When Ryan Morrison stood up in the Riverside Presbyterian Church to announce that the Department of Theatre at the College of DuPage was in need of male voices, he had at least one baritone who was eager to sign for an audition. That baritone was Dr. Jay Van Cura, who had reached middle age with a voice that few had heard outside medical circles. But “the stage was calling,” and Van Cura was answering.

Morrison was asking for baritones to sing in the chorus at COD in an upcoming production of “Tosca,” to be staged Friday and Sunday, July 18 and 20, and Thursday and Saturday, July 24 and 26.

“We have 31 people signed up to enjoy the performance and to enjoy a dinner at Pappadeux Restaurant to toast the newest star in the world of opera,” Van Cura said.

“My family background is more in the world of business. One of my grandfathers was the president of Usay Brewery, a Czech Pilsen Brewery in Chicago. Pilsen Park was created on our old factory grounds. Our brewery was purchased by Canadian Ace Brewery, who donated the park to the city. My father’s father was trained as a baker in Vienna. He supplied early Chicagoans with Viennese bakery.”

Mildred Rose Kalus Van Cura, the mother of both Jay and his brother, Joe, was very musical. She was a founder of the all-girl singing group, “The Profiles,” along with Marian Giammanco and Janet Perryman. “The Profiles” are still entertaining in Chicago and in surrounding suburbs.

“It wasn’t until I met my wife, Joyce, that I became interested in the operas. She and I met at the Acropolis in Greece. She changed the direction of my life,” he said. “My brother is also an opera buff — he attended the opera “Aida” in Cairo, complete with live elephants on stage.”

Before Joyce’s influence changed his life, his musical background, like that of many Riverside children, included being in the Hauser Junior High presentation of “Pirates of Penzance,” under the direction of Robert Sheehan. He dabbled in guitar, “playing and singing to myself.” He sang in the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale both in summer camp and the church chorus. Now retired from the practice of medicine, Van Cura is having a rebirth, or renaissance of sorts, landing with both feet and a happy heart in the field of music.

“I will also be singing in an upcoming performance of ‘Othello,’” he said.

To improve his voice, he said he is taking lessons from Riverside’s Karena Mendoza, a music teacher, playwright and producer.

He is attempting to entice others into the professional music world. The COD is looking for a tenor or two to sing in “The Pearl Fishers.” Anyone interested is invited to send information to jvancuras@sbcglobal.net. For “Tosca” tickets, call (708) 447-1814.

Not all Van Cura’s time is spent in the world of music. He is on the Board of Directors of “People Care,” chairs the Riverside Caucus, and is promoting a fundraiser for his church. He also serves on the Technology Committee of Lyric Opera of Chicago and is the treasurer of the Riverside Lions Club.

All eyes were on the whirl

Those of us who enjoy visiting Brookfield Zoo will be happy to learn that the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, a hard working group, is interested in improving the zoo through a monetary donation.

On April 26, zoo aficionados gathered under a big tent to dine, dance and, incidentally, contribute $1.42 million to the Society’s kitty. This black-tie gala, the 27th annual Whirl, benefits the Society’s Conservation Leadership Training initiative, which over the past decade has significantly expanded its outreach and programs by working with community groups, libraries, school and community members.

Inspiration for the Whirl was the magnificent peacock, with its breathtaking plumage, taking a cue from the eyes on the tail feathers of the male of the species (the lady birds are, alas, quite dull, totally in contrast to the beautiful gowns worn by the ladies at the Whirl). The guests enjoyed a specialty drink, “The Peacocktail.” Another nice touch was that the floral arrangements were given to some of the animals as a part of the Society’s “browse program.”

Local residents supporting the Whirl included Sarah and Robert Thompson, Karen and Chip Cornelius, Marti Kenehan, Emer and Michael Mulvihill and JoAnn and Peter May.