Anyone who creates something new or does something different artistically is going to be singled out.

America tends to worship the modest talent because it doesn't put us in an uncomfortable position vis-a-vis the artist.

It seems to me opera is just as relevant as an expressive art as anything else.

If an American audience is given a serious musical theater piece that is well produced, dramatically gripping and wonderfully acted, they'll respond to it.

I find it enormously valuable to be sure that that the pacing is what I think it is and that the scenes have the shape I think they have musically and dramatically.

I was trying to do something that seemed very natural and easy but which bridged that gulf between the singing voice and the speaking voice.

I had all the normal interests - I played basketball and I headed the school paper. But I also developed very early a great love for music and literature and the theater.