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Opera Colorado’s New Production of Donizetti’s ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’“offers audiences a contemporary perspective on the classic 1840 comedy RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Monet X Change in a traditionally non-singing role reimagined due to her operatic background.
Director Chía Patiño has reversed the opera’s typical depiction of how a military regiment influences its adopted daughter, and instead explored how a young woman’s presence transforms the soldiers around her.
“I think in general they see her as a very masculine woman,” Patiño explains. “I decided to turn around and see what would happen if, like every father, the tenderness in every father comes out when they have a daughter… There is a softer part in every man’s heart that goes to comes to the fore when they are dealing especially with daughters.”
The production marks a significant moment for Opera Colorado by casting X Change as the Duchess of Krakenthorp. Although the role has historically been a cameo speaking role performed by notable public figures including the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburghas picked up Opera Colorado 2023 Minnesota Opera production to turn it into a singing role especially for X Change.
X Change, who began her classical training in middle school before attending high school Westminster Choir College in New Jerseysees this production as an opportunity to unite her artistic worlds.
“Ever since I graduated, I always tried to figure out a way, and when I got into trouble, I wondered how those two worlds could merge,” she said.
Courtesy of Opera Colorado/Matt StaverThe Duchess of Krakenthorp (Monét X Change, right) and Marchioness of Birkenfeld (Catherine Cook, left) in act two of ‘Daughter of the Regiment’.
For this production Music director Ari Pelto collaborated with X Change to select a new aria that was different from the aria she performed at the 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 showpiece 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 to bridge these communities: “I think people who are not in the community and some people in the community often think that opera is only for rich, old, white people. And I think that I am a testament am, a lot of people on the show are testament, that it’s for everyone.
Courtesy of Opera Colorado/Matt StaverMarchioness of Birkenfeld (Catherine Cook, center) performs with the ensemble of Opera Colorado’s “Daughter of the Regiment.”
Pelto emphasizes that while “The Daughter of the Regiment” is known for its comedy, it brings real emotional depth.
“What appeals to me about (Donizetti) in general, and this piece in particular, is his wonderful ability to combine humor, light textures and vocal fireworks with a moving, warm humanity,” he said.
The production showcases both international talent and local artists, something 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 chorus on stage, and they are our neighbors… That constant is essential to the identity of our company.”
Courtesy of Opera Colorado/Jamie KraussPerformers rehearse for Opera Colorado’s new production of Donizetti’s “The Daughter of the Regiment.”
Patiño believes the production’s themes resonate particularly well with today’s audiences.
“We live in such difficult times… and we forget how important it is to love, to just enjoy life,” she said. “Opera reminds us of all these incredible, beautiful things that make us love too… Being connected to our good emotions is part of keeping us healthy and together as a society.”
X Change hopes her performance will help create new opera lovers.
“What I’m most excited about is the new little opera babies that will be born by coming to the show and seeing how cool, how dramatic and fascinating opera is,” she said.
Courtesy of Opera Colorado/Matt StaverThe tension mounts in the second act as the formidable Duchess of Krakenthorp (Monét
The production represents a broader trend in opera where traditional works are re-examined through contemporary lenses while maintaining their musical integrity. Pelto’s approach to the score remains firmly rooted in Donizetti’s intentions while offering new insights into the characters’ relationships and motivations.
Opera Colorado’s “The Daughter of the Regiment” plays a part the Ellie Caulkins Opera House until November 17.
Editor’s Note: Opera Colorado is a financial supporter of Colorado Public Radio. Financial supporters have no editorial influence.