Steven LaBrie to debut role of Charlie in Three Decembers

Steven LaBrie (Photo right: Braddon Murphy)

Barihunk Steven LaBrie is the latest singer to take on the role of the gay son Charlie in Jake Heggie's chamber opera Three Decembers. His role debut will be at the San Diego Opera on March 8, 9 and 10 at the Patrick Henry Performing Arts Center.

The role of Charlie has become a barihunk vehicle with Matthew Worth, Jesse Blumberg, Carlton Ford, Keith Phares, Wes Mason, Daniel Teadt and Jarrett Ott all taking on the role.

Daniel Teadt sings Charlie's Act 1 aria: 

Three Decembers tells the story of a famous stage actress – Madeline Mitchell – and her two adult children: Beatrice and Charlie. Both children resent their mother's long absences on the road and her lack of concern for the tragedies in their lives. Charlie believes his mother is distant because he is gay, even as his partner, Burt, is dying of AIDS. Meanwhile, Beatrice, trapped in an unhappy marriage, feels Madeline resents her enduring affection for their deceased father. As the story unfolds over the decades, long-simmering resentments surface, accusations are hurled, and family secrets revealed, leading ultimately to a hard-won peace and forgiveness for both the living and the dead.

Frederica Von Stade will sing the role of the mother Madeline Mitchell, which the composer wrote for her, while Kristin Clayton portrays the other sibling Beatrice.

Before heading to San Diego, Steven LaBrie can be heard singing Belcore in Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore at the Omaha Opera on February 15 and 17.