While Suzanna Guzmán never set out to become a world-renowned mezzo-soprano, that is exactly what she’s done. Her journey from rock concerts to opera stages to Tuacahn’s Outdoor Amphitheatre has been a remarkable adventure filled with passion, transformation, and triumph.
It was after completing her high school education at an American school in Spain that Suzanna began her professional career as a performer. “I started singing for a rock band that opened for Van Halen, believe it or not,” Suzanna recalls with a laugh.
The accidental audition
The problem was that soon the concerts took a toll on her voice. “After hurting my voice during a performance,” she explains, “I decided to get some professional training.” One of the exercises her teacher gave her was a song from the title role of Carmen. Her teacher eventually had her perform it for a certain gentleman named Dr. Van Grove. Suzanna thought she was singing for some type of medical doctor, like an ENT, in order to pass a checkpoint in her healing journey. When the “doctor” said she had the part, she was confused! She asked what type of doctor he was. He said that he was a Doctor of Music, that this was an audition, and that he was offering her the role of Carmen!
A fateful choice
This accidental audition and her ensuing brilliant performance opened her to the world of opera. She was a natural performer with energy, passion, and a gift for improvisation. But as far as where she wanted her career to go, she was still undecided. She loved musical theatre as well and had a goal to perform on Broadway.
She got a minor understudy role called Amazon #2 in the national tour of The King and I with Yul Brenner and Mary Beth Peil. “I had nothing to do in the show and I was bored,” she says, “so I started singing in opera competitions during the day. I was winning, and I thought it was just a fluke.”
But it was definitely not a fluke. Suzanna won the regional Metropolitan Opera Competition in both 1984 and 1985. Due to the timing of the competition, if she chose to move on to the finals in New York, she would have to give up her role on the tour as Amazon #2. She turned to Yul Brenner for advice asking, “Do I do musical theatre or opera? I would love to do Broadway, but I don’t want to go to Broadway as Amazon #2.” He thought it was a no brainer, saying, “Why are you asking me this?” and pointing out that the Metropolitan Opera was also located on Broadway. For Suzanna, that was that. The decision was made.
No regrets
Her performance at the Met Competition led to more opportunity. Suzanna tells how it came about with a smile that lights up her face. “I’ve made a career of putting my foot in my mouth,” she laughs. “A man came up to me backstage saying that he and his colleagues would love to work with me at the Washington Opera and I responded with, ‘Oh, I’d love to! I love Seattle!’’
Suzanna may have had the wrong Washington, but it didn’t matter. The man was Frank Rizzo of the Washington National Opera, and she ended up working in D.C. at the Kennedy Center for the next twenty-five years. “For me,” she explains, “it was better to be in opera because it was a better schedule, and I was a single mom for a long time.”
A new chapter
After Covid, Suzanna began again in musical theatre, playing the Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music, the English teacher, Miss Lynch, in Grease, and Abuela Claudia in In the Heights. She says, “For me, these shows, it’s where I started and it’s where my heart is.”
At Tuacahn this summer, Suzanna stars as the Dowager Empress in Anastasia, Bulda in Frozen (Kristoff and Sven’s adoptive troll mother), as well as multiple ensemble roles in Jersey Boys.
The Dowager Empress
Speaking of her role in Anastasia, she says, “The costumes are absolutely stunning. I look in my opening number like I’m wearing Chanel. If I’m going to be an old lady, at least I’m pretty,” she adds with a laugh. “It’s weird to say that a dream role would be playing a Dowager Empress, but every single thing about this role is magical. It’s a dream come true. To be a senior citizen, playing a senior citizen for the first time… I’m thrilled. I’ve had my actor’s equity card for 41 years, and my heart is just touched. There’s room in the world of theatre, of opera, in all forms of art, for our generation.”
A passion for others
Suzanna’s passion for the arts extends beyond the stage. Not only is she a two-time Emmy award winner for her work as a television and radio host, but she is also known for her advocacy in arts education, performing her one-woman show, “Don’t Be Afraid: It’s Just Opera!” across the country. “I love introducing students to opera,” she explains. “It’s about showing them that opera isn’t something to be intimidated by, but something to be embraced.”
Her commitment to education and mentorship has been widely recognized. “Being able to give back and inspire the next generation is incredibly fulfilling,” Suzanna says. “It’s about making a difference in their lives, just as others made a difference in mine.”
A chance to see her shine!
As she steps onto the stage at Tuacahn, Suzanna is excited about this new chapter. “Tuacahn is a spectacular location,” she remarks. “I can’t wait to share my love for these roles with a new audience.”
From her rock band roots to her celebrated opera career, Suzanna Guzmán’s journey is a remarkable one. Her story is not just about achieving success, but about the joy of discovery and the impact of following one’s passion.
For those looking to witness Suzanna’s incredible talent, Tuacahn is the place to be. Come experience a season of unforgettable performances that showcase the depth and brilliance of one of opera’s most captivating stars. The 2024 Broadway Season ends October 19, so hurry and get your tickets today!