Director Notes

This past year has certainly been challenging for each and every one of us. For our singers who were prepared to launch staging rehearsals for Rigoletto last spring, it was a devastating blow to find out, on the week we were ready to commence, that our extensive work preparing the roles would go for naught. As director, I remember the tears I shed thinking how the students would take the news that their show was cancelled. Then, I realized the best thing I could do was to tell them we’d still get a chance to perform this masterpiece, perhaps in a year.

And, here we are, just over a year later. It’s been a challenging year for sure. Of course, this is not last year’s show because much of the staging choices we’ve made have been altered by Covid-19 restrictions. Singing in a mask is a singer’s nightmare, less a nightmare than getting sick with the virus however. We had no audience in the house and no orchestra in the pit. Our dressing rooms were spread out, some in the house, and some were a half a block away. Most of our voice lessons were done online and we even rehearsed outdoors. The obstacles have been numerous and serious and yet, our passion to tell the story will not be repressed!

Despite the restrictions, despite the challenges, we offer a version of Rigoletto that we hope is enhanced even if illuminated differently than usual. This music is eternal and we hope you’ll enjoy the choices we made, some of which we had to make. We have learned so much in the process and I hope that you enjoy our “Covid-19” production. While it was not the version I envisioned last year, it is the fruit of SO much work. I’m very proud of this cast and crew and hope that you experience the essence of what makes Rigoletto one of opera’s masterworks!

Dr. Robert Breault Director Artistic Director, U Opera