WHAT DID YOU EXPECT IN AN OPERA - A HAPPY ENDING?!

Going in to school today I knew that the cast list of next year's opera THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR would be posted and I had a flash back - remembering when I was back in high school and I would go see the cast list of the plays I auditioned for and I would always come home crying - either because I didn't get the part I wanted or sometimes because I didn't get in. It's amazing how things change - everything does change. Fast forward a decade and I see my name and the word Falstaff next to it. (For those of you who don't know - Sir John Falstaff is one of Shakespeare's most popular characters.)

It was an incredible feeling - so much that I don't think it's really hit me yet. To say the least I was very humbled - this is my first lead role and my first venture into the opera world (those of you who for years have wanted to see me in a opera - this is your chance!) My voice teacher was very surprised by my casting because after all I am a baritone who is working on being a tenor and now I have to work on a bass-baritone role that is by far the most demanding character I have done to date. Needless to say it will be a challenge and I welcome it with great enthusiasm.

Debra Lambert (who almost forced me to audition) and Donald Pippin (head of Pocket Opera) have entrusted me with an incredible opportunity and I am very grateful of their faith in me. My fellow classmates & friends were incredibly supportive and very happy for me. Today was also an extra special day because myself, and my friends Marisol, Courtney & Adia sang for the board of trustees of NDNU tonight and were accompanied on the piano by the amazing Billy Liberatore. It was a GREAT fucking day.

I do have the next six months not just to work on the vocal demands of the role but also creating a character that is more obscene than King Herod, The Beadle, Mr. Bumble combined. Never in a million years would I tell you that I, Mr. Musical Theatre would ever play a lead in an opera so it's very interesting to see where life leads you and the many roads one takes. Today I feel so honored, blessed & grateful.

=+)

M.