Aussie saves Austrian opera

[rooboy]

An Australian member of the audience leapt on stage to save an Austrian production of the opera Carmen after a leading character suffered a heart attack.

Melbourne baritone Ian Vayne went to the Landes Theatre in Linz last night to watch a friend star as Carmen and ended up receiving a standing ovation himself.

Vayne, who lives in Linz, played the role of matador Escamillo in Bizet's opera five months ago and when he went back stage to see his friend after the second act was told Lauri Vasar collapsed while playing the character.

"I told the stage manager I could sing if needed, and they agreed," Vayne said.

With 15 minutes to prepare and no time to warm up his vocal chords, in a shirt from lost property and a pair of old jackaroo boots, Vayne saved the show.

"He was amazing. There is a lot of dance in our production and he performed it flawlessly," said theatre spokeswoman Elisabeth Egger.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/Unusual-Tales/Aussie-saves-Austrian-opera/2004/11/04/1099362269639.html?oneclick=true