Only in an opera: Miami’s Elaine Alvarez rises from understudy to star

Elaine_Alvarez_small.pngBY LAWRENCE A. JOHNSON [Miami Herald, 19 November 2007]
It’s the kind of improbable event that usually happens only in 1930s musicals.
The big-ego star becomes so obnoxious she winds up getting fired days before opening night. An unknown understudy goes on in her place, sings magnificently, garners rave reviews and kicks off a successful career.