21 questions

Deborah Voigt Is Just Trying to Keep Herself From Going Nuts

Name: Deborah Voigt
Age: 49
Neighborhood: Theater district
Occupation: Opera singer. She’ll be appearing in Der Fliegende Holländer at the Metropolitan Opera starting today.

Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
Jack Doulin, casting director, New York Theater Workshop. I’ve never met anyone who seems to thrive on living in this city the way Jack does.

What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
A filet mignon at Ruth’s Chris Steak House.

In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
As I write this, I am wrapping up two months on the road. I feel like my real “job” is trying to keep from going nuts between performances.

Would you live here on a $35,000 salary?
No … don’t think I would try to live here on $35,000 at this point in my life … but I have.

What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
The Royal Family. I have a secret crush on Reg Rogers. Oops! Not a secret anymore. Reg, call me?

Do you give money to panhandlers?
Only if they are entertaining.

What’s your drink?
Apfelschorle … I’m in Zurich! Apple juice and seltzer.

How often do you prepare your own meals?
Does tossing something in a Crock-Pot count as “preparing a meal”? Then, maybe once a week.

What’s your favorite medication?
Tylenol PM. I have terrible sleep patterns.

What’s hanging above your sofa?
A mirror. It was cheaper than artwork.

How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
Fifty dollars, though I haven’t paid that little since I was in college, and certainly not since moving to NYC.

When’s bedtime?
When the Tylenol PM kicks in.

Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
I avoid Times Square whenever possible, though I do enjoy seeing the tourists sitting in the chairs with their jaws hanging open and their eyes bugging out.

What do you think of Donald Trump?
I can’t get past his hair. Sorry, but this is a guy who can afford a haircut no matter what the cost. Come on Donald! Lose the comb-over!

What do you hate most about living in New York?
The traffic.

Who is your mortal enemy?
Phlegm. Hey, I’m an opera singer!

When’s the last time you drove a car?
Can’t remember! Though a few N.Y. taxi drivers would accuse me of trying to do so from the back seat.

How has the Wall Street crash affected you?
I’m going to sing until I’m 100.

Times, Post, or Daily News?
Times. What? The Daily News gave me a better review?? Hmmmmmmm.

Where do you go to be alone?
Bed. Bummer, huh?

What makes someone a New Yorker?
Walking down the sidewalk balancing coffee and not bumping into anyone. Knowing how to hail a taxi. The Korean nail salon knowing your nail color. The phone number of your favorite Chinese-food place memorized. Never sitting in those chairs at Times Square!

Deborah Voigt Is Just Trying to Keep Herself From Going Nuts