Interview with EARTH TO KENZIE star Kateri Gormley

We had the chance to speak with soprano Kateri Gormley, who is playing Kenzie in Lyric’s production of Earth to Kenzie, a new opera written by Frances Pollock and Jessica Murphy Moo. Kenzie is a fifth-grader facing housing insecurities with her mother, but finds refuge in the world of video games, along with her avatar, Edwin. Through their imaginary space adventures, Kenzie dares to go farther than ever before. Kateri Gormley talks to us about her musical background, and the magic of bringing Earth to Kenzie to students all across Chicago with Lyric’s Opera in the Neighborhoods.

How did you get your start singing?

Well, if we go way back, I was obsessed with the Disney Sing-Along videos, and could sing every song before I understood what most of the words meant! (Mary Poppins was my favorite). I began taking voice lessons at age 14, after meeting my voice teacher at church. Later, I attended SUNY Fredonia as an undergraduate, where I was a double major in voice performance and music education. Then, I received my master’s degree in voice performance from McGill University in Montreal. I’ve been very fortunate to have supportive teachers at every stage of my musical education, as well as a family who believed in my passion for music.

What was the process like learning Earth to Kenzie?

This show was so much fun to put together. I was amazed by the creativity in the rehearsal room, from all sides of the production. The cast and crew are amazing to work with, and both our stage director, Jess McLeod, and music director, Yasuko Oura, were wonderful. It was very special to get to work with both our composer, Frances Pollock, and our librettist, Jessica Murphy Moo, at the very beginning of our rehearsal process. We were able to talk to them about their inspiration for the story and each of our characters, and to learn about the housing crisis that is currently happening throughout the country. All in all, this process has been incredibly rewarding.

Do you find parallels between yourself and Kenzie? What do you like about her?

There are certain aspects of Kenzie’s story that are very relatable to all children growing up — she is worried about what people will think of her, she feels overwhelmed by the future, and she loves to play and use her imagination! However, there are also aspects of Kenzie’s story that I’ve never experienced. I have never faced housing insecurity, had to leave my home to move into a shelter. I’ve also never had a condition like asthma, which makes children very sensitive to their environment, and Kenzie’s living situation even more difficult. I love Kenzie’s sense of adventure when it comes to her video game explorations. She wants to push the limits, and to see what lies beyond her imagination. I also love how Kenzie values her relationships, both with her mother and her friends. She learns to reach out to the people closest to her, and that we are never truly alone when we make the decision to “face our fears.”

What is it like bringing Kenzie to students across Chicago?

Performing for students across Chicago has been a joyful experience for me. This opera tells a very relatable story, both sad and heartwarming, and at times incredibly funny. It is so wonderful to introduce children to opera for the first time and to see how they connect to the story.

Describe the difference performing for an audience of young people as opposed to the traditional opera audience:

When young people make up the majority of the audience, you can sense almost immediately how they feel about the performance. And I must say, so far the children seem to love the show! There are giggles and gasps, as well as kids dancing in their seats! It is really wonderful to see how captivated they are with the story, and to answer their questions at the end of the performance.

As an art form that encompasses all other art forms, I truly believe opera has the ability to change lives. Now more than ever, audiences and performers alike need new stories to help us share our humanity, and connect with each other. I am so grateful to the Lyric for this opportunity to perform Earth to Kenzie.

Why is supporting opera, specifically for young people, important?

One of the first things we are able to do as babies is use our voice. The voice is innately connected to who we are, and how we express ourselves to the world. When we sing opera, we are using our voices in some of the most powerfully expressive and vulnerable ways. We are sharing our humanity, sharing our stories, and connecting to each other in deep and profound ways. Opera audiences understand that art is a powerful force in society. I cannot think of anything more important than giving this gift of art and music to children, who are just beginning to find their way in the world.

Final words from Kateri...

One of my favorite lines in the show is “facing our fears, we’re never alone.” I think this is an important message to children, and probably even more so to adults, who tend to rely on themselves and not ask for help. The truth is, nothing is ever accomplished alone, and this production would not be possible without your generous support. This opera brings a message of hope, courage, and imagination to children all across Chicago. I’m so very thankful that I get to do this every day!