Jennifer Hines, who was singing the role of Flosshilde, one of the Rhine daughters, became ill after eating some bad fish on the day of the performance. Lapinski, who had rehearsed Hines in the role—which includes an 18-minute scene in which the daughters simulate swimming in fitted harnesses 30 feet above the stage—fit in Hines' costume and harness and was familiar with the role.

Mezzo-soprano Sarah Heltzel sang the role from the orchestra pit, while Lapinski acted the role onstage.

Stephen Wadsworth, who directed the cycle, said of Lapinski's performance, "Not only did she do the actions, her depth of understanding of how the Rhine daughters were supposed to think and feel was complete."

Speight Jenkins, the company's general director, said, "Gina's actions stagger the imagination. It was as though she had done this scene a hundred times."

Hines has recovered from the food poisoning, and sang the role of Rossweisse in the August 16 performance of Die Walk‹re.