This is both a trip down memory lane and an attempt to promote some acting classes.

When I saw that Cynthia Ashperger is offering acting classes my first impulse was to check my schedule. I’ve worked with her before as a composer and music director: but I’m no actor, which is precisely why I wondered whether I could find time (unfortunately I cannot) .

The classes are on Sundays 10-1 from Feb 4 to March 21st.

I had the privilege of working with Cynthia at TMU (then known as Ryerson’s Theatre School) three consecutive years roughly a decade ago, making music among some of the most talented young students in the country.

I won’t name-drop except to say that they’re working all over, some on Broadway, one I know of having starred in a Disney film, and making their impact on stage and in film: largely because of what Cynthia taught them.

In 2013 it was a Feydeau farce. I was captured by the energetic students who woke me from my nap in what must surely be the most embarrassing picture ever taken of me. Please note I was working at the U of T at the same time, usually working a full day then going to the show where I would sleep.

I learned my lesson! Smile even if you’re half asleep.

These are just some of the talented people Cynthia taught. It was my little thrill to be onstage with them, trying not to attract any attention to myself.

In 2014 it was an adaptation of a Dickens novel forcing the actors to play multiple parts with an insane number of scenes, in 2015 it was Ödön von Horváth’s Tales from the Vienna Woods, a politically challenging piece.

Cynthia and I first connected back at the University of Toronto’s Graduate Centre for Study of Drama (as it was then known). I wrote an opera with the title “Silence is Golden” about my mother Katherine Barcza. My mom was then approaching her 80th birthday and I wanted to celebrate her. 

Cynthia played my mom, Michael Devine played “me”.

Now please note, Cynthia was a beautiful young woman (still is actually), so this called for some real acting. I didn’t expect to be working with her over a decade later, when she was teaching acting at a downtown university.

Cynthia doesn’t know I’m posting this. I saw the image come up in my Facebook feed and thought I should bear witness, and realized what nice memories I have of Cynthia.

She’s a fine actor, a superb teacher, and a really nice person too.

I cherish such moments as this comment Cynthia posted on the blog after the Feydeau show closed.
This is from February 21st, 2013.
Dear Leslie, I think I just landed from our Feydeau extravaganza. We put on some Feydeau! Wonderful to be able to read this to know that it all actually happened. You were more than just a little part of it. Your presence and the music was very important. And I would agree with Sarcey – it is nearly a perfect play. Feydeau was one of the reasons I became an actor. Him and Odon Von Horvath. Some of my earliest memories are of a wonderful production of Flee in Her Ear in Gavella Dramatic Theatre in Zagreb when I was a child. Yes, he needs to be performed and not read. Well I’m up for it any time…Cynthia

In reply I said
You’re so generous (thank you), no wonder it turned out so well. You really get Feydeau.

That’s the thing. A university theatre program can properly delve into under-performed repertoire, exploring works that deserve more attention, AND paying attention to each part, each line, each actor. Ideally you have a director who can bring out the best in every one of the performers. That’s why I recommend studying with Cynthia.