I just had to do this! I felt it was time to dispel this notion that some have, that girlie girls can’t do trouser roles!  I actually LOVED playing the part of Romeo and I’m already starting to miss my sword.  :( 

Tonight’s performance was, for me, quite......intense. I decided to plunge into this character head on this evening, and I also felt vocally ready to do it justice.  The church’s architecture, with all its lit candles, lent itself well to the story line creating a somber background perfect for this opera.   Singing with such a great cast was the icing on the cake. 

The role of Romeo is the most difficult one I have sung yet, and I was terrified when I first took it on.  Learning it in one month and then performing it with barely two weeks of rehearsals was quite an undertaking, yet it taught me more about myself as a singer and

as an actress than anything else I‘ve done so far.  Performing it this evening was truly one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve had, and I did so  with Courtney Ross as Giulietta, and the rest of the wonderful cast of Luke Grooms as Tebaldo, Igor Vieira as Capellio, and Luis González as Lorenzo.   Thank you all for such a wonderful experience!

Me girlie

Sunday, August 3, 2008

I Capuleti e i Montecchi

San Francisco Community Music Center

This was my first time performing in this charming and quaint little theater, nestled in the heart of the Mission district.   We had a great turnout and a great closing performance.  Jordan Trommater was the Giulietta this evening, and our staging was slightly different given the different venue, yet it all turned out beautifully.   Thank you Jordan!  And playing opposite guys like Luke Grooms, Igor Vieira and Luis González was just great as always.  I must also mention how much I loved my costumes thanks in part to Alyssa Oania at Opera San José.  Thanks Alyssa!  Today I found Romeo an easier sing, something I never thought I would say about this role, and I will miss him.   But I will be happy to move on to “true” mezzo territory!  Although I’d be curious to revisit Romeo in the Malibran key.  Hmm.... 

The night was made even more special by two people who are very dear to me, who were in attendance and who also rode up with me to the city. Melinda Becker, a good friend and the singer covering the role of Romeo, and another person whom I LOVE...you know who you are.  Thank you both for making this night so memorable.   Thank you Melinda for your friendship, help and support.  You took on A LOT and yet there you were, plugging away.  Loved your Hansel and what you brought to the show!  You’re also the best cover anyone could hope for!  Love you!

Me girlie, NOT!

Alexandra Mena, Mezzo-Soprano ◊ Copyright © 2007-2012

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