Opera Colorado presents a fresh take on the classic comedic opera “Daughter of the Regiment” with drag star Monét X Change taking on the role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp. Known for her powerful singing and drag performances, Monét is excited to blend her talents in both opera and drag to attract new and younger audiences to the art form. Monét first debuted the role with the Minnesota Opera in 2023 after receiving an invitation from the opera company’s president and general manager, Ryan Taylor. The decision to add an aria for Monét to sing in the role was made to showcase her vocal abilities, with the chosen piece being “La vendetta” from “The Marriage of Figaro.”
Artistic director Greg Carpenter believes that Monét’s involvement in the production will help draw new audiences to the opera house. Both Monét and Carpenter agree that opera should not be limited to the wealthy and older demographic, but should be accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Monét’s passion for opera stems from her high school years in New York City, where she discovered a love for classical music. She hopes to see more innovative productions in the future, such as a drag queen version of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” to make opera more appealing to younger audiences.
Overall, Monét X Change’s performance in “Daughter of the Regiment” represents a collaboration between the worlds of opera and drag, showcasing the beauty and artistry of both genres and striving to make opera more inclusive and relevant to today’s audiences.
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Photo credit coloradosun.com