By Lizabeth Jenkins-Dale and Karen Hughes Beacom
The wonderfully talented mezzo-soprano vocalist and former LSSU librarian, Maureen Delaney-Lehman, has been a regular on the Soo Theatre’s historic stage since 2006. Maureen moved to the Soo in 1989 to work in the LSSU library, and retired in 2009 in order to devote more time to the demands of being a musical artist. While Maureen began training in piano and flute early in life, she started formal vocal training only four years ago under the direction of local opera singer Karen Hughes Beacom. Maureen’s musical mainstay is The Chamber Singers of Algoma of Sault, Ontario, under the direction of Patty Gartshore — a group that presents the best of classical choral music. A regular member of the soprano section, she has also been a featured soloist in works such as Ramírez’s Misa Criolla and the Rutter Children’s Mass.
Those who have attended any summer production at the Soo Theatre Project have likely seen Maureen perform. In the Soo Theatre Project’s very first fully-staged production in 2006, Maureen played the Mother in Hansel and Gretel. Since then roles have included Prince Orlovsky in Die Fledermaus, and Marcellina in The Marriage of Figaro. She prefers opera instead of musicals or plays because she loves to sing more than talk! Recently Maureen played Nettie Fowler in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel and was a chorus member in Fiddler on the Roof. Though having found her place in the world of the mezzo-soprano, Maureen also has a strong lyric soprano voice. It will be no surprise if we see her in the near future singing one of Mozart’s leading soprano ladies.
Maureen volunteers her time with the Rotary’s Show of Shows (today at 2 pm!), the annual Mike Dempsey shows, Music In The Park summer performances, LSSU chorus performances, the recent Second Hand Rose Luncheon, and anytime anyone needs an accompanist. She’s also the organist at the Central United Methodist Church here in Sault Ste. Marie. In between musical activities Maureen spends time with her husband, John, a retired LSSU professor.
Maureen’s penchant for comedy likely came out of the many productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas that were presented through the former LSSU Fine Arts Academy directed by Beverly McBride. With roles such as Katisha in The Mikado, Maureen found that comedy really suited her. In this year’s Rotary Show she will perform one of the “funny” songs in her repertoire, “To Keep My Love Alive.”
Wow! Maureen is an incredible lady, but there’s more!
Maureen is the co-director with Sarah Morrison of the STARS Flute Choir. Originally created by accomplished flutist Meg Stevens, the flute choir performs in local venues including the Soo Theatre and LSSU. The group consists of five core members, but is always looking for more flutists with at least high school experience. Contact The Soo Theatre Project office if you’d like to join this unique choir at (906) 632-1930.
As busy as Maureen Delaney-Lehman is with all her musical activities, she’s always ready with a smile at The Soo Theatre Project!
Side note: Keep posted for information regarding The Soo Theatre Project’s Haunted Theatre! There will be popcorn for sale as well as child-friendly and regular choices for the adventure in the Haunted Theatre. Also, the flute choir will be playing for this event! It’s a experience NOT to miss!
A version of this article was originally published in the Soo Evening News on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013.
