CAPITOL CITY OPERA THE MERRY WIDOW OPENING NIGHT

Dear Readers,

WELCOME BACK!

As is often the case, please accept my apologies for the delay in updating the blog and sharing with you all of the fantastic things going on!

It has been a busy three weeks here in Georgia!
The Capitol City Opera production of Lehar's THE MERRY WIDOW, opens tonight! I know it is going to be a fantastic show. In addition to the month long rehearsal period, we've been working for two weeks strait, with one day off last week Wednesday. It's grueling, but between you and me... this has been such a fantastic experience and I wouldn't have changed a thing! This is, technically, my first professional lead role, after all!

I'll be singing Camille de Rosillon (2014 seems to be the Merry Widow year... last year was Hoffmann year an the year before that Boheme.. go figure?). I am joined by a talented group of Atlanta residents: Megan Mashburn as Valencienne; Elizabeth Claxton Castillo as Anna, the Widow; Wade Thomas as Count Danilovitch; Jonathan Spuhler as Niegus; Stephen McCool as the Baron Zeta.

The leading cast members are supported by a tenacious and talented ensemble of local singers.

Michael Nutter directs a fantastic and hilarious Merry Widow. The show is conducted by energetic and singer friendly Michael Giel, while the piano quintet accompanying the performance has Capitol City Opera music director Catherine Giel at the keys. The hilarity and antics are bolstered by the choreography of Emily Griffin.

Those who can be in attendance for the performances tonight, tomorrow, and/or Sunday afternoon are in store for all the beautiful things opera has to offer: comedy, tragedy, romance, betrayal, confusion, fabulous costumes, charming sets and GREAT SINGING.

More soon on all the crazy things going on, in this journey as a professional opera singer.

Thanks for reading,
Joe

PS What has kept me so busy is the dissertation! The private recital I gave at the home of Kitty Wilson and booking some more engagements! All that and more in the next installment ;-)