A & E briefs: Singer withdraws from opera

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American soprano Deborah Voigt has withdrawn from this month's Vancouver Opera production of "Der Rosenkavalier," in which she was to sing the role of the Marschallin for the first time.

Vancouver Opera quoted Voigt's personal representative as saying that the soprano was "stretched too thin and exhausted. Like many people in Florida, her personal life was unsettled by the recent hurricanes and the subsequent interruption to her schedule left her unable to complete her personal preparations [for the role]."

Voigt will be replaced by Carol Wilson, who is currently singing the Marschallin in Aachen, Germany, alternating with another soprano (who will replace her for one of the scheduled Aachen performances). Wilson will be heard in all four of the Vancouver performances, Oct. 16, 19, 21 and 23.

Voigt, one of today's most highly regarded dramatic sopranos, made international headlines earlier this year when she was fired because of her size from a London production of the opera "Ariadne Auf Naxos."

Melinda Bargreen

Simon Cowell passes judgment as an extra on "Shrek 2" DVD

A guest ogre has been recruited for the "Shrek 2" DVD.

It's none other than that caustic Brit Simon Cowell of TV's "American Idol" doing what he does best: passing judgment. Coming under his scrutiny are such fairy-tale folk as the Three Blind Mice and Pinocchio as they participate in — what else? — a singing competition.
 
The collection is $20 on DVD and $16 on VHS and will be in stores Nov. 5. USA Today