New York City Opera revived "Regina" back in 1992 with Leigh Munro (later a "Phantom" Carlotta) as Regina and Sheryl Woods as a very touching Birdie. Elizabeth Futral sang Alexandra (she might do Birdie well today) and the rest of the cast included LeRoy Lehr, Andrew Wentzel, John Daniecki, Ron Baker, Denise Woods and Paul Austin Kelly.
In 2001, Florida Grand Opera revived "Regina" with Lauren Flanigan as Regina, Sheryl Woods as Birdie and Mark Delavan as Ben Hubbard. Rest of the cast included Khristopher Irmiter, Chad Shelton, Andrew Wentzel, Bruce Reed and Kristine Winkler. I once spoke with Lauren Flanigan about Regina and she said she didn't care for how the role was written for a soprano. Lots of low voiced sprechtstimme and belting - Flanigan said it was very "Broadway". Rosalind Elias is a mezzo who took on the role (don't know if she transposed) and I think there have been one or two others.
BTW: Going to see "The Little Foxes" tonight with Laura Linney as Regina and Cynthia Nixon as Birdie (have seen the other configuration last month)
Marlo Manners (Lady Barrington) |
