Sarah Joy Miller, center, in the title role of the New York City Opera production “Anna Nicole” at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Came across this article about the NYCO possibly shutting down. Why am I interested in this, you ask? Oh, you don't ask? Well, I'm going to tell you anyway!
This is a shame. My very first NYC professional acting job was on stage with New York City Opera at Lincoln Center in Turandot and Mathis der Maler. I moved to NYC in 1994 and was just learning the ropes in the acting game (back when I was still acting) and not really auditioning. Finally, I started auditioning. And my first gig was with the NYCO! No, I’m not an opera singer. They needed stage combat fighters for a couple of operas. It wasn’t great pay but it was a chance to be on stage at Lincoln Center performing and work in the world of opera. Which, if you didn’t know, I actually love. (Puccini’s Turandot is my favorite).
From what I remember, NYCO was a great stepping stone for the future stars of opera. Many of them went on to perform at The Met and so many other major venues around the world. They didn’t have the money that their Lincoln Center neighbor The Met had, but they put on fantastic productions. And I was lucky enough to be a part of 2 of them.
Always a shame to see a great cultural institution have to throw in the towel due to finances. Though highly unlikely, here’s hoping they get an 11th hour save by Monday. Good luck!
Me and pal Andy backstage during Turnandot w/ NYCO back in 1995.
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