Upcoming Performance: Chicago Summer Opera

      As many of you may already know, I will be singing the role of Barbarina in Chicago Summer Opera's opening night performance of Le nozze di Figaro. I'll give you more details on the where and when at the end of this entry, but if anyone in the Chicago area is interested, I would love to see you there!

     Le nozze di Figaro is my favorite Mozart opera (and definitely near the top of my list for favorite operas ever), so I was thrilled when Chicago Summer Opera offered me a role in their inaugural production. As with most scenarios that are designated as the "first," one can feel like a bit of a guinea pig at times, but it also feels special to be a part of the creation process. I usually feel like a very safe guinea pig because of the stellar coaches, teachers, and directors that are leading the way. It's clear that our growth as singers is the main goal in their minds, and it's comforting to know that you have supportive mentors on hand at all times. Often I have to take a step back and pinch myself because I'm working with such talent musicians, including the staff and my fellow cast members. Those surreal moments make all the hard work worthwhile.

     Most interesting for me in this experience has been becoming reacquainted with the beloved opera from a totally new perspective. I played Susanna in my undergraduate production of Le nozze di Figaro, and it was one of my favorite roles so far. After playing that character, I sort of felt as if I understood the opera on an intimate level, but as I've delved further into the story from Barbarina's point of view, I'm finding all sorts details and ideas that I hadn't previously considered.

My fellow Barbarina singing about her lost pin.

     The well-meaning peasant girl at first struck me as a very simple, straight forward character, but I was quickly reminded that I should never underestimate any role as an actor. Barbarina may not be onstage as much as other characters, but she's important and charming. I'm learning to love her the more I sing her music. Beaumarchais and Mozart have a way of making every character captivating, and with clever little lines like, "e v’ameró com'amo il mio gattino," I can probably relate to Barbarina more than I first thought.
(You can't take the cat lady out of the soubrette I guess...)


     I'd love to wax poetic on my love of Mozart's beautiful masterpiece, but it would probably be more productive to give you the details on performances so you can come watch and listen and experience the joy for yourself. You can get the full run down on casts and such at Chicago Summer Opera's website here, but I'll give you the when and where below:

It's worth it just to see the gorgeous sanctuary!

When: FRIDAY, AUGUST 23RD AT 7:00 PM
(If you want to see yours truly, this is the night!)
Where: Edgebrook Lutheran Church 5252 W. Devon ave. Chicago, IL

If you can't make it Friday, I still highly recommend the second performance on Sunday, August 25th at 4:00 pm at the same location. Both casts are awesome, and you can't go wrong with Mozart. Also, if you have any questions about the performances, feel free to contact me or comment.

Also, I swear this is the last time I will plug my donation page, but the program isn't over yet...all the help I can get is still welcome! My friends and family members have been so generous, and believe me when I say that none of this would be possible without all that love and support.