Sunday, July 02, 2023

Santa Fe Opera Cast Changes



Santa Fe Opera House from Parking Lot
Photo by Lisa Hirsch

I'd already read that Angel Blue would be released from some of her performances so that she could tour with the Met. Surprising number of cast changes in other major roles, though:

Tosca Cast and Creative Team Updates
Soprano Leah Hawkins sings three additional performances in the title role on June 30July 5 and 8. She steps in for the originally scheduled Angel Blue, who will be on tour with The Metropolitan OperaAngel Blue appears in four performances from July 14 through August 7. Bass-baritone Dale Travis sings the Sacristan, young singer Kai Edgar makes his company debut as the Shepherd Boy and three Santa Fe Opera Apprentice singers make company debuts: Spencer Hamlin(Spoletta); second-year Apprentice singer Ben Brady (Sciarrone); and Dylan Gregg(Jailer). Katharina Eva Kastening makes her company debut as the Associate Director and Rick SordeletChristian Kelly-Sordelet and Shireen Yehya serve as Fight and Intimacy Directors for Tosca and all productions in the 2023 Season. 

The Flying Dutchman Cast and Creative Team Updates
Replacing Richard Trey Smagur, tenor Chad Shelton makes his company debut in the role of Erik as does Apprentice singer Gretchen Krupp who sings the role of Mary, rounding out the talented cast. The creative team is completed with Brendan Gonzales Boston in his company debut as Associate Scenic Designer. 

Pelléas et Mélisande Cast and Creative Team Updates
Stepping in for originally scheduled Ain Anger, bass Raymond Aceto takes on the role of Arkel. Former Apprentice singer Zachary Nelson joins the cast as Golaud replacing Gihoon Kim and Kai Edgar continues his work with the company, singing the role of Yniold. Ben Brady sings the Physician (through August 9) and Arkel (August 18) while three other Apprentice singers make company debuts: Emma Rose Sorenson (Geneviève August 18); Brandon Bell (the Shepherd); and Sam Dhobhany (Physician August 18). Joining the skilled creative team is Projection Associate Amelia Scott in her company debut.

Rusalka Cast and Creative Team Updates
In her company debut, mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis sings the role of Ježibaba replacing Michaela Martens, while several Apprentice artists make company debuts: Ilanah Lobel-Torres (First Wood Sprite); Lydia Grindatto(Second Wood Sprite); Meridian Prall (Third Wood Sprite); Jordan Loyd (Gamekeeper); Spencer Reichman (Hunter); and the role of the Kitchen Girl is shared by Apprentice singers Kaylee Nichols (through August 8) and Tessa Fackelmann (August 1722). Zeb Lalljee joins the creative team as the Costume Realizer and Nicola Bowie is the Choreographer.

Orfeo Cast and Creative Team Updates
Joining the production are talented artists in key roles: bass James Creswell portrays Caronte, baritone Blake Denson sings Plutone and second-year Apprentice singer Amber Norelai takes on the role of the Euridice. Recent Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition winner and first-year Apprentice singer Christian Simmons makes his company debut in the role of Apollo. Other Apprentice debuts or assignments include Caitlin Aloia (Proserpina), Lucy Evans(La Ninfa through August 16, La Messaggera August 24), Meridian Prall (La Ninfa August 24), Philippe L’Esperance (First Pastore), Brandon Bell (Second Pastore), and Luke Elmer (Third Pastore). Younggwang Park takes on the dual roles of the Fourth Pastore and the First Spirit and Le Bu sings the Fifth Pastore and the Second Spirit. Julie Kim makes her company debut as Associate Producer while Costume Designer Carlos J Soto and Sound Designer Mark Grey return to the Santa Fe Opera.


 

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