MOORES SCHOOL OF MUSIC ALUM MAKES BROADWAY HISTORY

Kanisha Feliciano, ‘19, became the first Latina and second Black woman to perform the role of Christine in “The Phantom of the Opera”.

Story by Chris Powers | Photography provided by Kanisha Feliciano and Greg Mills

Photo by Greg Mills of Kanisha Felicaino in costume as Christine Daae

Last summer, Kanisha Feliciano, a Moores School of Music graduate, made Broadway history.

On June 27, 2022, Feliciano took the stage as Christine Daaé in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera.” She is the first Latina and second Black woman to perform the role.

Photo courtesy of Kanisha Feliciano.

Photo courtesy of Kanisha Feliciano.

After joining the cast of the Great White Way’s longest-running musical as an understudy in the spring of 2022, it was her turn to step into the spotlight. Feliciano said the opportunity was the highlight of her young career.

“I was obsessed with ‘Phantom’ as a kid, so it has meant so much to me,” Feliciano said. “It's been around since before I was born, so being a part of it is incredibly special.”

Feliciano completed the Moores School’s Master of Music in Vocal Performance program in 2019. She cited the program’s emphasis on performance as being fundamental to her Broadway success.

“The productions that they put on were world class. We got to practice being up on our feet, learning a lot of music, being on stage,” Feliciano said. “And I feel like had I not had that experience of getting to be on stage and do the thing, I would not have been as successful in my Broadway auditions because that is a big stage that you need to fill. And the Moores Opera House definitely teaches you how to do that.”

Photo courtesy of Kanisha Feliciano.

Photo by Greg Mills.

Photo courtesy of Kanisha Feliciano.

While completing the master’s program, Feliciano studied with Voice Professor Melanie Sonnenberg, a respected performer in her own right. Sonnenberg said watching Feliciano step into such an iconic role in a celebrated Broadway show was moving.

“It's one of the most renowned shows with the longest-running history,” Sonnenberg said “As a teacher, it's very emotional for me.”

Kanisha Feliciano in Moores School of Music's performance of *Don Pasquale.*

Kanisha Feliciano in Moores School of Music's performance of *Don Pasquale.*

“It thrills me without question. I'm privy to the amount of work they put in. The audience member may or may not know, but I know what it has taken to get them there. I know the kind of dedication. I know the tenacity.”

Sonnenberg said Feliciano possesses a unique set of skills that makes her well-suited for Broadway.

“She has certain qualities—what I call the intangibles—that you really cannot put your finger on and give a one word definition to,” Sonnenberg said.

Specifically, Sonnenberg highlighted Feliciano’s exceptional vocal capabilities.

Kanisha Feliciano in Moores School of Music's performance of *The Ballad of Baby Doe.*

Kanisha Feliciano in Moores School of Music's performance of *The Ballad of Baby Doe.*

“With her it's a combination of the unique timbre, the color of her sound. And the fact that the voice can move. It has a coloratura quality. It's flexible and moveable,” Sonnenberg said.

Feliciano said working with Sonnenberg, both during her time in the master’s program and in subsequent private instruction, helped her understand how to sing and perform efficiently to preserve her voice. This is crucial when it comes to Broadway, where performers often run multiple shows per day.

“She really taught me a lot of how to sing through a show, start to finish. And to sing through it in a smart way to make sure that I'm keeping my voice healthy and not overdoing it, but still delivering a really good performance,” Feliciano said.

Feliciano made her Broadway debut in James Lapine’s “Flying Over Sunset” in 2021, portraying the role of Ann. Though she trained largely in opera at school, she said transitioning to the world of Broadway musical theater was not too much of a stretch.

“If you're painting with your voice. You're not using a completely different set of colors. You're just using different variations of the ones you already have,” Feliciano said.

“In opera, you always want to be making a beautiful sound no matter what. And in music theater, if you know the emotions that you're experiencing are ugly or raw, you're allowed to let your sound reflect that.”

“The Phantom of the Opera” will wrap up its storied Broadway run in April after 35 years. Feliciano, who serves in the show’s ensemble in addition to her role as understudy, said she is proud to be a part of the final run of shows.

“It adds a whole new meaning because I'm here witnessing Broadway history every day that ‘Phantom’ continues and performs another show,” Feliciano said.

“There aren't really any shows on Broadway left like it. It has its original staging, original costumes—it's kind of like a time capsule.”