Lollipop Opera

My name is Deanna K. Swanson, and I am a professional opera singer with a degree in Opera Performance from the Hartt School of Music. I have sung with numerous companies, including: CT Opera, CT Lyric Opera, Virginia Opera, Queens Opera, Crystal Opera, Opera Theatre of CT, Amarante's, The Producing Guild, The Warner Theater, Seven Angels Theater, and Mystic Stage. In 1995 I founded "Buffa!", a performing group providing entertainments for civic organizations throughout the area. These productions go beyond the standard concert format, utilizing scenery, costumes, and a story line as a framework for the music. In 2010, I founded Lollipop Opera, a touring company which provides entertaining opera performances for children. My a cappella groups, UnCommon Time (jazz/doo-wop), and The Elizabethan Consort (costumed strolling madrigals) have performed for indoor and outdoor events, from Shakespeare Festivals to Christmas tree lightings and caroling. Imbue your event with grace and style provided by classically trained singers from "Buffa!"

Reviews:

“...a splendid vocalist with vivacious stage presence...”
Gerald Moshell, The Hartford Courant

“Deanna Kay Garretto [Swanson] is a refreshing, sweet-natured Laurey. She has a beautiful soprano voice, radiant manner and charming stage presence.”
James V. Ruocco, The Waterbury Republican

“Deanna Kay Garretto [Swanson] is a joy to watch. She has a beautiful singing voice, and does not resort to obvious devices in order to develop her character.”
Lorraine V. Davis, The Register Citizen

“In addition to possessing a rich, vibrant soprano range, she is a charismatic performer who plays each comic and romantic moment as if the part of Mabel were written especially for her.”
James V. Ruocco, The Waterbury Republican

“Deanna Garretto [Swanson] brings a well-trained soprano to the part of Mabel, and it is charming to hear her toss off the trills with such ease.”
Chesley Plemmons, The Danbury News-Times

“One of the best performances is delivered by Deanna Kay Garretto [Swanson] as April, the ditzy airline stewardess... She is both funny and warm, and seems to have a self-preservation streak of her own.”
Ellen R. Delisio, The Journal Inquirer

“The love and intimacy the two shared is beautifully captured in the Producing Guild’s version by husband and wife team John T. and Deanna Kay Swanson. The two shine in the demanding, emotion-packed roles... Both have rich and soaring voices with good range, well-suited to the classic Coward music...Deanna and John Swanson have done a first-rate job of bringing Noel and Gertie’s story to life.”
Ellen R. Delisio, The Journal Inquirer

“[Noel and Gertie was] performed faultlessly by local artists John and Deanna Swanson...There was champagne in their music and martinis in their wit...In addition to the sensitive acting (and clowning as sailors in Has Anybody Seen Our Ship?) from this recently married couple one is regaled with splendid singing throughout the revue...”
Bob Cumming, Hometown News Publications