BLOG: Meet the Artists

Zulimar López-Hérnandez, soprano
as Amy

John Mburu, bass-baritone
as Daddy/Ensemble

Describe your character in three words.

Z: My character, Amy, is smart, good-hearted, and fun.

J: Playful. Concerned. Loving.

What are some of the joys and challenges of performing this role?

Z: One of the joys is having the privilege to communicate this story. As for the challenges, it’s making it look easy when, in reality, I’m counting like crazy in my head!

J: It’s a tough score. The music is beautiful, but I don’t find it intuitive. And the staging has a lot of moving parts- organized chaos in some scenes. The main challenge is staying focused because losing track of things for even a second can throw things off.

What themes or messages from The Snowy Day do you think will resonate most with audiences?
In what ways is this piece relevant today?

Z: The Snowy Day explores themes of trust, true friendship, and coexisting in a diverse world. It reminds us that we are not alone when facing challenges, which is extremely relevant today, regardless of age, race, or gender.

J: I think the experience of a child’s unchecked enjoyment is something we can all resonate with. We all had moments when we weren’t ashamed to really take pleasure in something. This piece is relevant because it’s about a black child having fun without the central focus being that he’s black. I think sharing stories with our faces that are positive is an important thing.

What do you hope that audiences will take away from this production?

Z: I hope the audience takes a break from their routines and allows themselves to embark on this journey and remember what it feels like to be a child again.

J: Joel Thompson writes some gorgeous melodies.

Do you have any plans for your time in Minnesota?
Anything you are particularly excited to do while you are in town?

Z: Yes! My exciting plans include finishing my MA thesis, which I’m working on concurrently while doing this show (send all the prayers!). If I’m not rehearsing, I’m locked in my hotel room writing—and, of course, staying warm in this weather. Oh! How could I forget? I must go to Bellecour and get a freshly baked treat!

J: I plan on ice fishing and hunting down Anthony Edwards for a photo.

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