Onalea's multifaceted career as a crossover performer has traversed both traditional and avant-garde spheres, with her skills as a vocalist being showcased alongside a diverse array of ensembles. She has had the privilege of singing alongside solo pianists, chamber groups, symphony orchestras, and big bands, each collaboration allowing her to hone her craft and expand her artistic palette.
Her extensive discography comprises four CD's, which serve as a testament to her versatility as a performer. Through these recordings, she has explored a range of genres, including big band, jazz standards, electronica, and original compositions.
Onalea's innovative artistic endeavors seamlessly integrate music and theatrical elements, culminating in extraordinary and captivating productions that transcend the boundaries of traditional performance. Her chamber musicals, REQUIEM FOR A LOST GIRL: A Chamber Musical About Homelessness, and BLANCHE: The Bittersweet Life Of A Wild Prairie Dame, have both enjoyed successful premieres at the prestigious New York Musical Theatre Festival.
BLANCHE, in particular, garnered widespread acclaim, being named one of the top 20 shows in New York by the esteemed Huffington Post in 2011. Furthermore, REQUIEM is set to make its debut with the renowned Vancouver Opera in May 2018, solidifying Onalea's reputation as a masterful composer and creator of thought-provoking, emotionally resonant works.
Person Biography:
Onalea is a multifaceted artist, with a passion for merging music and theater to create captivating productions. Her chamber musicals, REQUIEM FOR A LOST GIRL and BLANCHE, have received widespread acclaim and have premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.
Noted theater artist Onalea has had the opportunity to embody an extensive variety of characters throughout her career, showcasing her remarkable versatility as a performer.
Onalea, a talented and accomplished artist, enjoyed a seven-season tenure as an ensemble member with the esteemed Canadian physical performance theatre company, One Yellow Rabbit. During her time with the company, she brought numerous original characters to life, showcasing her impressive range and versatility as a performer.
One of her most notable roles was that of Sylvia Plath in the company's production of Sylvia Plath Must Not Die. Her portrayal of the iconic poet and writer earned her widespread acclaim and recognition.
In addition to her work with One Yellow Rabbit, Onalea co-created and performed in shows with Dandi Productions, a company that allowed her to explore her talents as an actor, singer, and puppeteer. Her performances were often accompanied by symphony orchestras, adding an extra layer of sophistication and grandeur to her already impressive stage presence.
Through her work with both companies, Onalea demonstrated her ability to excel in a wide range of roles and genres, solidifying her position as a talented and respected member of the Canadian theatre community.
Onalea's endeavors extend far beyond the realm of theater, as she has also explored the world of cinema, bringing to life the character of Petty in the indie film "HOME", a creative endeavor spearheaded by Sandi Somers, which garnered her a prestigious Ampia Award nomination for Best Actress.
Her impressive vocal talents have also been showcased in various animated productions broadcast on Cartoon Network, a global phenomenon with a significant presence in numerous countries worldwide, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Pakistan.
