Mykkanen makes mark with encore of 'Crossroads' show

By P.J. GLISSON

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Ironwood - Former Bessemer resident Miles Mykkanen brought urban flair to the Historic Ironwood Theatre on Saturday night, and the packed audience could not have been warmer.

The show, which was laced throughout by Mykkanen's infectious enthusiasm, was based on the work of 23 different composers and included a review of the young artist's history, with particular attention to the past year, during which he won prestigious honors as a classic tenor singer in New York City.

A continuing theme, however, was his own emphasis upon the grounding he received in this region, via notable roles in local theatres, and the ongoing sustenance that fans here have provided him.

Although his classic operatic tunes typically inspire ovations, the crowd never really let up, issuing a barrage of shrieking applause for one number after another.

"You are a good audience!" shouted Mykkanen as his sparkly black blazer reflected artfully hung starburst lights suspended above the stage.

Later, he added, "I love all of you who follow me around," in reference to residents here who travel to see his performances, particularly when they are in nearby locations such as the Minnesota Opera House and the Ravinia Festival in Illinois.

In this year's local performance, Mykkanen provided a reprisal of "Miles: Crossroads," a program that he presented for the first time last summer at Ironwood's Theatre North.

"A crossroad is a crucial point where a decision must be made," he said, explaining that he experienced it when he was still a child, while attending "The Phantom of the Opera" with his sister, Brianna Mykkanen, and their parents. He knew then he wanted to perform.

"I can't count my blessings being the child of Dan and Mary Jo Mykkanen," said the singer, while his voice broke with emotion. "They didn't give me things; they gave me opportunities."

Mykkanen's songs were interspersed with film clips of his childhood, which included an array of lessons in voice, dance and piano, along with clips of his education, which included degrees from the Interlochen Center for the Arts near Traverse City, Mich., and the Juilliard School in New York City.

Mykkanen's father accompanied his son on piano as a ledge in front of it glowed with candles in varying heights.

Since his visit here last summer, the singer said he has spent 287 nights in hotels, and has traveled 83,000 miles to and from 34 different cities throughout the United States and Europe.

He loves the life and is grateful that he can work as a full-time opera singer, but he said his frequent travels make dating difficult.

For that reason, he said he was especially grateful to start this year with a special mate and some of the happiest months of his life.

When the relationship ended just before his audition in this year's Metropolitan Opera House competition, Mykkanen said, "My nerves went through the roof."

His mother, however, reminded him to focus instead on all of the love and support he has from home, and when he did that, he resulted in winning his "tenor" division.

Mykkanen said he had used the same strategy when he auditioned for Juilliard. "I thought about people at home who were cheering me on," he said.

Moreover, he said, "People often ask me about my pre-performance ritual." He explained that in the 30 seconds before each performance, he also thinks of the reception he receives while performing here.

For the foreseeable future, however, Mykkanen's journey will continue to take him on new adventures, which can be followed on his Facebook page. One highlight will be his December debut at the Metropolitan Opera.

This year, officials at HIT and Theatre North worked together to present Mykkanen's show, which also was offered last Thursday, in HIT's larger venue.

Executive producer Cindy Franck managed the past week's "Crossroads" production, which was written and directed by Colton Pometta of Manhattan.