Crossword Genius

Singer in musical production heartlessly cutting second number (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

soprano

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'singer in musical production' is the definition.
'soprano' can be an answer for 'singer' (soprano is a kind of singer). I am unsure of the 'in musical production' bit.

'heartlessly cutting second number' is the wordplay.
'heartlessly cutting second' becomes 'sopra' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'number' becomes 'no.' (abbreviation for 'number').
'sopra'+'no'='SOPRANO'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for soprano that I've seen before include "(Singer of) the highest vocal range" , "Producer of high-pitched sounds" , "Singer who aims high" , "Sutherland?" , "Singer of high notes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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