The Edmonton Opera has found a creative way to support the Oilers during their seventh-consecutive playoffs run. Its video tribute to the beloved team reimagines the song Maybe This Time from the musical Cabaret in response to back-to-back Stanley Cup losses. Joel Ivany, artistic director of Edmonton Opera, says the art has more in common with hockey than people may think. “Opera is, to me, the highest definition of art and theatre. And that’s what you’re seeing on the ice. Kind of every one of those playoff games is drama, and it feels like life or death. Which is what opera can be,” he said. This year’s video shows some singers – including Ivany’s 12-year-old son, Sammy – in everyday roles showing their support for the team in small ways. “You see how the city wakes up and gets excited and animated, especially the last few years … That’s the thing. You see it everywhere. All of a sudden, these jerseys – whether it’s at the coffee shop, whether it’s all these unique environments, people collectively unite,” Ivany said. Two years ago, Edmonton Opera released a video with Oilers anthem singer Robert Clark. It drew concern from superstitious fans who worried singing about winning would jinx the team. Still, Ivany hopes to make these videos a post-season tradition. He says they will always be singing the praises of the orange and blue. After all, maybe this time they’ll win. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nahreman Issa
