Who is Danita Weatherstone?
I’m a singer, a wife, a mother & step mother to two gorgeous humans. I’m a country girl at heart with international dreams.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Since two hard years of Covid, I can easily say I would want to be on stage more. Not doing this is like missing a part of yourself or an old friend that you haven’t seen for years. Thankfully I have the opportunity to perform in both Melbourne & Sydney soon in the production of La Traviata for Opera Australia. Catching the dying Violetta won’t be as challenging this time round, unlike my last performance pregnant in the HOSH production of La Traviata. The beautiful leading lady, Stacey Alleaume, was very accommodating. With such amazing people to collaborate with, there is no other job I would rather have!
Who inspires you and why?
Artists that fully engage and commit to their art. It comes through in their eyes; such as Lady Gaga, Freddy Mercury, Maria Callas, Kate Winslet and Maggie Smith to list a few of my idols.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m no superhero or brain who can cure cancer or world hunger. I’ve been lucky to have a voice and a love of making beautiful music. I want to share that love with my newborn son and hope I can raise a well-rounded, kind soul for the world. My step daughter is already an amazing young lady with a heart of gold and helps care for 21 horses and is a huge help with her baby brother. Professionally, I’d love my singing to bring joy to others and a well-deserved break from some harsh realities of life at the moment.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Hmmm hard question. I absolutely love to travel! I equally enjoy camping in a swag in the Barrington Tops (NSW ) as I do staying in a villa in Tuscany drinking wine and breathing in the landscape. Favourite holiday experience would be hiking the 4 day Mt Tongariro Circuit in New Zealand where my husband did a breath taking (as we were quite literally out of breath too) popping of the big question on the summit of the volcano.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I love showing off my local and nearby natural beauties. A visit to the pub at Caves Beach and walk along the coastal track to hopefully glimpse a whale or dolphin, a drive in the Hunter Valley Vineyards or a walk around the beautiful Lake Macquarie.
What are you currently reading?
I am normally an enthusiastic reader. However, for the last year I have been trying to get through the same James Patterson novel! Singing on a National tour while pregnant followed by my newborn hasn’t left me a lot of down time. I’ve read more of the What to Expect when Expecting series of late!
What are you currently listening to?
Currently listening to an eclectic range of The Wiggles and Opera… my son seems to enjoy both. Oh, and the ABBA gold album.
Happiness is?
Happiness is when you give your heart and soul to each performance and then come home to your amazing supportive and loving family.
What does the future hold for you?
After the last two Covid years I’d say anything is possible. I hope that the future sees me taking on some beautiful roles such as Mimi and Liu and that it’s viable to travel overseas soon. I will be performing a dream role in December on Cockatoo Island! It has been delayed due to covid and I am thrilled beyond words to soon make my big stage debut of Micaela for Opera Australia. The production is going to be a spectacular experience for all!
Danita can be seen as Annina in Opera Australia’s upcoming production of La Traviata at the State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne: 4 – 28 May; and the Joan Sutherland Theatre – Sydney Opera House: 5 July – 4 November. Danita can also be seen as Micaela in Opera Australia’s production of Carmen at Opera at Cockatoo Island: 25 November – 18 December. For more information, visit: www.opera.org.au for details.
Image: Danita Weatherstone (supplied)