đ§Ąđ§ĄItâs opening night here in Chicago!!đ§Ąđ§Ą
This one has a special place in my heart for many more reasons than will fit in one post. đ
This gift of a piece by the brilliant
@gabrielalenafrank and
@nilocruz1 has expanded my heart and scope for what is possible as an artist, and it is one of the great honors of my career to portray the incandescent FRIDA! Thank you to
@robertokalb for leading with such kindness and joy at the podium, and
@lorenamaza for encouraging us to keep discovering the core of these remarkable people we embody.
Quick story. I made my debut
@lyricopera 12 years ago as the sweet and innocent Kitchen Boy in Rusalka. That character called for a wide-eyed and fearful interpretation on stage, but in that moment, I was very much that person in real life, too. It was one of my first big engagements outside of my home company, and I was surrounded by operaâs most gifted and celebrated creative forces, both on and off stage. I felt grateful to be there, but overwhelmed and like a tiny piece of an amazingly beautiful puzzle. Everyone in that cast was stellar and generous, but the leading lady was my biggest inspiration and showed me kindness I have never forgotten. She was, of course, the radiant
@anamariasoprano , with whom Iâve now had the privilege to share the stage again several times over the years. Playing and discovering with her and the wonderful
@alfredo_daza_baritone and
@key.sings in this theater and in this beautiful production once again feels particularly meaningful and joyful, and I continue to be inspired!
Happy opening night to all!!
