The Waterbury Democrat., 1946-04-05
Charming Operatic Star Pleased by CityS Welcome

hAONGd W NGW AAhNSAl'
 And I've had a wonderful well come. Everyone has been so gra- cious and friendly.
 Up to this point, Miss Benzell had lunched at the Elton shortly after her arrival on the one o'clock train, had enjoyed brief chat with relatives, and spent more than an hour having a manicure.
 Just then the orchestra struck the opening bars of 'JeSuis Tttaniia,' '
 Excuse me, just moment said Miss Benzell. You know I've been wondering She listened intently, with ear bent toward the stage, waving her band in keeping with the music.
 "oh, they're really goodl" she ex- claimed. She listened again expec- tantly Why, they're really wonder ful. I'm so pleased, Naturally, l was anxious
 She said her uncle and aunt MT. and Mrs Herman Cohen were her only relatives presently in Wa terbury. Then she remembered
 "Oh, but my brother is going to take up residence here shortly and he's going to open store. Say, this is a good chance to get plug In for him" Turning to Mr. Daly, she said; Don't you thing so". The editor answered in the affirmative,
 Well. let's sec" It was apparent Miss Ben2elPs enthusiasm was reaching new heights. I've got to get 1t right. The store was formerly the Nu-Lane Furniture store, on Center Street, and now it's going to be the Woodhause.
 And another thing. he's vet- eran and like everyone else he can't find an apartment. Hows that2" she said, turning again to MT. Daly apparently pleased with the lark.
 The opera star said she had left Hunter College in her fourth year, explaining, T was engaged to sing or cruise during vacation. And 1t was SO lovely. I looked at the At lantic Ocean, and said to myself, ''What wonderful world 1t Is. I think I'll enjoy 1t for awhile.'
 Sudden Success
 Miss Ben2ell studied at the David Names School. under Madame Olga Eisner Her first professional fob came at Radio City Music Hall, where she was one of the fifty voices in the chorus. From there she went to the Rainbow Room, then to a part in Broadway's pop ular "Rosalinda". Sir Thomas Beecham heard her sing. offered her an addition, and then asked her to sing with him at a Mozart festival in Mexico City. She made her debut in January, lo45, in Mo- zart's "The Magic Flute" in which she sang Queen of the Night" She is the first soprano in several years to sing the role as originally writ ten, without having the aras trans posed into lower regisSr
 Miss Benzell had the following advice to offer to young Waterbury Toys and girls whose ambitions lean toward opera: First, be sure you get an honest opinion concerning your talent" Then she pointed out it really takes three things to achieve success: Courage, ambition, and stick-to-itiveneSs.
 The prima donna said that her life is rigorous, but she thoroughly enjoys the routine. She arises early, sometimes at 5:30 when on tour, and rehearses throughout the morning, sometimes the afternoon and evening. Tn between, must be sandwiched her studies of voice and foreign languages.
 Asked if she enjoyed much social life, she said: "Yes and no. De- pending. of course, on the schedule, which varies daily. But I really l try to limit my social activities. You know you simply can't run around like crazy and give your best"
 The rigid health rules, fads and fancies long publicized as an iIn- porSant factor in the life of oper- atic stars, Miss Benzell labeled as grossly exaggerated"
 You must keep your health above par and care for the throat because it it sensitive. But the rest is not true. However. I do try to Sget sufficient rest. I often think of that famous statement by Schu- mailn- Heink. She said Any darn fool can sing when he's well. but when a singer can do 1t when he's sick. then he's a great artist"
 She admitted, with property mod estry. she was well acquainted with the important people at hte Met, but associated most frequently with the younger group. You know the kids" she said laughingly. mem tloning Hugh Thompson and Re- gina Resnick.
 Yes Miss Benzell hopes for greater victories. She'd like the role of Mimi from La Boheme. and she hopes to combine lyric with c@,o-atufa. The famed music halis of Europe also at-