NAOMI LOUISA O’CONNELL was singing the enigmatic Mrs. Van Buren in previews of Intimate Apparel for Lincoln Center Theater when New York theaters went dark abruptly in mid March. Ricky Ian Gordon and Lynn Nottage’s new chamber opera, the story of an African– American seamstress in 1905 New York, is now scheduled to reopen in spring 2021.

A singer with an unusual career path, moving between opera, straight theatre, cabaret, and other genres. Prior to viewing “Least Like the Other,” Operawire managed to track down O‘Connell to talk about her career and interpreting this unique work.

Irish mezzo-soprano Naomi Louisa O’Connell discusses her preparation process, favorite artists, and how friendly New Yorkers really are as our August Artist of the Month.

At the time of the interview, Naomi was performing as the aspiring opera singer Sharon Graham in Terrence McNally’s Master Class at the Vaudeville Theatre. She comments about the play: “There is a truth to Terrence McNally’s writing that hits home in a big way. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry and it will give you something to think about.” Master Class is Naomi’s West End debut. Earlier this week Naomi took time out from her busy schedule to answer some questions about herself and Master Class.