Sandra Oh, the acclaimed star of Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve, is set to make her debut at the Metropolitan Opera. Oh will be joining the cast of Donizetti’s comic opera, La Fille du Régiment, in the speaking role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp.
Oh’s Met debut is the latest in a string of stage roles for the veteran actor. She recently received acclaim for her performance as Olivia in Shakespeare in the Park’s Twelfth Night and also appeared in the Off-Broadway production of The Welkin last year. This new role continues Oh’s momentum on the stage.
La Fille du Régiment is an opéra comique, a 19th-century French opera that includes spoken dialogue. The role of the Duchess of Krakenthorp is often played by a guest star from outside the world of opera. Previous performers in the role at the Met have included well-known actors like Kathleen Turner, Marian Seldes, and Bea Arthur.
The Plot and the Cast
The opera follows Marie, a foundling who was raised by a regiment of soldiers. When her aunt, the Marquise of Berkenfeld, discovers Marie, she is appalled by her niece’s “military manners.” The Marquise then whisks Marie away to teach her how to be a lady and prepares her for an arranged marriage with the son of the Duchess of Krakenthorp. Comedy ensues as Marie struggles to adapt to upper-class life while her family from the regiment attempts to rescue her.
Oh joins an impressive cast, including soprano Erin Morley as Marie, mezzo-soprano Alice Coote as the Marquise, tenor Lawrence Brownlee as the Tyrolean soldier Tonio, and bass-baritone Peter Kálmán as Marie’s adoptive father. The production, which premiered at the Met in 1902, is directed by Laurent Pelly and conducted by Giacomo Sagripanti.
La Fille du Régiment begins performances at the Met on October 17 and runs through November 12.
