Cabell to replace Futral in Lyric’s “Merry Widow”

Thu Oct 22, 2015 at 12:04 am

By Lawrence A. Johnson

Nicole Cabell
Nicole Cabell

Elizabeth Futral has pulled out of the final three December performances of The Merry Widow for personal reasons, the Lyric Opera announced Wednesday.

Replacing her in the title role of Hanna Glawari will be Nicole Cabell. Making her first Lyric Opera appearance since The Magic Flute in 2011-12, the former Ryan Opera Center member will sing the performances of December 9, 11 and 13.

“I regret that Elizabeth Futral has had to withdraw from The Merry Widow, but at the same time I’m delighted that Nicole Cabell is available to sing these performances,” said Lyric general director Anthony Freud in a statement released by the company.

“As with Elizabeth, at Lyric we consider Nicole ‘one of our own.’ She has earned great acclaim starring not only with our company, but also at many of the world’s other leading opera houses. I know the Lyric audience will be thrilled by her portrayal of Hanna Glawari in Susan Stroman’s beautiful Merry Widow production.”

Franz Lehar’s operetta opens November 14 with Renee Fleming and Thomas Hampson, Heidi Stober and Michael Spyres, with Sir Andrew Davis conducting. lyricopera.org; 312-827-5600.

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