cabaret Room, which is located at 30 North Van Brunt St. in Englewood. Champagne and hors d'oeuvres will be served. The event is open to the public. A suggested donation of at least $15 is requested. For more information or to RSVP, call 201-886-0561.

Tickets for Il Trovatore can be purchased online, at the bergenPAC box office or by calling 201-227-1030 or toll-free at 1-888-PACSHOW. A special $10 ticket rate for children, ages 12 and under, continues through April 22. For special rates for groups of 10 or more, call Verismo Opera at 201-224-2809.