Hey, musical theatre and opera fans, ever wished you could hear all your favorite songs in two hours? Tania de Jong, Jon Bode, Rebecca Bode, and Jonathon Morton hail from Australia to deliver to Malaysian audiences A Night On Broadway. We spoke to soprano Tania de Jong, who shared with us tales of her break into showbiz, and some soprano-humor.

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How did you first get involved in the arts, and singing professionally?

I started out singing at school. I really wanted to have singing lessons at the age of 14, but a girlfriend told me my voice was not good enough. So, I did backstage work in the school musical. Finally, I worked up the courage to audition for a part in the chorus of the school musical, Oklamona, when I was 17. I got the lead role! My friend didn't make the chorus.

Have you slaved and sacrificed for your voice?

Yes. I have studied singing for over 20 years with great teachers. I continue to practice and improve my vocal technique. I have kept a healthy diet, I exercise, and I don't smoke. Though I do have one glass of red wine once in a while. Oh, and I am allergic to chili -- it makes my vocal chords swell up and I lose my voice!

Do you have a day job?

This is my job! But because of the success of Pot-Pourri, we also now run a large national entertainment agency called Music Theater Australia in Australia. We've booked over 2000 amazing acts -- including circus, jazz, bands, street theater, comedians, big names, speakers and MCs. We book these talented Australian artists and groups for performances at festivals, theaters, and for a large range of conferences, dinners and other special events all over the world.

Tell us about “A Night On Broadway”. What’s the show about?

The show combines the most popular, well-loved songs from great operas and musicals like Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Cats, Carmen, Turandot, Lakme and many more. Plus there’s lots of humour, audience interaction, glamour, and not to mention, a brilliant cast. It’s like hearing all your favorite songs in two hours instead of having to go to 25 different shows. The show really connects with and touches the audience. All our shows in Australia sell out thanks to word-of-mouth. I think people will be sorry if they miss out.

What’s your favorite song?

"The Flower Duet" from Lakme by Delibes.

What’s a song that you could never do justice to?

Perhaps quite a few famous pop songs. I would love to sing in a more pop-ish style once in a while, but my voice has always suited the classical genre the best.

Who, or what, inspires you?

People who make a difference and make the most of every moment. They show generosity, courage, empathy and passion and truly do change the world.

Do you have any superstitions that you abide by strictly?

I try not to step on cracks in the pavement.

Tell us about the drama behind the scenes of "A Night On Broadway".

Well, we have five very passionate and talented people, so we do not always agree. And then there are all sorts of crazy technical things that can go wrong which we have no control over. Like when the lights don’t go on when we are on stage, or there is a power failure in the middle of the show!

Sounds terrible! I hope rehearsals are a little smoother. What typically happens at rehearsals?

We run through everything that we need to improve -- work out choreography, costumes, lighting states. We do sound-checks, set props, organise entry and exit points to the stage, and lots more.

Tell us a really bad joke you heard during rehearsals.

How many sopranos does it take to change a light bulb?

One. She holds the bulb and the world revolves around her.

Two. One to hold the diet soda and the other to get her accompanist to do it.

Three. One to do it, her understudy, and one to say she could have done it better.

Four. One to change the bulb and three to pull the chair out from under her.

Terrible. What is your dream role/job? Why?

This is a dream job. We get to travel the world and see incredible things, meet wonderful people, and change the way they feel through the power and magic of our performances. That is very special. I guess I would also love to play the role of Mimi in La Boheme at a major opera house.

Who is your secret super-hero alter-ego, and why?

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch (Rupert’s mum) -- she is 99 years old, warm, generous, committed and so on the ball.

What’s next for you?

Continuing to develop Pot-Pourri’s new shows. More touring and big concerts, some performances at international conferences and special events, and maybe another CD. Also, I am working on an original solo project -- called KARMA -- with an amazing young Greek pianist/composer.

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Yasmin Zetti Martin writes for Kakiseni.

A Night On Broadway shows at The Actors Studio, T116, Level 3, West Wing, Bangsar Shopping Centre, 285, Jalan Maarof, Bukit Bandar Raya, Kuala Lumpur till Thursday 24 February, 2008 (Mon - Fri: 8.30pm; Sat: 3pm & 8.30pm; Sun (24 Feb only): 6pm). Tix cost RM111/ RM99/ RM88/ RM77/ RM55 (reduced rates for groups & OKU cardholders are available).