From cheering as a Razorback to enchanting audiences as an operatic pig on the beloved children’s show Peg + Cat, the journey of this voice actor is nothing short of a melodious adventure. Born into a family deeply rooted in music, his path was paved with harmonies and instruments from a young age, leading him to an unexpected yet perfectly fitting role. This is the story of how a background in music education, trumpet performance, and opera culminated in voicing the unforgettable Pig in Peg + Cat.
A Symphony of Childhood Influences
Music wasn’t just a hobby in his household; it was the very foundation of family life. His parents, both music educators, met in a university choir, setting the stage for a home filled with melodies. His father, a band director and saxophonist, and his soprano singer mother, who taught choir, ensured that music permeated every corner of their home. Family sing-alongs, community theatre musicals, and church performances were regular occurrences, fostering a deep love for music in him and his sister. Beyond vocals, the trumpet became another avenue of musical expression for both siblings, leading them to the marching band and further solidifying their musical inclinations.
His academic pursuits mirrored his passion, as he majored in music in college, earning a bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance and music composition. This diverse musical foundation allowed him to explore various genres, from writing for and performing in an eight-piece funk band to leading a nine-piece swing band. These experiences ignited a serious interest in vocal performance, prompting him to pursue a master’s degree in voice. During this period, he broadened his performance experience by acting in plays and singing in musicals and operas, honing his skills across different performance mediums.
Serendipity and the Road to Pig
After completing his formal education, his professional journey took flight in the realms of opera and musicals. This eventually led him to New York City, where he connected with American Opera Projects (AOP), a pivotal organization dedicated to nurturing new operatic works. Unbeknownst to him at the time, AOP held a subtle connection to his future role. Years prior, Billy Aronson, the creator of Peg + Cat, had penned the libretto for an opera titled Fireworks at AOP, where, in a twist of fate, the actor’s future wife, Ann, was a principal singer. Years later, when he himself performed at AOP, the general director’s recommendation would unknowingly set him on the path to becoming the voice of Pig. The director suggested him to Billy Aronson for the role of an operatic Pig in Aronson’s new PBS Kids show, Peg + Cat.
The serendipitous nature of this opportunity wasn’t lost on him. He recounts how his college mascot, the Razorback, a wild boar, felt like a peculiar foreshadowing. As a devoted Razorbacks fan, he enthusiastically embraced the “Hog” spirit, complete with a hog hat and spirited “Woooo, pig soooie!” calls at games and beyond. Even his Twitter handle, @operahog, reflected this playful affinity. Therefore, when the chance to voice an opera-singing pig on television arose, it felt like a role he had been preparing for his entire life – a culmination of his musical journey and even his college mascot enthusiasm.
Channeling Childhood Inspiration: Sesame Street and Imagination
Reflecting on his own childhood television favorites, Sesame Street holds a special place. He fondly remembers the show’s characters, music, and educational approach. Among the characters, Big Bird’s “imaginary friend,” Mr. Snuffleupagus, resonated deeply. He identified with Big Bird’s frustration as other characters dismissed Mr. Snuffleupagus’ existence, despite his own unwavering belief in the woolly mammoth’s reality.
An episode where the Sesame Street cast visited Hawaii and encountered a Mt. Snuffleupagus, a mountain resembling the mammoth, left a lasting impression. This episode sparked his imagination, leading him to see “Mt. Snuffleupagus’” in the landscapes during family road trips, a secret shared only with Big Bird and Snuffy. This childhood connection to imagination and beloved characters likely informs his approach to bringing Pig to life with authenticity and charm.
The Craft of Voice Acting: From Script to Studio
The process of voice work for Peg + Cat is a detailed and collaborative effort. He typically receives the script via email, with his lines highlighted, accompanied by MP3 demos. These demos include a full show recording, his cues with a demo voice, and his cues played on piano. Despite Pig’s operatic singing style, written music scores are not provided, allowing for vocal interpretation and creative freedom.
His preparation begins with immersing himself in the episode. He listens to the audio while following the script to grasp the narrative and Pig’s role within it. Next, he focuses on his individual lines, speaking them to identify intentions and make acting choices that align with Pig’s character. Only after this detailed groundwork does he embark on the enjoyable task of incorporating operatic singing.
He finds amusement in listening to the demo voices, often provided by the writers or composers, as they enthusiastically attempt to embody Pig’s operatic style. For note guidance, he utilizes the piano track. Once he feels he has captured the essence of a line, he records himself and listens back, repeating this process until he achieves a solid foundation for studio refinement. He prioritizes thorough preparation to maximize studio time efficiency.
In the recording studio, he collaborates with Billy Aronson, Jennifer Oxley, and Steve Rebollido. He describes their enthusiastic and positive reactions to his vocal performances as incredibly encouraging, reinforcing the special nature of his contribution to Peg + Cat. This collaborative and appreciative environment is a highlight of his experience as Pig.
Favorite Episodes: Opera Arias and Family Cameos
When asked about favorite Peg + Cat episodes, “The Pig Problem” stands out. In this episode, Pig’s operatic aspirations lead him to perform “Di quella pira” from Verdi’s Il Trovatore, a renowned tenor aria. This performance is made unique by a duet with a brontosaurus soprano with a mosquito phobia, followed by Pig’s aria, complete with a comedic calendar explanation of mosquito seasonality and a dramatic high C. He relishes the opportunity to blend opera with humor in such a distinctive way.
However, his ultimate favorite episode is “Peg Meets Cat,” even though Pig doesn’t appear in it. This episode is special because his own children voiced Baby Peg and Baby Pig. He recounts their effortless performance in the studio, a moment of immense pride and amazement. Despite their young age and lack of recollection of the event, this episode remains a cherished family memory, a testament to the show’s heartwarming themes and his family’s involvement.
The Heart of Pig: Education and Meaningful Contribution
What he cherishes most about playing Pig is being part of a show with a strong educational mission. He emphasizes the importance of Peg + Cat‘s focus on education through math, friendship, art, music, and positive values like compromise, compassion, humor, and love. He recognizes the dedication and talent of the entire Peg + Cat team, who pour their hearts into every detail of each episode. He feels fortunate to contribute to this meaningful project, finding joy in being part of something larger and impactful.
Beyond Pig: A Diverse Musical Landscape
Outside of Peg + Cat, his musical life is remarkably diverse. As a freelance artist, he enjoys the freedom to explore a wide spectrum of musical genres. His engagements range from performing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the New York Philharmonic to collaborating with Madonna at the Met Gala. He seamlessly transitions between operatic repertoire, jazz, rock, Bach, Handel, and various forms of choral music. His performance partners are his regular colleagues from churches, synagogues, recording studios, and concert halls throughout the city. While singing takes precedence, he occasionally revisits the trumpet, hoping to eventually incorporate it into vocal recitals, jazz club performances, funk sessions, and even more music composition projects. Despite a busy schedule, he looks forward to expanding his musical horizons.
Watch Peg + Cat weekdays on PBS KIDS (check local listings).
