New Opera Colorado production of Donizetti’s “La Fille du Régiment”” offers audiences a contemporary perspective on the classic 1840 comedy, featuring RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Monét in a traditionally unsung role that was reimagined for her operatic experience.

Directed by Chía Patiño reversed the opera’s typical depiction of how a military regiment influences its adopted daughter, instead exploring how a young woman’s presence transforms the soldiers around her.

“I think in general they tend to present her as a very virile woman,” Patiño explained. “I decided to turn around and see what would happen if, like every father, tenderness came out in every father when he has a daughter… There is a softer part in every man’s heart that comes out when dealing with a girl specifically with girls.

The production marks a significant moment for Opera Colorado with the casting of X Change as the Duchess of Krakenthorp. Although the role has always been a cameo role played by notable public figures, including the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader GinsburgOpera Colorado has resumed Minnesota Opera 2023 Production to turn it into a singing role specifically for X Change.

X Change, who began his classical training in high school before attending Westminster Choral College, New Jerseysees this production as an opportunity to bring together its artistic worlds.

“Ever since I graduated from college, I’ve always been trying to find a way, and when I wondered how these two worlds could merge,” she said.

Courtesy Opera Colorado/Matt Staver

For this production, Music Director Ari Pelto collaborated with X Change to select a new aria different from the one she performed with Minnesota Opera. While keeping the specific piece a secret, Pelto noted that they “wanted something that expressed the moment and wasn’t just a little centerpiece inserted into the drama.”

The production aims to attract new audiences to opera while honoring the traditions of the art form. X Change recognizes its unique position in bringing these communities together: “I think a lot of times people who aren’t part of the community and some people in the community tend to think that opera is for the rich and the old and the whites. that I’m a testimony, a lot of people on the show are a testimony, that it’s for everyone.”

Courtesy Opera Colorado/Matt Staver

Pelto points out that although “La Fille du Régiment” is known for its comedy, it conveys real emotional depth.

“What attracts me to (Donizetti) in general, and to this piece in particular, is his wonderful ability to combine humor, light textures and vocal fireworks with a warm and touching humanity,” he said. he declared.

The production highlights both international talent and local artists, which Pelto sees as central to Opera Colorado’s identity. “Our artists, the singers on stage come from all over the world,” he explains. “And at the same time, we have our musicians in the pit and our choir on stage, and they are our neighbors… This constant is vital to the identity of our company.”

Courtesy Opera Colorado/Jamie Krauss

Patiño believes the themes of the production resonate particularly well with contemporary audiences.

“We are living in such a difficult time…and we forget how important it is to love, to be able to just enjoy life,” she said. “Opera reminds us of all the incredible and beautiful things that also make us love…Being connected to our good emotions helps keep us healthy and together as a society.”

X Change hopes its appearance will help spark new opera enthusiasts.

“What excites me most is the new little opera babies that will be born from coming to the show and seeing how cool and dramatic and fascinating opera is,” she said.

Courtesy Opera Colorado/Matt Staver

The production represents a broader trend in opera of reexamining traditional works through contemporary lenses while preserving their musical integrity. Pelto’s approach to the score remains firmly grounded in Donizetti’s intentions while providing new insight into the characters’ relationships and motivations.

“La Fille du Régiment” by Opera Colorado play Ellie Caulkins Opera until November 17.

Editor’s Note: Opera Colorado is a financial supporter of Colorado Public Radio. Financial supporters have no editorial influence.