The Marriage of Figaro

The backstage story sometimes competes with the on-stage one, which was the case in this latest production of The Marriage of Figaro. Divided into upstairs and downstairs maids, butlers, footmen and lady’s maids we played the parts to perfection. Something … Read More

Gender Bending Roles in the Metropolitan Opera Chorus – Doktor Faust

In this enigmatic, fascinating and rarely performed opera, Thomas Hampson sang the title role in the 2001 production. Members of the chorus were dressed androgynously in top-hat and tails with Harlequin carnival character make-up and masks to create a rather … Read More

Gender Bending Roles in the Metropolitan Opera Chorus – Manon

Similar to the all male La Traviata production, this Manon did have some women on stage besides Manon, however a large percentage of the women’s chorus, myself included, found themselves yet again in a pair of trousers to enhance the … Read More

Gender Bending Roles in the Metropolitan Opera Chorus – La Traviata

Julie Andrews as Victor/Victoria has nothing on the always gender bending roles we find ourselves portraying in opera. Whether it’s Castri singing women’s roles, or women singing “pants role”, I too have had my share of playing a man over … Read More

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