Cast interview: Ross Capon

We're one weekend down and have one to go for The Merry Widow! Haven't had a chance to catch it yet? Not to worry - you have three chances this weekend! One of the loveliest elements of the show is the luscious orchestration. And VLOC has a full orchestra to bring it to life! Today in our cast interview we bring you a view from the orchestra pit. Please welcome bassist and rehearsal pianist Ross Capon!

Name
Ross Capon

What's your role in The Merry Widow?
Rehearsal pianist & orchestra string bassist

What made you decide to get involved with The Merry Widow?
I've been with VLOC starting with Sousa's The Charlatan in summer of 2014. Each show has been a special treat, especially the ones I either didn't known or--like this one-- didn't know well.

What are you enjoying most about working on The Merry Widow with VLOC?
As one of the two rehearsal pianists, the opportunity to work with superb singers and conductor and to get more and more familiar with Lehar's wonderful score (and story). Doing both piano and string bass means I get to follow close-up the show's development from early rehearsals to performances. It is also fun to play in the same orchestra with our 17-year-old son who is the oboist. 

What is your dream role/job?
Conducting, which I do every year at the Bethesda Friends Meeting Christmas Celebration -- in which I have involved a total of three VLOC soloists the past three years.

What is the first musical/opera/play you ever saw and what effect did it have on you?
Probably sitting in the front row with my dad at a performance of Oklahoma! given by Northeastern University's Silver Masque. My dad was an English professor and advisor to the jazz band at Northeastern. Oklahoma! -- my first real experience outside "classical" music -- opened my eyes (ears) to the many wonderful Broadway shows.

When you're not performing in community theatre, what do you do? (job, hobby, family, etc.)
I consult in transportation, primarily as Washington Representative for the America Association of Private Railroad Car Owners. These are folks who own (mostly historic) passenger cars that can ride behind Amtrak trains. My job is to help save Amtrak, as I did for 39+ years for the National Association of Railroad Passengers (now Rail Passengers Association) where I am president emeritus. Also am president of Wyngate Citizens Association, and on the boards of Travelers Aid International and Friends House Retirement Community (Sandy Spring).

Thank you, Ross! If you'd like to snag tickets to one of the three remaining performances, you can get them online HERE or call the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater box office at 240-314-8690. We hope to see you there if we haven't seen you already!

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