I was in the chorus of the New Orleans Opera production of "Rigoletto", March 14, 15 & 16, another highlight of my
"singing career" since Katrina. With one exception, the soloists were superb! The tenor who sang the part of the Duke
on Saturday evening was not in the same league as the rest of the cast.

Randall Jakobsh from Canada was a real standout as Sparafucile! Few basses I have heard have his rich low notes and wide dynamic range. He would have been great on the Don Cossacks tour.

Mark Rucker was Rigoletto, in every sense of the word. It was the first time I had seen a black man in "White Face", but it was only fair, since Otello is often a white man in "Black Face". His acting was as good as his singing, which was fantastic.

Each of the two Gildas was top-notch, but Lisette Oropesa, being only 23 years old, was remarkable.
She has a sterling career ahead of her.

I must say a word here about the talent coming out of this area: Lisette is from Baton Rouge, Sara Jane McMahon and Greer Grimsley are NewOrleans natives as is the Clown Prince, Tony Laciura. Then there is the wonderful sopranoElizabeth Futral from Covington, across thelake (no jokes about something in the water, please).

Here I am in my Courtier costume: