The Santa Fe Opera has announced a cast change for Puccini’s “Tosca.”

The company said that soprano Leah Hawkins will sing all remaining performances of “Tosca,” which opened the 2023 Season on June 30 and runs for 11 performances through August 26. This comes as a result of the withdrawal of Angel Blue, who was most recently scheduled for four performances: July 14, 21, August 1, and 7.”

According to a press release, Blue has stepped down from the production due to an unexpected family emergency.

In a statement, she said, “I am deeply saddened to confirm that, due to an unexpected family emergency, I will be canceling all of my professional engagements in the month of July and therefore will be unable to sing the role of Tosca at Santa Fe Opera. I am heartbroken not to be performing this season, as Santa Fe Opera is truly a highlight for any opera singer, but I am confident that the audiences on those nights will be astonished by Leah Hawkins’ phenomenal talent and brilliant interpretation of the title character. I would like to extend my heartfelt apologies for the sudden change, as I know that I would not be the Tosca that Santa Fe Opera deserves while managing this personal matter. Thank you for your understanding.”

Hawkins is set to perform alongside Joshua Guerrero, Freddie De Tommaso, and Reginald Smith, Jr. John Fiore conducts the production by Keith Warner. “Tosca” runs through August 26, 2023.