Janinah Burnett | Sabrina Carten | Angela Simpson

Q & A with Janinah Burnett

In roles ranging from Pamina to Mimi to Bess, American soprano Janinah Burnett has gained acclaim both for her dramatic skills and her vocal skills. She makes her Michigan Opera Theatre debut as Bess, a role she recently sang on world-wide tour with New York Harlem Productions. Ms. Burnett is a member of the concert group Three Mo’ Divas.

What do you like most about Porgy & Bess?
I think the music is the best aspect because of the diverse styles represented; jazz, musical theater, classical, spiritual.

What's different about this production?
Some of the direction is different in this production as opposed to some of the others I have seen or taken part in. Specifically the ending having to do with Bess' whereabouts.

What is most challenging about playing Bess?
Finding the realism of Bess' character and portraying that vocally and physically.

Will you be doing anything new with her?
Yes. I will focus on Bess' displacement from the life she is trying to fit into, and I'll try to portray how very different she is.

How has the experience been so far?
It is wonderful to be in a cast in which there are veterans of this show as well as "newbies." I look forward to learning from all of my colleagues as we do our best to give our interpretation of an American/human story.