Part 3/10:
Triumph in the Spotlight and Expanding Horizons
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Munsell's career flourished as a soprano, renowned for her roles in coloratura operas such as Adele in The Glitter and the Small and Rosina in The Barber of Seville. Over her 15-year tenure at the Met, she performed more than 200 shows, captivating audiences with her vivacious stage presence, even if critics initially disputed her vocal prowess.
Financially, her success was equally impressive. Her initial contract with the Met paid $40,000 annually—a hefty sum during the 1940s. With additional performances on radio and concert tours, she earned close to $100,000 annually by age 20, a fortune that elevated her lifestyle to that of true bourgeois celebrity.