Sara Peeples is a soprano with St. Petersburg Opera, who over the years has performed in a handful of popular operas, including Madama Butterfly and, currently, Rigoletto.

An opera student since age 16, while still a student at St. Petersburg High School, she has performed with a handful of local operas and in musicals like Into the Woods, Bye Bye Birdie and Chicago. But Rigoletto should be a coming-out for her.

"This is her moment,'' says Mark Sforzini, artistic director and conductor of the company. "It's kind of a natural arc for her to have an opportunity to do a major lead role with the company now.''

Rigoletto debuted Friday and Sunday and will continue again Tuesday at the Palladium Theater, 253 Fifth Ave. N. $21.50-$61.50. (727) 823-2040; stpeteopera.org.

Click here for John Fleming's full story about Peeples and Rigoletto.