Steph DePrez, an American opera singer currently based in Germany, brings her unique blend of opera, comedy, and storytelling to the Fringe with 8 Ways to Break a Glass (with an American Opera Singer).
The title promises a spectacle, and while no one in the audience will be dusting shards of glass from their laps, DePrez certainly shatters expectations. This show is a delightful fusion of the high art of opera with the lowbrow charm of stand-up comedy, making for a truly unforgettable hour.
Smashing Expectations
Attending an opera-themed show might sound intimidating, but DePrez ensures her audience is comfortable and entertained from the get-go. With a stunning voice and a knack for physical comedy, she expertly merges her two worlds. The show is structured around the eight ways she can metaphorically “break a glass,” each leading to a different anecdote, dirty joke, or a breathtaking operatic performance. The juxtaposition of a soprano soloist from Carnegie Hall joking about “boobs, blowjobs, and Beethoven” is not just unexpected; it is rambunctiously funny.
Her comedic timing is impeccable, and her willingness to poke fun at herself and the very genre she has dedicated her life to is disarming. The show feels more like a raucous night out with a hilarious friend than a formal concert. Her translations of famous arias into modern, American English are a highlight, transforming potentially stuffy, high-art pieces into approachable and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s an ingenious approach that makes Opera way more approachable.
The German Connection
DePrez’s time in Germany provides a rich source of material for her comedy. She bravely tells jokes about German national characteristics, and a significant portion of the crowd, who were indeed German, were laughing along heartily (okay, smiling broadly). This brave humour, far from being alienating, creates a shared sense of fun and familiarity.
Another unexpected highlight was the finale, which featured a death metal song reminiscent of the band Nightwish, with DePrez’s operatic voice soaring above the heavy guitars. This surprising bonus round encapsulates the show’s spirit: the playful subversion of genres and a complete disregard for traditional boundaries.
Overall
8 Ways to Break a Glass is a must-see. It’s a cleverly crafted show that balances sublime musical talent with sharp, witty comedy. Steph DePrez is a masterful performer who invites audiences into her world with infectious energy and a powerful voice. Her show is one that you should hunt out and go to see. This is a gem that deserves to be found and celebrated, offering a fresh, modern, and riotously funny take on classical performance.
Review: 8 Ways to Break a Glass (With an American Opera Singer)
Summary
A masterclass in modern performance, DePrez’s show is a must-see blend of operatic talent and comedic timing that redefines what a classical show can be.
This show was our favorite while visiting Fringe! Steph makes those shifts from opera maven to comedic genius so effortlessly and the whole journey is so satisfying and enjoyable to watch.
This sounds hilarious. I’m arriving from the U.S. next week for 9 days. Hope to get tickets. Thanks for posting!
Let us know what you think! If you got tickets, that is!
Absolutely loved this show- I think there’s something for everyone in it and you get treated to beautiful music. My 5 star pick of the Fringe this year!