Monét X Change, a RuPaul’s Drag Race star, is making waves in the world of opera.
She’s performing the Duchess of Krakenthorp in Daughter of the Regiment at Opera Colorado.
This debut blends her drag performance skills with her classical opera training in a groundbreaking way.
Monét X Change Brings Drag Flair to Opera Colorado
Monét X Change’s performance as the Duchess of Krakenthorp in Daughter of the Regiment is an exciting mix of humor and grace.
The role, typically performed as a spoken character, has been played by many famous names over the years, including actress Bea Arthur and the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Monét’s turn in this role at Opera Colorado adds a modern twist to the classic opera.
Monét sees it as a big step forward because it puts together her skills in drag performance and her training in classical opera.
Although she is well-known for her theatrical drag performances, her opera role demonstrates her artistic diversity and demonstrates her ability to thrive in all genres.
Monét X Change’s performances in Daughter of the Regiment run at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver from November 9-17, 2024.
A Drag Star’s Operatic Journey
Before becoming a drag superstar, Monét X Change studied opera performance at Westminster Choir College.
She is no stranger to the classical stage, having received formal training in music education.
Monét’s debut with the Minnesota Opera in 2023, where she first performed as the Duchess, was a dream come true for the artist, whose love for opera goes back to her high school years in New York.
Her journey to opera stardom took an unexpected turn when Monét performed a Bellini aria on RuPaul’s Drag Race.
This performance caught the attention of the opera world and led to her being invited to perform with major opera companies, cementing her role as a drag queen with real opera talent.
Bridging the Gap: Opera Meets Drag
Monét sees many similarities between the world of opera and drag performance.
Both require strong stage presence, dedication, and the ability to tell a story through music and movement.
Opera Colorado’s artistic director hopes Monét will help bring a fresh and younger audience to the opera by showing that the art form can be fun and approachable.
Monét believes that opera, like drag, shouldn’t be limited to a specific group of people.
She’s determined to challenge the stereotype that opera is only for older, wealthier audiences, and instead wants to show that it can be for everyone.
Embracing New Audiences for Classical Arts
Monét is already thinking about how to make opera even more accessible.
She has ideas to incorporate drag queens in classic roles, such as having drag performers play the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute.
Her goal is to make opera feel exciting and relevant to younger generations.
Opera Colorado is also working to break the mold, hoping to attract a wider audience by making opera more inclusive.
Monét is confident that with the right approach, opera can be appreciated by people of all ages, backgrounds, and tastes.
As she puts it, when you see a good production, it’s simply good art.
