I know, I know, I am always talking about how wonderful the cast I'm working with is, how nice they are, how well everyone sings. And it's true, I have worked with some good ass singers in my day. But I'm telling you people, this cast for Romeo et Juliette here in New Orleans just couldn't really be any better!! We have some serious world class singing going on, and it's getting me all excited. We had our sitzprobe today (first orchestra rehearsal) and I seriously wished I had a lighter that I could hold up in the air like it was a rock concert because I was so impressed with what was going on onstage.
Leading the cast is Paul Groves, who is probably not only one of the nicest people you could care to know, but one of the best tenors out there singing today for sure. He's from Louisiana and has a house here in New Orleans, so he finds time in his schedule between singing places like the Bastille and the Met to come sing shows here. I was so impressed when I heard him in the theater today - and this is his first time singing Romeo! I was seriously peeing my pants during his aria.
Juliette is Nicole Cabell, and after winning the Cardiff Singer of the World competition, she has gone on to make a recording with Decca and sing all over the world. She just has this really creamy luscious voice - plus she is one of the coolest chicks I've had the pleasure of hanging out with in a long time.
Rounding out the cast, in case you were curious, are a whole bunch of totally awesome singers; Mercutio is Matthew Worth, Tybalt is Jason Bridges, Friar Lawrence is Raymond Aceto, and Father Capulet is Mark Schneible - and then there's lil ol me, playing boy wonder sword fighter and one aria wonder Stephano.
I've been in this business a few years now, and it's pretty rare that I get this enthusiastic about the entire cast. But good singing inspires me, especially when it's attached to such nice, humble people. Did you throw up yet from my sincerity and positivity? Sorry, I'll try to be more acerbic in my next post. Promise.