5 Questions with Kearstin Piper Brown from INTIMATE APPAREL Opera!
Kevin Ray Johnson
I would like you to meet the amazing and talented Kearstin Piper Brown. Kearstin will be seen as Esther in the upcoming world premiere Opera of Intimate Apparel which is based on Lynn Nottage's amazing play of the same name which will be seen Off-Broadway at Lincoln Center Theater’s Mitzi Newhouse Theater. Directed by Tony Award Winner Bartlett Sher with choreography by Camille A. Brown, performances begin February 27th with an official opening scheduled for March 23rd. Throughout her career Kearstin has performed with companies such as The San Francisco Opera, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Opera Kazan, Skylight Music Theatre, Dayton Opera, Virginia Opera, Utah Festival Opera and the Belarusian State Philharmonic Orchestra, just to name a few. I met Kearstin over ten years ago when we performed together and the two things I can attest to when it comes to her is she is one of the kindest people you can ever meet and her voice completely knocks me out. It is such a complete honor to have the chance to interview Kearstin!
1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I was about 5 or 6 when I knew I wanted to be a ballet dancer! I was inspired by my parents taking me to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to see the Dance Theater of Harlem. I looked forward to this performance all year long. It wasn’t until high school that I consider singing on stage, particularly in musical theater. A high school choir trip to NYC opened my eyes to musical theater after I saw my first Broadway show. I think it was Crazy for You. Opera came to me much later after college. I gave up a sought after promotion and, literally, just dared myself to dive into the challenge of a career in opera and here we are.
2.) Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the performer you are today?
I received a wonderful foundation in voice from my undergraduate professor at Spelman College, Laura English-Robinson. However, I wasn’t interested in a singing career then—I wanted to be college professor of enthnomusicology or try for a career in music journalism. Itwas Mrs. English-Robinson’s belief that I could go to higher heights in voice that triggered my pursuance of a master of music degree in voice at Northwestern University. I’m grateful to her for that very gentle push.
3.) Congratulations on being cast in Intimate Apparel Opera Off-Broadway. With an amazing all-star creative team attached such as Pulitzer Winner Lynn Nottage, Tony Winner Bartlett Sher and Tony Nominee Camille A. Brown, what can you say you are most excited about with this World Premiere?
Thanks, Kevin! I’m most excited about the transformation of this beloved play into an opera. Ricky Ian Gordon’s music compliments Lynn Nottage’s text amazingly well. The challenge of showing the strength and vulnerability of Esther (my character), and affixing her emotions to Mr. Gordon’s gorgeous music, while fully committing to the powerful text of Ms. Nottage makes me bubble with exhilaration. I’m really hoping audiences appreciate the work as much as I do.
4.) Are there any other operas or shows that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess will always be dear to me. I sang Clara and Bess all across Europe, and in the States, early in my career against the advice of some who have taken part in a few successful productions themselves. Working on this piece with Larry Marshall taught me to think deeply about my character—her motivations and relationships to others. Singing and studying this work has informed my approach in operas by Mozart, Bizet, Heggie and many more.
5.)What advice would you give young performers who want a career in this business?
My advice has always been to work hard, but remember that there’s more to life than a career. I’ve often encouraged young artists to find deep meaning and connection in spirituality (should they so choose), starting small businesses around other passions, finding love and raising families, etc. It’s all attainable and doesn’t have to come in any particular order—there’s no magical timeline to follow. Everything happens in its due season. If you’re doing what you love, chasing dreams is invigorating, never dull or tiring. If you can still smile and laugh while pursing this tough career, keep at it.
If you would like to learn more about Kearstin make sure you visit her official website at https://www.kearstinpiperbrown.com and to learn more about Intimate Apparel please visit - https://www.lct.org/shows/intimate-apparel/