Your all-access pass to the Sarasota Opera. We’ll uncover stories, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and explore the opera magic that happens both in front of, and behind the blue curtain.
In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain, we explore Rootabaga Country, Sarasota Youth Opera's fall production by composer and librettist Rachel J. Peters.
Inspired by the whimsical stories of Carl Sandburg, Rootabaga Country follows Gimme the Ax and his two children, Please Gimme and Ax Me No Questions, on a fantastical journey through a world filled with imagination, humor, and heart. Along the way, they discover unexpected friendships, unforgettable adventures, and new understandings of family, belonging, and home.
Host Hallie Geyh sits down with Peters to discuss the creation of the opera and its journey from inspiration to libretto and score. Then, Director Martha Collins and Conductor Jessè Martins share how Sarasota Youth Opera's talented young artists bring this imaginative world to life on stage.
Together, these conversations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the collaborative process that transforms an opera from page to stage.
Rootabaga Country will be performed at the Sarasota Opera House on November 7 at 5:00 p.m. and November 8 at 12:00 p.m.
Special thanks to the Les and Carol Brualdi Foundation for their generous support of Sarasota Youth Opera and Rootabaga Country.
11 Sept 2026
Hansel and Gretel: Into the Woods
In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain, host Hallie Geyh takes listeners inside Sarasota Opera's 2026 Fall production of Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel. From enchanted forests and magical creatures to gingerbread houses and a delightfully wicked witch, discover how this beloved story comes to life on stage.
First, director and choreographer Felicity Stiverson shares how her background in dance, musical theater, and opera shapes her vision for the production, including a special collaboration with Sarasota Ballet School and Conservatory. Then, Sarasota Opera favorite Lisa Chavez joins the podcast to discuss taking on the role of the Witch, one of opera's most memorable villains.
Whether you're a lifelong opera lover, a parent introducing a child to live performance, or simply someone who enjoys a great story, this episode explores the magic, music, and imagination behind Hansel and Gretel.
Learn more and purchase tickets at SarasotaOpera.org (http://SarasotaOpera.org).
Behind the Blue Curtain is the official podcast of Sarasota Opera, bringing audiences behind the scenes with the artists, productions, and stories that make opera come alive.
20 Aug 2026
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Orchestrating an Opera
What happens before the curtain rises?
In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain, host Hallie Geyh sits down with Sarasota Opera Director of Production Scott Keclik and Production Stage Manager Francesca MacBeth to explore the hidden world of opera production. From coordinating hundreds of artists and technicians to managing scene changes, rehearsals, and opening night, they reveal what it takes to bring a season of opera to life and why the work audiences never see is just as important as what happens on stage.
23 Jul 2026
Showing Up: Richard Russell and Sarasota Opera's Next Chapter
In the Season 2 premiere of Behind the Blue Curtain, host Hallie Geyh sits down with Sarasota Opera's General and Artistic Director, Richard Russell, for a conversation about leadership, legacy, and the season ahead.
A member of the Sarasota Opera family since 1989, Russell reflects on his journey from apprentice artist to company leader and shares his vision for the future of the company. Together, Hallie and Richard explore the 2026–27 season, the balance between honoring tradition and embracing variety, and the unique power of opera to tell deeply human stories.
From Hänsel and Gretel and Rootabaga Country to La traviata, H.M.S. Pinafore, Ariadne auf Naxos, and Jenůfa, this conversation offers an introduction to Sarasota Opera's next chapter and the artists, productions, and experiences that await audiences in the season ahead.
Whether you're a longtime opera lover or attending for the first time, this episode explores what it means to show up, share a live experience, and be part of a community brought together through music and storytelling.
6 Feb 2026
Susannah: Sin, a loss of innocence, and repentance
In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain, host Martha Collins explores Carlisle Floyd’s gripping opera Susannah, a powerful story of innocence, sin, hypocrisy, and repentance. Soprano Hanna Brammer, who stars in the title role, shares insights into Susannah’s emotional journey and the challenge of portraying her dramatic transformation. The conversation continues with Christopher James Ray, former assistant and protégé of Carlisle Floyd, who reflects on Floyd’s legacy, his mentorship, and why Susannah remains one of the most enduring and relevant works in American opera.
30 Jan 2026
Il trovatore – Serenades, sieges, and family secrets
In this episode of Behind the Blue Curtain, host Martha Collins is joined by mezzo soprano Lisa Chavez and stage director Marco Nisticò for a deep dive into Verdi’s Il trovatore. Together they explore the opera’s unforgettable music, its sweeping themes of love, vengeance, trauma, and loyalty, and the raw humanity at the center of its characters. Lisa discusses the emotional complexity of Azucena and what it means to bring this iconic role to life, while Marco reflects on his lifelong connection to Verdi, the opera’s enduring popularity, and the legacy of Maestro DeRenzi as he leads his final Verdi production at Sarasota Opera.
23 Jan 2026
The Merry Widow: Money, mischief and matchmaking
Martha Collins is joined by conductor Anthony Barrese and set designer Steven C. Kemp, who share how Sarasota Opera’s new production of The Merry Widow came to life, from musical style to set design, mood, and theatrical surprises. Later, soprano Raquel González, our Merry Widow herself, talks about preparing the role of Hanna, approaching operetta as a performer, and building onstage chemistry.
Whether you love this operetta or are discovering The Merry Widow for the first time, this episode offers a lively and insightful look at the humor, heart, and artistry behind the production.
9 Jan 2026
La bohème: Poetry, Poverty, and Passion
Join us for La bohème: Poetry, Poverty, and Passion. In this episode, we explore the timeless story of love, art, and heartbreak. Join Martha Collins, stage director Stephanie Sundine and soprano Ashley Milanese, who sings Mimi, as they share behind‑the‑scenes stories, artistic insights, and what makes this beloved opera so emotionally powerful. From Puccini’s soaring music to the poetry and passion at the heart of the piece, this conversation reveals why La Bohème continues to resonate across generations. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or discovering the art form for the first time, this episode offers an intimate look at one of opera’s most cherished masterpieces.
4 Nov 2025
Brundibàr — The Youth Opera with a Powerful Past
In this episode, host Lael Mohib explores Sarasota Opera’s Youth Opera's moving production of Brundibàr. Joined by Martha Collins and Jessé Martins, the discussion delves into the historical significance of the opera, the emotional impact of its prologue, and why engaging young artists matters. Former Youth Opera member Pablo González shares his inspiring journey—from his first role to the lasting influence of opera on his life. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, community, and the transformative power of music.
17 Oct 2025
Così fan tutte — duplicity, disguises, and delightful deception
In today’s episode: Mozart’s Così fan tutte — a tale of duplicity, disguises, and delightful deception.
Host Martha Collins sits down with Artistic Director Maestro Victor DeRenzi to explore Mozart’s emotional depth and Sarasota Opera’s bold commitment to presenting works exactly as the composer intended — a rare and refreshingly authentic approach in today’s opera world.
Then, she chats with opera stars Virginia Mims and Filippo Fontana about the excitement of opening night, the magic of ensemble performance, and why Così fan tutte is the perfect gateway to opera: full of humor, relatable characters, and musical moments that resonate with audiences of all ages.
10 Oct 2025
Modern Love for a Classic Art: Why Opera Still Resonates
In this special episode of Behind the Blue Curtain, host Martha Collins sits down with sisters Lauren and Candice Henry, co-founders of Aretios, to explore what draws a new generation to opera.
They share their first full-length opera experience at Sarasota Opera, reflect on the emotional power of live performance, and discuss why opera is more accessible than many think. From the talent on stage to the timeless stories, the Henry sisters make a compelling case that opera is for everyone.
30 Sept 2025
Opera 101 at 100
Martha Collins sits down with Maestro Victor DeRenzi, General Director Richard Russell, and DaCapo members Candice and Lauren Henry to explore the upcoming 67th season. They share personal stories of discovering opera, discuss efforts to make the art form more accessible, and reflect on the rich history of the Sarasota Opera House as it approaches its 100th anniversary. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or just curious, this episode offers a warm and insightful introduction to the world behind the curtain.
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