In musical theater, particularly in post-Golden Age musical theater, there aren’t a lot of roles for sopranos. There aren’t that many roles for women, for that matter. A major problem for many of the high schools at which I have had students is that they choose musicals that are largely male-dominant, and then don’t have enough boys come out for auditions (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, anyone?).
Category Archives: General
Jerry’s Women (or Hello, Jerry!)
While the majority of leading ladies in American musical theater are cast as ingenues, there is one composer who found success writing many of his early shows for women over 40, some of which were in titular roles. This was Jerry Herman (1931-2019). In this post, I discuss these shows and their impact on American musical theater.
Growing Older – The Journey Continues
In my last blogpost about growing older, I described my journey from a wannabe musical theater performer to reluctant classroom music teacher to journeyman classical/opera singer in the Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area. The journey continues, with a few pivots on the way – to Milwaukee, to teaching, back to Baltimore, and beyond.
Growing Older – My Musical Journey (Part 1)
The book that I’m writing is about musical theater roles/repertoire for women of a certain age. Women who are growing older. And as much as that pains me, I count myself among that demographic. But I spent most of my adult life studying classical repertoire – how did I get here? When I was startingContinue reading “Growing Older – My Musical Journey (Part 1)”
Let’s go to the movies (or turn on the TV)!
The focus of my upcoming book (I’m so excited saying those three words – my upcoming book) is on musical theatre repertoire for women of a certain age. So, obviously, I’ve been doing a lot of research about theatrical productions. But I came to the realization that I’m overlooking a few other excellent sources ofContinue reading “Let’s go to the movies (or turn on the TV)!”
Why I NATS
I’ve told you why I sing – I’ve told you why I teach – but today I’d like to tell you why I NATS (belong to the National Association of Teachers of Singing) and all the things I’ve gained from this journey! And tell you how you can be part of it, too!
Why I quit
Bless me, Father, for I have sinned…….. It has been 9 months (almost) since my last confession blogpost. How appropriate that I used the penitential terminology of my upbringing, because in May, I quit my church job of 8 years at the Cathedral of Mary our Queen. (Note: This is not what I was going toContinue reading “Why I quit”
Help Someone Find Their Voice (or your own) in 2023
Have you always wanted to take voice lessons? Or do you have a child, sibling, or really close friend who has always wanted to try a voice lesson? This year, Mezzoid Voice Studio is offering a gift certificate that you can buy for a loved one (which also be yourself, because self-care is a goodContinue reading “Help Someone Find Their Voice (or your own) in 2023”
S’wonderful – Ira Gershwin
Today is the 126th anniversary of the birth of lyricist Ira Gershwin (12/6/1896-8/17/1983). While his brother George had the reputation as the celebrity composer beloved by movie stars and international classical composers alike (although less so by American ones of his era), Ira was the quiet, somewhat shy older brother. George was a notorious commitment-phobe;Continue reading “S’wonderful – Ira Gershwin”
Happy Thanksgiving!
Not much time to say a lot today – I should be downstairs putting out platters for our Thanksgiving “dinner” (who eats dinner at 2pm?). It’s been a rough year for me so far – healthwise and somewhat professionally (mostly related to the health issues). But I am thankful for my students, past, present, andContinue reading “Happy Thanksgiving!”