Singer exits FGO’s “Streetcar” on short notice to join Il Divo
Less than a week before the start of rehearsals for Florida Grand Opera’s A Streetcar Named Desire, baritone Steven LaBrie informed the Miami company that he was abandoning the long-planned production in order to join the pop-fusion male quartet Il Divo.
LaBrie was to sing the pivotal role of Stanley Kowalski in the Miami company’s season-opening production of Andre Previn’s opera, based upon Tennessee Williams’ celebrated play.
“These decisions are not easy to make, and everyone has to do what is best for them,” said FGO’s CEO and general director Susan T. Danis in a released statement. “We wish Steven the very best.”
While it is not unusual for a singer to withdraw from a production due to illness or, occasionally, vocal problems, it’s almost unprecedented for a professional opera singer slated for a leading role in an opera to dump the assignment on short notice for a pop gig—even a highly lucrative one.
LaBrie replaces Il Divo member Carlos Marin, who died of Covid-19 in December, on its North American tour.
Hadleigh Adams will take over the Kowalski role for all Miami and Fort Lauderdale performances. Adams was already scheduled to sing the lead role of Hawkins Fuller in the FGO production of Gregory Spears’ Fellow Travelers in April.
“The silver lining is that we get to see Hadleigh months earlier than we anticipated,” said Danis. “Hadleigh is an excellent musician, quick study and an impeccable artist. We know he will be a formidable Stanley and can’t wait to see what he does with the role.”
Florida Grand Opera opens A Streetcar Named Desire 7 p.m. January 22. The opera runs through January 25 at the Arsht Center in Miami and February 3 and 5 at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. fgo.org.
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4 Responses to “Singer exits FGO’s “Streetcar” on short notice to join Il Divo”
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Wed Jan 12, 2022
at 12:26 pm
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Posted Jan 13, 2022 at 2:39 pm by Adam Nielsen
Thrilling opportunities for both Hadleigh and Steven, and great news for their fans! Bravo to FGO for supporting the careers of two artists that they believe in.
Posted Jan 15, 2022 at 9:27 am by Kate
Steven, though still saddened by the early death of Carlos???? I await your arrival, and wish you best wishes for the future, and hopefully soon I will be able to see Il Divo in concert again ❤️
Posted Jan 15, 2022 at 12:19 pm by Martha Margarita
I wish my best for all of them. Welcome LaBrie.
Posted Jan 17, 2022 at 7:19 am by Andrea
I am most excited to see that IL Divo will go on and with such a talent as Steven!