“I think everyone has at one time or another seen or experienced a situation where either a government or even some administrator has used their power to their own advantage to the detriment of others. Undoubtedly, this is the theme that resonates with opera theatregoers even today and its relevance is perhaps the reason this work has transcended time and place.
The opera is set in Italy amid a politically unstable 19th century. Tosca is the story of Floria Tosca and her fight to save her lover, Cavaradossi, and herself from the evil police chief, Scarpia, Grimsley’s character. The big thing I would tell myself would be to trust the power of stillness of Scarpia.” “He is a master of Puccini operas and his guidance was invaluable. “I was thrilled to get to sing Scarpia for the first time and was fortunate to perform my first one with Maestro Louis Salemno,” he says. The most significant lesson Grimsley has learned since he time played the role has been trust. Also, things change in response to the different casts I’ve been fortunate enough to work with.” “With whatever I am performing, I try to stay rooted in the idea that the things my character may be saying are being said for the first time by the character. “The character is such a gift in the sense that the mind of Scarpia is so dark, it provides an actor endless possibilities and choices to play the character,” he says. It’s a co-production with the Cincinnati Opera at the Detroit Opera House, with all new sets, costumes and designs. He plays the villain for the 50th time with the Michigan Opera Theatre this weekend. Having the opportunity to play a role 50 times is quite rare.įor Greer Grimsley, the role of Scarpia in “Tosca” is a gift that keeps giving. Playing the role of a lifetime even once in one of opera’s most popular works is an honor.
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