Shirley Verrett: The Voice and the Fire in the Belly is a powerful one-woman show that highlights the extraordinary life of opera legend Shirley Verrett.
From a young girl singing in a Seventh-day Adventist church in Louisiana to breaking racial and artistic barriers on some of the world’s grandest stages, Verrett’s story unfolds through a captivating blend of song, spoken word, and raw emotion. Told entirely from Verrett’s perspective, the performance follows her journey through key moments in American history, including the civil rights era, the subtle prejudices within classical music, and her personal battles to find her place as a Black woman in opera.
As she transitions from mezzo-soprano to soprano roles, she also shifts between the various identities she embodied: diva, mother, wife, and maverick. Featuring iconic arias from Verrett’s repertoire—such as selections from Carmen, Tosca, Aida, Macbeth, and Gluck—the show paints a vivid portrait of artistic resilience, sacrifice, and a triumphant legacy. Audiences will learn about her highs and heartbreaks, from her Metropolitan debut and experiences with racism in Europe and America to her Broadway success in Carousel and her well-known rivalry with Grace Bumbry, as well as her later years as a mentor and educator.
This show is a celebration of a woman who delivered unbelievable, awe-inspiring performances and, more importantly, who captivated us with her mind, heart, and “Fire in the Belly.”
Kimwana Doner, soprano
John Etsell, piano