Interviewed by Brett Noorigian Colby. This week, I am delighted to sit down with my friend (and occasional employer), Madame Era Tognoli, known by many as “The Madame”. After an international career as an operatic soprano, she has single-handedly run the Metro Lyric Opera, which is now entering its 50th season of presenting operas at The Paramount Theatre. Q. What do you think you are most well known for?

A. For being crazy. You have to be crazy to go into opera. If you aren’t crazy, we don’t want you.

Q. What is something that people probably don’t know about you, and/or that you are very proud of?

A. My life is an open book – they already know everything juicy.

Q. Why do you think that art is important?

A. Why did the priests think it was important in the 1400’s? Art is eternally with us and gives life color and importance.

Q. Which “art form” first comes to mind when you think of Asbury Park?

A. Opera – did you think I’d say anything else?

Q. When and where did you begin studying voice?

A. I’ve been singing opera since I was 3, because my father was an aficionado. He was an architect and would play opera recordings, and I’d sing to the records while he worked. I’d sing everywhere with my little girl’s voice, and people would try to shut me up. My big sister would defend me and tell people to let me sing.

Q. Had you studied any other form of art as well?

A. No. I loved painting, but never studied it. Once in a while I’d paint, but only for fun.

Q. Where were you born? What brought you here?

A. I was born in Manhattan - Tudor City, East 41st street. We had good friends who owned the Lincroft Inn, and I’d come down to visit, and fell in love with the area. At that time, Convention Hall was busy with Frank Sinatra and such, but there was a lack of opera. The Paramount was rarely used at the time, but once I saw a touring opera company there and fell in love with the acoustics. That company never returned, so I decided to produce a few performances of Traviata, for fun.

We [her husband Stan] decided to move here full time, and fell in love with this beautiful home in Allenhurst. People tell me to sell it, but I love it here. The opera company took off, and we are now entering our 50th Season.

Q. How did you get funding for the opera company?

A. I did a lot of walking. Went to local businesses and they were all supportive. Also, I depended on the box office a lot, and I hope it keeps paying for itself. We have seldom received any government funds, but that’s my fault for not pursuing it more – I was lazy I guess. Also, any money I had, I put into the opera.

Q. After an opera, how do you celebrate?

A. We used to celebrate at the Paramount upstairs with a reception after the opera. We’d bring our own champagne and make a party...people love to get together after a show. Maybe this year we can use the restaurant in the Howard Johnson’s.

Q. Have you had thoughts about Metro Lyric Opera this summer?

A. I’d like to do a whole summer of Puccini. I can’t repeat the same operas too often, and I can’t do obscure operas, because no one would come. Definitely Tosca and Madama Butterfly. But I’ve always dreamed of doing Turandot here. Coppola [Anton, her conductor] thinks I am crazy to try Turandot. You know I sang that in Verona. I sang Liu, Callas [Maria Callas, the legendary soprano] sang Turandot.

Q. Do you have a favorite opera? A favorite role? Aria?

A. Turandot. Butterfly. Arias? Who can pick? They’re all beautiful.

Q. Any thoughts of retiring?

A. Retire? What does that mean? I think Asbury was and is a wonderful place, and will continue to be so. It has so much to offer. I am so happy to see the stores back on the boardwalk – it needs that in addition to the shows. They should bring back motor shows and craft fairs like they used to have. Asbury deserves developers who love and enjoy the arts.

Q. I have always loved coming to your house, because it has some stunning architectural features. Can you tell me any interesting stories about the design or history of this house?

A. Its haunted. There’s a lady who sings in my attic. All my old costumes are up there with her and she sings opera. I enjoy her a lot – she has good technique!

Q. What else are you doing these days, besides running an opera company by yourself?

A. I used to teach singing lessons in Manhattan until last year. The doctor said no more. Now I teach from home.

Q. What is your favorite Asbury Park memory?

A. I could say a lot of things, but I won’t. Instead, I will say that I think Asbury Park deserves better consideration from our government and our state. It has great climate, great culture, transportation – it’s an ideal location, and our government needs to pay a little more attention to this city. I see no reason why this city can’t come back again. It’s starting to come back thanks to the builders and they are doing a fantastic job and the government should help. It still has the ocean, and the Victorian homes. You have one of the best acoustical theatres in the country – they’ve even used it for recordings. Plus you can get to the city in a hour without speeding. Shall I go on?

Q. If you couldn’t be successful doing your art, what would you like to do instead?

A. I would have been a veterinarian. My mother thought I was nuts, wanting to handle cows.

Q. What would you like to be remembered for?

A. My love of humanity and animals.

Q. What one thing in your past would you change if you could?

A. I never would have married my first husband.

Q. Do you have a website or email address you’d like people to know about?

A. www.mlonj.org