Ten Questions with
Sidney Outlaw, baritone
Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet
1. Where were you born / raised?
I was born and raised in Brevard, North Carolina.
2. If you weren’t a singer, what profession would you be in?
I’ve never thought about not making it as a singer. It’s what I was born to do. I will always be singing in some capacity. But if I didn’t sing full time, I would definitely go into music education, arts administration, or artist management.
3. The first opera I was ever in was…
Aida at Bob Jones University, November 11, 1998. (Mrs. Shumate’s Concert Chorus class).
4. My favorite opera is…
Le Nozze di Figaro.
5. My favorite pre-show / post-show meal is…
Pre-show: Pure Pharma protein shake.
Post-show: Some sort of red meat and veggie.
6. People would be surprised to know that…
I practice Olympic weightlifting.
7. A few of my favorite books are…
The Audacity of Hope (President Obama); Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (Dr. Joy DeGruy); The New Jim Crow (Michelle Alexander); Sula (Toni Morrison); I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (Maya Angelou); Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe); For Your Consideration…. (Kathy Griffin).
8. What do you like to binge-watch?
Criminal Minds, NCIS, NCIS-LA, Madame Secretary.
9. What five people (living or deceased) would you like to invite for a dinner party?
President Obama, Jennifer Lewis, Roland Martin, Leontyne Price, Viola Davis.
10. Everyone should see Romeo and Juliet because….
It is a timeless story and the singing in this particular production is fantastic, which will make you think of the good old days at the Met.
Bonus: One question you wish someone would ask you (and the answer):
Q: Would you like to make your debut as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet at the San Francisco Opera and/or the Metropolitan Opera (and here is the contract already drawn up with all the signatures on it)?
A: YES, PLEASE and THANK YOU!!!
Don’t miss the chance to see Sidney in Romeo and Juliet, as Shakespeare’s classic work comes to ravishing operatic life. Performances are November 4 and 6 in Overture Hall. Tickets start at $18; visit madisonopera.org for more information.
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