The Opera World has lost one its its best champions. It was my great pleasure to have worked at DMMO for the wonderful 1993,1994,1995 seasons. When I auditioned for Robert in NYC, he smiled and said “I have been looking for a Regina for many years, and I just found her.” What music to my singer’s ears. Robert made me feel like I was a great artist. He elevated his singers to his very high level and we all did our very best because he loved us all and made us all feel appreciated and special. While we were rehearsing, he decided he didn’t like the set furniture, so he ordered the crew to his own very elegant Victorian living room, and they brought his gorgeous antiques and carpets to complete the exact looked he desired. Nothing was too good for his operas. I returned for the next 2 seasons, doing Ulrica, and then Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd. It was the last opera role I did before embarking on a 14 year stint with The Phantom of the Opera, so DMMO and Robert hold an esteemed and priceless place in my memory. Thank you Robert for believing in me and honoring me with your expertise and friendship. RIP. With love, Sally Williams