Of Mice and Men | Curley's Wife

"As the opera’s sole female character, Cadie J. Bryan was electrifying as Curley’s Wife. Her lustrous lyric soprano has gained in weight and allure over past seasons and there is nothing about this challenging vocal writing and complex characterization that eludes her. Her vocal presence is even throughout, and her many effortless leaps above the staff were thrilling. Ms. Bryan’s character is trapped in a loveless, even spiteful marriage, and while she craves male attention and flirts with danger, she admirably maintains an underlying vulnerability that is enormously empathetic. Hers was a resounding achievement in a performance that was chockful of them."

James Sohre | OPERA TODAY

July 20, 2026

"Cadie J. Bryan was a brazen bundle of trouble as Curley’s wife, and she looked smashing in costume designer Kara Harmon’s firmly-in-period 1930s dresses. She approached the testing upper extremes of the role fearlessly."

Eric Myers | CLASSICAL VOICE NORTH AMERICA

July 15, 2026

"The lone woman in this operatic sausage fest was Curley’s Wife, portrayed by Cadie J. Bryan. Floyd didn’t cut the singular female role any slack in this opera, and Bryan handled the challenging vocals well, soaring to great heights before meeting her untimely demise. Bryan’s portrayal of the character was refreshingly sympathetic, painting her as a victim despite her faults."

Meghan Klinkenborg | LITTLE VILLAGE

July 14, 2026