By Brien Murphy / Reporter-News Staff Writer
February 1, 2004

Broken toe? A little painful, but nothing soprano Carol Ann Manzi cannot handle.

After all, she once gave nine performances of an opera during her third month of chemotherapy.

Manzi, who proudly calls herself a "five-year breast cancer survivor," sings the role of Cio-Cio-San in the Abilene Opera Association’s production of "Madama Butterfly." The opera opens Friday at the Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.

Given that she broke one of her small toes while rushing around a hotel room recently, this may not be the best time for Manzi to play a Japanese woman who does a lot of kneeling.

But the toe is a small matter compared to what Manzi faced five years ago.

The Yale School of Music graduate was 34 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Following a mastectomy and while still undergoing chemotherapy treatments, Manzi honored the performer’s credo that "the show must go on." Instead of canceling an engagement in Sarasota, Fla., she gave nine performances there in the lead role of Giacomo Puccini’s "La Rondine."

Getting sick "changed my life," Manzi said — in the obvious ways of giving her a deeper appreciation for life, of course, but also as an artist.

Manzi said facing cancer at a young age gave her perspective on how to play tragic heroines who, in many of Western civilization’s most popular operas, tend to become ill and/or die. She gained a better understanding of what it’s like for her characters to be sick, or to face life-or-death choices.

Manzi also said she appreciated the irony of the situation.

"I said to my parents, ‘Just think — when it’s time to die, I will have learned to do it very well,’" she said.

"They didn’t think that was so funny."

Feeling fine these days, Manzi sings around the country, sometimes under the baton of her husband, Eugene (Ore.) Opera artistic director Robert Ashens.

Manzi gives benefit concerts and recorded an album to raise funds for cancer programs. She is a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society and gives speeches for breast cancer organizations.

She’s also looking forward to playing Cio-Cio-San for the first time — sore toe and all.

"I’ll be fine," she said.

Contact leisure writer Brien Murphy at murphyb@reporternews.com or 325-676-6760

DETAILS

What: "Madama Butterfly," (opera), by the Abilene Opera Association.

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Feb. 10, and 2:30 p.m. Feb. 8.

Where: Paramount Theatre, 352 Cypress St.

How much: Reserved seats Friday — $10-$50 ($50 patron seats also include admission to Feb. 6 post-performance party).

Reserved seats Feb. 8 and 10: $10-$35. Tickets available at the Paramount or by calling (325) 676-7372 for tickets.

Copyright 2005, Abilene Reporter News. All Rights Reserved.