As we continue to recognize the contributions of women to events in history this month, MOT fondly remembers soprano Rebecca Luker, who appeared with Michigan Opera Theatre in the 1980’s. Luker was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and received her BA in Music from the University of Montevallo. She first appeared as an apprentice artist with Michigan Opera Theatre in the role of Anne in A Little Night Music in 1983. She assumed the role of Johanna in MOT’s production of Sweeney Todd in 1984 at the age of 23. Her Broadway debut followed in 1988 as Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, and she would go on to star in productions of Sound of Music, Show Boat, The Secret Garden, Mary Poppins, Cinderella, Music Man and many others.
Critics noted her crystal clear operatic soprano, and compared her to other greats: Barbara Cook and Julie Andrews. Luker was also praised for the longevity of her career on the Broadway Stage spanning over 3 decades, as well as her 3 Tony nominations, 2 Drama Desk Award nominations and a Drama-Logue Award in 1997.
Sadly, we lost Rebecca Luker to ALS on December 23, 2020. She was 59 years of age.
Watch Rebecca Luker, Audra McDonald & Mary Testa perform ‘Sing for your Supper’ -Rogers & Hart 1938