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4/18/2008
Hey all!
How's it been? I know, I know... I've been neglecting my blogger duties again. I'm really kind of horrible at keeping this up, but I will try harder next time! :)
Since my last post a lot has happened! LAST ACTS closed at Houston Grand Opera, and we are now in the middle of opening LA BOHEME and BILLY BUDD. It's a funny thing... if you are not involved in a show around here, you don't really know much about it. I really loved my time with DIE ZAUBERFLOTE because I got so close to my cast mates. Unfortunately, that's not the case with either show going on right now. They're in rehearsals, and I am in coachings completely separated. I have to say though... since neither of these shows feature mezzos of any kind, all three of the HGO Studio mezzos got to put on a performance at The Tasting Room together. The former name of this cabaret-type show was "Taste This!" (which I find hilarious on many accounts), but I think this one could only be called "Mezzopalooza"! This cabaret, whose theme was intoxication (how apropos!) was nothing short of a sultry vocal chocolate cake... rich, dark, and sometimes even a bit dirty. My fellow mezzo comrades, Faith Sherman (www.faithsherman.com) and Masha Markina, were simply stunning. We ended the evening with a trio on "I Get A Kick Outta You", and in the process got to meet some fantastic audience members (who immediately signed up for subscriptions to the opera!) These type of events do take extra work, but I am actually just really happy to have an outlet for my jazz, cabaret, and musical theater side. I've always said: "Opera is my marriage; musical theater is my love affair." :)
Other than coachings, I'm doing very little these days (which has been VERY nice!) I did the Sara Tuckers and tested out the new technique. It was a good experience, and although I didn't take home any prizes, I had a great time in NYC and the trip was very productive. I am currently preparing Suzuki for MADAME BUTTERFLY at Opera Theater of St. Louis, which will open on May 29th with the incomparable Kelly Kaduce (www.kellykaduce.com) in the title role. I am a mixture of completely excited, overwhelmed, and nervous. This season marks my 3rd with OTSL and the first season in which I am a principal artist. This also marks the 3rd year I'll have gotten to watch Kelly Kaduce work, which is a privilege and a learning experience. This is my first Suzuki, which unnerves me a bit, but I cannot imagine a better environment in which to learn this role. OTSL has been such a paternal company to me, and I have no doubt that this summer will prove the same in the new capacity in which I will be working. I just find myself feeling like the 8th grader who is entering into high school... I'm with the big kids now, and nervous as hell about it!
Well, if you're catching this blog on my website, I would like to quickly thank my site designer Alvaro Rodriguez for the tremendous work he's done in setting this up. There have been some minor changes in photos and media, so I encourage all of you to check them out! Shoot me an email to tell me what could be better or what you like... I'd love to hear from you!
Hoping your day is great, and thanks for stopping by,
Jamie B.
View Jamie's older blog posts here! |
