Inspirational speaker, jewelry maker and mezzo-soprano opera singer Laurie Rubin
(above right) opens the Columbia Theatre’s 2014-2015 Mainstage season.
The Lions Roar / Megan McCormick
Many are quick to make excuses when it comes to life’s difficulties, but not Laurie Rubin, a 34-year-old California-native opera singer, inspirational speaker and jewelry maker.
This mezzo-soprano vocalist has been blind since birth, but finds peace in her music. On Sunday, Sept. 14, Rubin opened the Columbia Theatre’s 2014-2015 Mainstage season. At 3 p.m., guests were introduced to the comedic singer, who elicited laughter and other emotional responses with her personal stories.
“The most incredible experience I had were the two summers I spent at Tanglewood,” said Rubin. “I figured people might be afraid of me because I was blind, but in that program all the singers bonded through the music. That’s why I chose to pursue this for my whole life, because I felt at home in the music.”
Rubin began as a pianist but changed her forte after listening to the score for “Phantom of the Opera.”
“I saw ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ and I was completely enthralled by the arias that Christine sings. I thought, ‘That’s what I want to sing,’” said Rubin.
In 2012, Rubin released a recital disc and memoir both titled, “Do You Dream in Color?” which tells the story of her life as a blind opera singer.
“Even though I can’t see, I love color,” said Rubin.
Before singing her first song, Rubin told the audience about her guide dog, Mark, who she kept with her during graduate school. While in Paris and New York, Mark would guide Rubin amongst the heavy crowds and traffic along the streets. One day, Rubin, with the help of Mark, faced her biggest fear of crossing the busy intersection between Broadway and 22nd Street.
“Mark gave me my sense of freedom. ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ is a perfect song for someone with a guide dog” said Rubin.
Growing up, Rubin was always told she resembled Barbra Streisand. Inspired by Streisand, Rubin sang a song from the well-known musical, Cats.
“One day I hope to be able to sing for her,” said Rubin.
Rubin and her assistant, Jenny, composed an original song named “The Girl I Am.” The song was written for the girls who felt isolated among the popular girls and had low self-esteem, just as Rubin had once felt.
During the song, “The Girl I Am,” Rubin sings, “Bouncing back is what I do best.”
She lives through this line as her aspirations continue. In addition to her singing and jewelry making, Rubin and her assistant also host a performing arts summer camp in Hawaii, “Inspired by Ohana Arts.”
By doing so, Rubin hopes to give youth ages six to 18 years old the chance to be involved in a musical. Rubin’s goal is to direct a musical with advanced vocals and harmonies while having a relatable storyline. The kids casted in the musical have already began rehearsing.
The musical is tween-fiction, based on Sadako Sasaki, a 12-year-old girl with cancer who finds hope in her sickness as she folds a thousand paper cranes. It is a Japanese legend that doing so may bring good luck. The musical is planned to premiere November in Japan.
“I hope one day you all can be given the opportunity to see it as well,” said Rubin.
For information on future Mainstage performances, visit columbiatheatre.org or call 985-543-4366.