Arriverderci Roma...

Third year tenor Taylor Stayton was the man of the month this January. Just off a major success as Fenton in AVA’s production of Falstaff in November '09, he was asked to make his debut in the same role for Roma Opera. No, not Rome, NY or Rome, GA but Roma, Italy!

With the blessing of his voice teacher Bill Schuman, Taylor flew to Rome on December 15. He found out a few days before his departure that rehearsals would begin later than usual, so he was able to play tourist for a few days in the Eternal City.

The production at Rome Opera was re-directed by legendary stage director Franco Zeffirelli from his 1964 production. Taylor had his trepidations working with a mega-star like Zefferilli, but I reminded him that he was put through his paces on this role by Tito Capobianco and Maestro Macatsoris!

During the rehearsal period, Taylor found out that he was to sing seven out of the eight productions of the opera.

This spring Taylor will make his debut as Osiride in Rossini's Mosé in Egitto with Chicago Opera Theater with performances on April 17, 21, 23, and 25, 2010.