Event preview
The Atlanta Opera’s production of “La Traviata” will be 8 p.m. March 2 and March 8, 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 3 p.m. March 10 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. Tickets range from $25 to $132 plus fees. See atlantaopera.org, call 404-881-8885 or 1-800-35-OPERA or visit the box office.
With the Academy Awards airing this Sunday, how exciting that Oscar-nominated actor Daniel Day-Lewis' co-star in the Oscar-nominated movie "Lincoln" is here in Atlanta. Not Sally Field. His other co-star. Mary Dunleavy.
True, Dunleavy was on screen for less than a minute and was mostly in the background, but it’s a memorable appearance. An acclaimed soprano in town for the Atlanta Opera’s upcoming performance of “La Traviata,” Dunleavy was cast for the scene in “Lincoln” in which Day-Lewis’ and Field’s characters attend an opera.
“I was convinced I was going to be on the cutting room floor,” Dunleavy said. “Right after it was over, I tried to forget about it. I loved it when I finally saw it. The movie was outstanding. The most exciting thing is when I saw my name scroll in the credits!”
In the movie, Dunleavy and her scene partner, tenor John Bellemer, perform a piece from "Faust" while President and Mrs. Lincoln quarrel in their box high above the stage. The scene was filmed in a Richmond, Va., theater in October 2011.
“There were all sorts of guys walking around with big beards, Confederate soldiers,” she said. “It was a hoot.”
Even though she wasn’t on set for very long, she was able to grasp the movie’s meticulous attention to detail and gained firsthand knowledge of Day-Lewis’ famous method acting. He kept to himself and stayed completely in character the entire time.
“We had so many requirements about Mr. Lewis,” Dunleavy said. “Actually they called him ‘Mr. Lincoln’ or ‘Mr. President.’ They didn’t want him disturbed. They said if he got disturbed and bumped out of character, filming would be over for the day and there would be hell to pay!”
Field, on the other hand, was gracious and complimented the opera performers on their work. Field, who like Day-Lewis is already an Oscar winner, was nominated as best supporting actress for her role as Lincoln’s wife.
Somehow Dunleavy didn’t get invited to attend the Academy Awards, which air at 7 p.m. Sunday on Channel 2 WSB-TV, but she’ll be there in spirit.
"I'll be rooting for my team. Team Lincoln," she said. "Daniel Day-Lewis has to win."
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