They’re lovin’ it: Opera at Akron McDonald’s

Associated Press

AKRON

A Northeast Ohio fast-food worker with a classically trained voice is serving meals with a free side of songs.

Diana Anderson, 71, carries a worn book of arias and uses her operatic voice to entertain diners at the Akron McDonald’s restaurant where she works as a part-time hostess. She’ll do renditions of music from operas and Broadway musicals, birthday serenades for the staff and, occasionally, a silly, original tune, like one she made up about a fallen pickle on the floor.

“I sing mostly in the back so it doesn’t interfere with customers placing their orders or impinge on customers’ personal conversations,” she said.

Her audience one day included sports fans and a group of Amish men at the counter who seemed quietly delighted.

Darlene Croasmun of Akron praised a rendition of “Summertime” from the musical “Porgy and Bess,” saying she could appreciate Anderson’s high notes despite having hearing difficulties. “It was so beautiful that it almost made me cry!” she said.

Cindy Samels, a regular customer, said hearing Anderson makes her day.

“You’re a beautiful, confident woman,” the Akron woman told Anderson after she performed “O Mio Babbino Caro” from the opera “Gianna Schicchi.”

Anderson, a divorced mother of five, said singing has helped her through troubling times.

Her employers say her mix of talents is a benefit for business.

Sallie Long, spokeswoman for Rubber City McDonald’s, said, “She really is a great example to younger workers.”