It is now April 2008 and I will be heading back to the Met next week for a reprise of "The First Emperor". I received an edited score and much of the original is cut, especially the role of the General.

Fortunately, I came off unscathed and even have a few added lines. One is at the very end of the piece which is a welcome addition in terms of my character portrayal. I actually get to react to my daughter's death and the Emperor's loss of all for sake of fame.

I noticed that Placidio Domingo is in rehearsals for "Tamerlano" at Washington National Opera so I am sure his availability will  be slim for our rehearsals.  The remainder of the cast is the same except for Yue Yang, the daughter, originally portrayed by Elizabeth Futral will be sung by  the lovely Sarah Coburn who did 2 performances last year.  

Stay tuned....