Chester Resident to Perform in Cleveland Orchestra’s ‘The Magic Flute’
Jade Gladue is no stranger to musical theater, nor is she unfamiliar with the Cleveland Orchestra, having sung in its children’s and youth chorus for years.
Jade Gladue is no stranger to musical theater, nor is she unfamiliar with the Cleveland Orchestra, having sung in its children’s and youth chorus for years.
But, being able to perform in the orchestra’s production of Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” is taking things to a whole different level for the 18-year-old Chester Township resident.
“There are definitely nerves, but right now, I feel as though it’s a good amount of nerves. I am not a stranger to singing with the Cleveland Orchestra or performing at Severance Music Center, but this is by far the most high-stakes performance,” she said in a March 29 interview. “That said, I am incredibly excited. I love all of the support that is coming my way. Not only has my family been supportive, but my friends, peers and teachers are also very proud of this accomplishment.”
Indeed Gladue’s excitement laced every word as she spoke about her journey to this moment.
“It feels like a culmination of all of the work I’ve done for the past few years. I sang with the Cleveland Orchestra Children’s Chorus from sixth to eighth grade and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus throughout my high school career,” said Gladue, a senior at Laurel School in Shaker Heights. “I have loved singing ever since I was a kid, but I only ever did musical theater until my mom convinced me to audition for the Children’s Chorus in sixth grade. I have her to thank for where I’ve gotten to today.”
Gladue will be performing in the role of third spirit in the upcoming production.
“I am looking forward to performing with my fellow spirits,” she said. “The role I am a part of is a trio and my fellow spirits, Stephanie Speck (first spirit) and Maren Scott (second spirit) are peers from the youth chorus. I am so happy to be sharing this experience with them.”
Mozart’s timeless classic is considered one of the greatest operas ever written and revolves around the search for truth and reason, love and enlightenment and the use of power for either good or evil purposes. “The Magic Flute,” staged with imaginatively designed puppets, draws audiences into a world where a prince, Tamino, and a princess, Pamina, triumph over every obstacle in their search for wisdom and are finally united in love, according to Cleveland Orchestra’s online writeup of the production.
“‘The Magic Flute’ was already on my radar as something I wanted to go see when it was announced, but getting to perform in it is even cooler,” Gladue said. “Because I got the opportunity for this role through the chorus, I have incredible support from our choral directors, who are helping me prepare for the role and setting me up for success.”
Gladue also touched on how living in Geauga County has offered her connection and support she didn’t otherwise have.
“My mom and I moved to Chesterland in 2016 and it was the first house that was ours and ours alone. We moved to Geauga County for a less suburban experience,” Gladue said. “We have a few acres of land, a dog and two cats, great neighbors and a sense of belonging that wasn’t possible before we moved here. One of the best ways I’ve connected with the community was through playing rec league softball when I was younger.”
Gladue said her mom has been her biggest supporter and will always be an inspiration to her.
“She is a young single mother and has spent her entire life supporting me and what I love to do. Despite not really enjoying theater or classical music, she has made it to every one of my performances,” Gladue said. “I also have family traveling up from Columbus and Cincinnati to come to see the show, and I am so grateful for their support.”
Gladue plans to attend the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College next year to continue an education in music.
“Although my future goals don’t currently involve pursuing music or voice as a full-time career, I love what I do and want to continue to learn and expand my craft as much as I can,” Gladue said. “I will always keep music in my life, even if simply for the joy of singing.”
