Soprano Meghan Picerno, known for her success in both opera and Broadway, has garnered several awards and accolades throughout her career. She was a quarterfinalist in Plácido Domingo’s Operalia International Vocal Competition and won first place at the Arkadi International Vocal Competition. However, her breakthrough moment came when she collaborated with director Hal Prince in his production of “Candide” at New York City Opera.
Picerno’s star continued to rise as she portrayed Christine in the US premiere and First National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Love Never Dies.” She was then chosen by Hal Prince to lead the new world tour of “The Phantom of the Opera,” where she reprised her role as Christine Daaé for the historic Broadway reopening. Her performance earned her a nomination as Broadway Replacement of the Decade.
In an interview with OperaWire, Picerno shared her journey from a suburban upbringing in Chicago to her diverse musical interests. She grew up in a household that appreciated both classical music, including symphonic works, and classic rock. Despite not actively listening to opera or Broadway tunes, Picerno discovered her passion for singing during her high school years.
Picerno’s interest in singing led her to study piano and perform in various genres such as jazz, blues, and ragtime. She also participated in musical theater productions and joined the choir in high school. It was during a trip to the Lyric Opera of Chicago to watch “Roméo et Juliette” and “Carmen” that she fell in love with opera and decided to pursue classical voice lessons.
After graduating from high school, Picerno auditioned for All State Theatre and landed the lead role in Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.” She then attended Illinois Wesleyan University on a full scholarship and had a transformative experience studying abroad in Vienna, Austria. Inspired by her time in Vienna, she decided to pursue a career in opera.
Picerno’s journey eventually led her to New York City, where she currently resides. She has since transitioned between opera and Broadway, showcasing her versatility as a performer. While she acknowledges the technical demands of opera, she also believes that the art form should embrace a more human and gritty approach, similar to Broadway.
As Picerno prepares to return to the classical repertoire, she reflects on the intense vocal skill required for opera and the importance of storytelling. She aims to bring a sense of playfulness and flawed human nature to her performances, while still honoring the technical excellence of the genre.
Meghan Picerno’s unique journey from opera to Broadway highlights her ability to break boundaries and refuse to be confined to a single artistic box. Her talent and passion continue to propel her career forward, captivating audiences in both the opera and Broadway worlds.