Central City Opera 2023 Festival Program

October 6-15, 2023

A fairy tale of passion, heartbreak, sorcery and deceit, unfurling on the shores of a moonlit lake.

November 25-December 24, 2023

A dazzling holiday must-see returns. As the fate of one magical night hangs in the balance, Clara’s Nutcracker comes to life for a battle royale.

February 2-11, 2024

Havoc is unleashed on Victorian London when one man struggles with the terrifying dance between the good and evil that lies within.

March 8-17, 2024

When a life-sized doll comes between two village lovers, a young woman dances to the rescue, saving her betrothed from a scheming inventor.

April 12-21, 2024

Testing the limitations of gravity and rhythm, Colorado Ballet presents Bolero , Rubies and a world premiere you will be first to discover.

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Photo Credit: Artists of Colorado Ballet by Rachel Neville

Table of Contents

PRODUCTIONS

2023 FESTIVAL ARTIST

Pierre Mornet is a French illustrator with a poetic style in which feminine characters blend mystery and grace with dreamy intensity. His work is featured in runway shows and storefronts in New York, including Prada, the advertising campaign for Flower by Kenzo perfume, and three seasons of art for the Lille Opera in France. His eye-catching illustrations have appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR, The New Yorker, The Washington Post, Le Monde, The New York Times, and Vogue Japan.

His work is regularly exhibited in galleries in Paris, Japan, and Switzerland.

pierremornet.com

OTHER

FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

Pamela A. Pantos

IN JUST

NINE YEARS,

CENTRAL CITY OPERA (CCO) WILL CELEBRATE ITS 100-YEAR ANNIVERSARY and we look forward to a landmark centennial. As creators of great art and music that resounds through the Rocky Mountains, we are also stewards of a timeless, historical treasure that is woven throughout Colorado’s civic and cultural fabric.

It is thrilling to return to three mainstage performances this season— adding a third production extends the Summer Festival from four to six weeks. The tireless efforts of everyone involved in bringing these productions from a blank slate to brilliant stage performances are evident in every area: from artist casting and our incredible orchestra, to costumes, wigs and makeup, set design and build, the beautification of our gardens, down to the art direction of the stunning program you are holding in your hands. It takes more than a village, it takes the support of the entire City of Central as opera singers, interns, teachers, designers, technicians, crew, staff, musicians, and audiences descend upon the town through the summer to bring this energetic festival to life.

As part of our strategic plan for the sustainability of both CCO and the town of Central City, we have put special emphasis on upgrading and restoring our 26 historic properties. Central City Opera is a non-profit organization and depends on the financial support of donors, foundations, and ticket buyers to ensure that we remain at the forefront of cutting-edge live theater. By renovating these important buildings, we set Central City Opera on a new trajectory into the future. Maintaining these historic properties upholds the community of Central and sets Central City Opera apart from any other performing arts company through our vibrant mountain town setting and unique history.

We are grateful to every single person who has contributed their expertise to Central City Opera and to YOU, who have made the journey “up the hill” to be inspired and entertained. Thank you for joining us for the 91st festival season and for your continued support of Central City Opera.

Enjoy the spectacular performances!

All my best,

Pamela A. Pantos

FROM THE BOARD CO-CHAIRS

Roopesh

Aggarwal and Heather Miller

WELCOME TO CENTRAL CITY OPERA’S 91st ANNIVERSARY SEASON!

If not for the vision of two dedicated women, we would not be sitting in our beautiful opera house today. Anne Evans and Ida Kruse McFarlane’s tireless efforts formed the Central City Opera House Association in 1932, and the foundation of this company is built on their spirit of generosity. In just nine short years we will celebrate our 100th anniversary, and that spirit of grit and generosity is still thriving. We know that Central City Opera will continue to grow and flourish, and we look forward to celebrating with you in 2032. But today, we certainly wouldn’t be here without the following individuals and organizations:

• The residents and community leaders of Central City for supporting the arts during the past several years;

• The Central City Opera staff for bringing us out of the pandemic stronger than we entered;

• The Board of Directors, Honorary Board, and all of our volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources to this organization;

• All of our patrons, subscribers, volunteers, corporate partners, and generous donors for your continued dedication to Central City Opera;

• And the singers, directors, stagehands, designers, makeup artists, orchestra members, interns, and everyone else behind the scenes who have devoted their summer to creating this beautiful art form.

We also couldn’t fulfill our vision of using the power of the arts and historic preservation to enhance lives and communities without each and every one of you. This season we are thrilled to return to three mainstage productions. Under the skillful leadership of John Baril, Pamela A. Pantos, the entire staff, and Board of Directors, we can assure you this will be our best season yet. We are honored to share it with you.

We are now in the final stages of our Voice Your Dreams Endowment Campaign—a critical part of shepherding Central City Opera toward a sustainable financial future. The campaign is building a lasting foundation for future generations to experience the extraordinary music and history that enhance our lives today. Thank you to those who have already contributed. We ask all patrons to consider making a campaign gift and be a part of a legacy that will endure for years to come.

Again, thank you for being a part of the past, present, and future of Central City Opera.

Roopesh Aggarwal and Heather Miller Co-Chairs, Central City Opera Board of Directors

Board of Directors & VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

DIRECTORS

Roopesh Aggarwal, Co-Chair

Heather Kemper Miller, Co-Chair

John Kure, Treasurer

Sarah Woods, Secretary

Carole J. Yaley, Vice-Chair

Nancy S. Parker, Chair Emeritus

J. Landis Martin, Chair Emeritus

Daniel L. Ritchie, Chair Emeritus

Anne McGonagle, Former Co-Chair

Louise Atkinson

Pamela Bansbach

Kristin Bender

Linda Fullerton Clark

Ann Collier

Melinda Couzens

Christina Dinegar

Ronald Engels

Richard A. Goozh

Newell Grant

Lisa Haselden

Christoph Heinrich

Kevin Kearney

Josh Navarro

Susan B. Rawley

Karen Ritz

Laura Trask Schneider

Eli Wald

Tim Walker

Brian M. Weldon

Robert “Sonny” Wiegand II

HONORARY BOARD

Gerald Bader

The Honorable Jack W. Berryhill

Barbara Danos

Barbara Ferguson

Jeannie Fuller

Gail Gordon

James R. Hilger, Jr.

Michael Huseby

Dr. Gregg Kvistad

Larry J. Manion

Edward C. Nichols

Daniel L. Ritchie

Robert D. Showalter

Phoebe Smedley

George Ann Victor

EX-OFFICIO BOARD

Nancy M. Hemming President, Central City Opera Guild

Dr. Jeremy Haefner Chancellor, University of Denver

The Honorable Michael B. Hancock Mayor, City of Denver

The Honorable Jeremy Fey Mayor, City of Central

The Honorable Jared Polis Governor, State of Colorado

Central City Opera continues to build its advocacy councils to represent the company and to bring an important perspective regarding trends throughout the world of opera.

NATIONAL ADVOCACY COUNCIL

Elisabeth M. Armstrong, Chair

Dallas, TX

Alice Bass

Dallas, TX

Robert A. Ellis

San Francisco, CA

Eva Womack

Austin, TX

REGIONAL ADVOCACY COUNCIL

Tricia Dickinson

William Lynn Dixon

Nancy Hemming

Tammy and Tom Kenning

Marcia Ragonetti

Karen Ritz

Linda Weise

Andrew Yarosh

ENDOWMENT FUND BOARD

J. Landis Martin President

Nancy S. Parker

Secretary/Treasurer

Roopesh Aggarwal

Jim Palenchar

Sarah Rockwell

Robert A. Unger

VOICE YOUR DREAMS ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Anne McGonagle Chair

Lanny and Sharon Martin

Honorary Chairs

Daniel L. Ritchie

Honorary Chair

Melinda Couzens

Richard Goozh

Heidi Hoyt

Ed Nichols

Nancy S. Parker

Karen Ritz

Dory Vanderhoof

Robert “Sonny” Wiegand II

Carole J. Yaley

Festival Calendar

SAT JUNE 24

Opening Dinner 5:00 pm

Romeo & Juliet 7:00 pm

FRI JUNE 30

Romeo & Juliet 7:00 pm

SAT JULY 1

Opening Dinner 5:00 pm

Kiss Me, Kate 7:00 pm

SUN JULY 2

Opera Bus 9:30/10:15 am

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Romeo & Juliet 2:00 pm

WED JULY 5

Opera Bus 9:30/10:15 am

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Kiss Me, Kate 2:00 pm

FRI JULY 7

Kiss Me, Kate 7:00 pm

Après Opera

SAT JULY 8 Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works

Romeo & Juliet 2:00 pm

SUN JULY 9

Opera

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Kiss Me, Kate 2:00 pm

WED JULY 12

Opera Bus 9:30/10:15 am

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Romeo & Juliet 2:00 pm

FRI JULY 14

FRI JULY 28

Romeo & Juliet 2:00 pm

(Nina Odescalchi Kelly Young Artists Matinee)

SAT JULY

SAT JULY 29

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Othello 2:00 pm

Kiss Me, Kate 7:00 pm

SUN JULY

Après Opera

SUN JULY 30

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Romeo & Juliet 2:00 pm

Talkback 5:30 pm

WED AUG 2

Opera Bus 9:30/10:15 am

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Romeo & Juliet 2:00 pm

FRI AUG 4

Othello 7:00 pm

Après Opera

Short Works 12:45 pm

Kiss Me, Kate 2:00 pm

Talkback 5:30 pm

SUN JULY 23

Opera Bus 9:30/10:15 am

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Othello 2:00 pm

Talkback 5:30 pm

WED JULY 26

Opera Bus 9:30/10:15 am

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Kiss Me, Kate 2:00 pm

Buy Tickets: centralcityopera.org | 303-292-6700

Handling fees apply. Central City Opera utilizes demand-based pricing

SAT AUG 5

Lunch & a Song 11:15 am

Short Works 12:45 pm

Romeo & Juliet 2:00 pm

Kiss Me, Kate 7:00 pm

SUN AUG 6

Othello 2:00 pm

OPERA NOTES

Join a member of the artistic staff for a free pre-show talk 45 minutes prior to each performance of Romeo & Juliet, Kiss Me, Kate, and Othello at the Williams Stables Theatre.

Matinees 1:15pm / Evenings 6:15pm

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation ARTISTS TRAINING PROGRAM

At 8,500 Feet Above Sea Level, Young Singers Learn How to Succeed

THERE ARE MANY PLACES TO LEARN HOW TO SING; there are few places to learn how to be a performing artist. The difference is subtle, but it is a difference on which Central City Opera has built an effective and successful training program perennially sought after by gifted young singers.

Since 1978, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program has been an integral part of Central

City Opera’s annual summer Opera Festival in Central City. Named in honor of a unique endowment gift from the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, the Artists Training Program has become a national model for the comprehensive development of young singers.

The 10-week program includes daily opera training in diction, movement, stage combat, makeup and costuming, and individual vocal coaching. Young artists

Named in honor of a unique endowment gift from the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, the Artists Training Program has become a national model for the comprehensive development of young singers.

also learn about career management through audition technique classes and performance portfolio workshops, between their daily rehearsals and performances.

You can catch the young artists performing during the Festival in roles and ensembles for main stage shows, at Short Works, Lunch & A Song recitals, and in the Nina Odescalchi Kelly Young Artists Matinee.

To learn more about the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program, go to centralcityopera.org/artists-training-program.

Education & Community Engagement

Uplifting Kids and Communities through the Performing Arts

CENTRAL CITY OPERA BRINGS ART AND MUSIC to a variety of spaces and places, from schools to senior centers, and parks to performing arts complexes all over the Front Range and beyond. Through education and community engagement programming throughout the year, we share the multidisciplinary art form that is opera.

Sometimes, that means providing large-scale performances like Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World. Other times, it is supporting social emotional learning (SEL) in classroom settings through Mindfulness, Music, & the Voice. And sometimes, it is leading kids through a colossal integrative process over many weeks to create and present their own original show through the Music Words Opera residency program. We are dedicated to serving our communities and collaborators and meeting their needs by new and creative means.

Working in opera engagement is fun and uplifting! We enjoy the opportunity to connect with students, families and community members, and we’d love to share that with you, too. Learn more about our programs at centralcityopera.org/education.

2022-23 ECE PROGRAMS

En Mis Palabras: In My Own Words

Exhibitor at CMEA

¡Fiesta! A Celebration of Hispanic and Latin American Song

Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World

How the West Was Sung

Lectures

Mindfulness, Music, and the Voice

Musical Menagerie

Music! Words! Opera! In-School Residencies

Opera on the Go

Opera on the Green

Opera Storytime

Storytelling with Sound

2022 CCO PRESENTS

Amahl and the Night Visitors

Art and Music Concerts

Plein Air Festival

photos by amanda tipton.

“Thank you for teaching us about mindfulness, music, and the arts!” Ms. Fellows & Mr. Diaz’s 4th Grade students

In 2022-2023 Central City Opera’s Education and Community Engagement department collaborated with the following community partners:

Anythink Libraries

Applewood Valley Church

Arapahoe Phil

Boulder Phil

Centro San Juan Diego

Children’s Hospital Colorado

The Collaborative of the SCFD

Colorado College Department of Music

Community Resources, Inc.

Concordia on the Lake

First United Methodist Church Boulder

Grand Arts Council

Inside the Orchestra

Marycrest Assisted Living

Opera Colorado

The People’s Building

Prospect Hall, Wheat Ridge Senior Center

Rocky Mountain Public Media

Trinity Music & Arts Ministries

Trinity UMC Chancel Choir

Thank you to the 2022-2023 roster of Central City Opera Touring Artists:

Allen Adair, bass-baritone

Steven Aguiló-Arbues, piano

Alice Alister, production assistant

Miguel Àngel Ortega Bañales, tenor

Sarah Barber, mezzo soprano*

Iliana Lucero Barron, director*

Mallory Bernstein, piano

Humberto Borboa, tenor

Adam Buer, classical guitar

Christie Conover, soprano

Armando Contreras, baritone

Teresa Crane, piano

Jennifer DeDominici, mezzo soprano*

Kira Dills-DeSurra, mezzo soprano

Adam Ewing, baritone

Maria Jose Fabara, soprano

Elizabeth Gangware, mezzo soprano

Cody Guy Garrison, piano

Phoenix Gayles, soprano

Adelina Gonzales, design and production

Kristin Gornstein, mezzo soprano

Daniela Guzmán-Égüez, soprano*

Paul Griggsby, bass-baritone

Jack Harless, bass-baritone

Alejandro Izurieta, tenor

Ekaterina Kotcherguina, soprano

AJ Kazlouski, visual artist

Kyrie Laybourn, soprano

Nicole London, soprano*

Amy Maples, soprano

Jaime McNear, costumes

Melaina Mills, soprano*

Ellen Kessie Moeller, mezzo soprano

Emily Murdock, soprano*

Zeky Nadji, baritone*

Margaret Ozaki Graves, soprano*

Oliver Poveda, bass

Amanda Raddatz, soprano*

Marcia Ragonetti, mezzo soprano

Chad Reagan, baritone

Rebecca Robinson, mezzo soprano

Pablo Romero, tenor

Deborah Schmit-Lobis, piano, composer/arranger*

Chloe Scull, soprano

Jeremy Reger, piano

Jerome Síbulo, baritone

Jill Skinner, mezzo soprano

Leslie Remmert Soich, mezzo soprano

Kim Stanish, mezzo soprano

Erin Joy Swank, stage manager

Joey Taczak, tenor

Steven Taylor, baritone

Malcolm Ulbrick, baritone*

Jacob Wooden, tenor

Travis Yamamoto, piano

Joshua Zabatta, tenor*

*designates Teaching Artist

The Williams’ Stables: A Cornerstone of Central City History

BY LINDA JONES AND ERIN OSOVETS

ONCE THE SITE OF HENRY TELLER’S LOG CABIN, the old livery across the street from the Teller House was constructed in 1876 and purchased by Gilpin County Sheriff Dick Williams in 1880. Known today as the Williams’ Stables, it is owned by Central City Opera (CCO) and used as a recital and lecture space during the Summer Festival. The juxtaposition between its Western mining history and present-day theater function is evident by the years of Festival billboards intermixed with chiseled wood beams, a remaining hay pulley, and hand painted signs on the façade.

Richard Broad Williams, known as Dick Williams, was born in 1847 in England, like so many of Central City’s Cornish residents. His family emigrated to Nevadaville, Colorado, in 1868, where Dick met and married Libbie Bartel. They had eleven children, only five of whom lived to adulthood. Known as “Mr. Gilpin County,” Dick was heavily involved in the area’s politics, business, and sports. He was a renowned wrestler and boxer who was said to treat his opponents to a drink at the Teller House after a fight.

The owner of several businesses between Nevadaville and Central City, Dick opened the Williams’ Stables in 1891. Henry Teller had seen the need for a livery to serve the guests of the Teller House hotel, and Dick expanded the business into a stables and hauling business. It’s difficult to overstate the importance of horses and wagons prior to the automobile. Every pound of ore that moved from mine to mill, all the coal, timber, and supplies that traveled between stores and residences were transported by horse and wagon. Central City boasted five other liveries, but Williams’ was the largest and best equipped.

Beginning in 1879, Dick was elected Sheriff of Gilpin County four times, County Commissioner in 1892, and mayor of Central City twice. He had just completed his second term as mayor when he was tragically killed. In April 1896, Dick was working at the Stables when he heard a commotion at what is now the location of the Century Casino. In true Wild West fashion, two men had pulled a gun on Judge Arrighi and another attorney at the Justice of the Peace office. City Marshall Mike Heleher responded to the scene but was shot before he could enter. Dick Williams arrived soon after and found himself in a shootout with one of the intruders. A bullet tore through Dick’s right side and lodged itself beneath the skin of his left hip. He died four days later, on April 19, at age 48.

The funeral was the first and last ever to be held in the Opera House. Hundreds filled the seats, with even more listening to the service from outside on Eureka Street. Four of the town’s religious leaders participated in the service, and all of Central City’s businesses— even several mines—closed down for the duration of the funeral. The procession included 116 horse-drawn vehicles, 27 horseman, and numerous lodge members and firemen who walked the 2.5 miles uphill to Bald Mountain Cemetery, Dick Williams’ final resting place. For the next thirty years, Dick’s son Oscar continued to run the Williams’ Stables and followed in his father’s footsteps as Sheriff of Gilpin County from 1922 through 1946. Central City Opera purchased the Williams’ Stables from the city in 1953.

As part of a larger vision for the preservation of Colorado history, Central City Opera is focused on strategically investing in essential repairs, restorations, improvements, and the winterization of the 26 historic properties and other facilities it owns in the town of Central City. In the fall of 2022, CCO was awarded a State Historical Fund Planning Grant to reimagine the Williams’ Stables as a community space for partner organizations and local use. By allowing more people to experience this historic asset and unique community, the Williams’ Stables will serve as a cornerstone of Central City Opera’s plan toward its centennial anniversary in 2032.

To learn more about Central City Opera’s historic preservation work, visit centralcityopera.org/history.

Known as “Mr. Gilpin County,” Dick was heavily involved in the area’s politics, business, and sports. He was a renowned wrestler and boxer who was said to treat his opponents to a drink at the Teller House after a fight.

Aspen Opera Theater and VocalARTS

Renée Fleming, co-artistic director Patrick Summers, co-artistic director

Don’t miss the opera world’s leading minds directing, leading, and teaching the most promising young singers of the moment in classes, recitals, and two staged opera performances with full orchestra.

Jimmy López Bellido’s Bel Canto

DIRECTOR Kevin Newbury | CONDUCTOR Patrick Summers

July 21 | 7 pm | Benedict Music Tent

Mozart’s Idomeneo Starring Matthew Polenzani DIRECTOR Francesca Zambello | CONDUCTOR Robert Spano

August 17 | 7 pm | Benedict Music Tent

PHOTO CREDIT: MARTHA WIRTH

Roméo et Juliette

COMPOSER

LIBRETTISTS

CHARLES GOUNOD

JULES BARBIER AND MICHEL CARRÉ

JOHN BARIL AND BRANDON ELDREDGE* DIRECTOR

CONDUCTOR

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

DAN WALLACE MILLER

DANA KINNEY

SET DESIGNER MATTHEW S. CRANE

LIGHTING DESIGNER

ABIGAIL HOKE-BRADY

ORIGINAL COSTUME DESIGNER ROBERT PERDZIOLA

WIG/MAKEUP DESIGNER RONELL OLIVERI

CHORUS MASTER

MUSICAL PREPARATION

FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER

BRANDON ELDREDGE

MICHAEL BAITZER, JEREMY REGER AND SHELBY RHOADES

MATT HERNDON

STAGE MANAGER MARGARET KAYES

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

SUPERTITLES

AURA MICHELLE MAGNIEN

KRISTIN DITLOW

* Conducting all remaining performances beginning July 12, 2023

ROMÉO ET JULIETTE Cast

IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE

TYBALT KAMERON ALSTON

PARIS SKYLER SCHLENKER

COMTE CAPULET ADAM CIOFFARI

JULIETTE MADISON LEONARD

MERCUTIO SHEA OWENS

ROMÉO RICARDO GARCIA

GERTRUDE SARAH NEAL

GRÉGORIO GEOFFREY SCHMELZER

FRÈRE LAURENT WEI WU

STÉPHANO SABLE STROUT

BENVOLIO DYLAN SCHANG LE DUC ERROL-WESLEY SHAW

The conductor’s podium is endowed in perpetuity by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation Costumes are the property of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. Costumes designed by Robert Perdziola English captions created for Minnesota Opera by Dale Johnson

The matinee performance of this production on July 28 is presented by The Nina Odescalchi Kelly Family Matinee Performance Fund

Avenir Foundation, Inc.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA FESTIVAL SPONSORS

• Pamela and Louis Bansbach

Citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District

Heather and Mike Miller

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation

Margaret and Stan Baker

Erin Nichols

• Central City Opera House Association Endowment Fund

• El Pomar Foundation

• Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson

• John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich

PRESENTING SPONSORS

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Fuller II

• Lanny and Sharon Martin

• Mr. and Mrs. Brian Woods

• The Virginia W. Hill Foundation

Lizabeth A. Lynner and James L. Palenchar

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

• The Kemper Family Foundations

• Kristin and James Bender

• Max Nichols

• Nancy S. Parker

Estate of Mr. John R. Starkey

Anonymous

• City of Central

• John and Melinda Couzens

• Karen and Andrew Ritz

• James and Kathy Switzer

• Phoebe Smedley

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle

• Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

• Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation

PERFORMANCE SPONSORS

• Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Accetta

• Charles and Joan Albi

The Butler Family Fund of The Denver Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Erzinger

Gates Family Foundation

• Carole J. Yaley

• Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Bader, Jr.

• Colorado Creative Industries

• First Western Trust

• Mrs. Helen M. Hallin

Joseph Haarer Group – LIV Sotheby’s

Robert Montgomery

• Heidi Burose

• The Dinegar Family

• John and Jeannie Fuller

• Jane Hascall

• Mr. James R. Hilger, Jr.

• Robert A. Ellis

• Beverlee Henry Fullerton

• Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust

• Dr. Sarah K. Scott and Mr. Kevin Kearney

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schneider

Trask Family Foundation

• Jeanne Land Foundation

• Mr. Tyler Ray and Ms. Ann Collier

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Unger

• Pam and Sonny Wiegand

• Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie

• Xcel Energy Foundation

ALSTON CIOFFARI LEONARD OWENS GARCIA WU STROUT

BY DR. JOSEPH V. NELSON

Charles Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette renders Shakespeare’s immortal tale of star-crossed lovers in the dreamlike world of French opera. Pared down from the original text, the libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré focuses the drama more closely on the pair of young lovers, with the opening prologue giving way to the Act 1 masked ball, where Tybalt reassures Paris that he will fall in love with the young Juliet before Capulet escorts his daughter into the hall and invites his guests into the dance. When the stage clears, Romeo, Mercutio, and Benvolio come out of hiding, at which point Romeo explains a foreboding dream he had about the adventure to come. Mercutio dismisses the vision as a fantasy woven by the fairy Queen Mab in Mab, reine des mensonges. Romeo suddenly catches sight of Juliet and instantly falls for the young beauty. Juliet’s nurse Gertrude enters and praises Paris, to which Juliet responds that she is not interested in marriage in the lighthearted coloratura of Je veux vivre. Romeo and Juliet then meet and realize their destinies are entwined before Tybalt happens upon them, realizes their identities, and is restrained from chasing off Romeo and his friends by Capulet.

Tybalt challenging Mercutio to a duel. Romeo appears and asks Tybalt to stop the fight. Mercutio is then wounded by Tybalt and Romeo seeks revenge, mortally wounding his rival. With a fanfare, the Duke arrives and both families cry for justice, at which point the Duke exiles Romeo from Verona.

Act 2 opens in the Capulet’s garden at night. Romeo compares Juliet to the morning sun in the aria Ah! lèvetoi soleil!, at which point she appears on her balcony and Romeo reveals himself and declares his love. They sing the duet O nuit divine, in which Juliet confirms that she will marry him. Act 3 finds the pair in Friar Laurence’s cell as the two young lovers convince the friar to marry them, which he does, with the help of Gertrude, in Dieu qui fis l’homme à ton image. The next scene opens with Stéphano taunting the Capulets by singing about a dove held captive by vultures in Que fais-tu, blanche tourterelle, which then draws the Capulet servants out of the house. Stéphano repeats the refrain of his song in their presence and challenges one of them to a duel. They are joined by Mercutio and Benvolio and then Tybalt and Paris. Mercutio grows angry that the Capulet is dueling a child, which leads to

The opening of Act 4 finds Romeo in Juliet’s room, with the instrumental prelude of four cellos providing a sensuous backdrop to their wedding night. Juliet pardons Romeo for having killed her kinsman and the two sing of their love in the slow section of the duet Nuit d’hyménée, their voices moving in parallel to symbolize their union. Romeo breaks away when he hears the morning lark, but Juliet refuses to believe him until she realizes morning has come and they sing an extended goodbye. Juliet’s father Capulet enters and informs her that she will marry Paris. Juliet falls into despair and seeks out Friar Laurence, who suggests that she use a potion to fake her death. They then plan to have Romeo meet her in the tomb. Juliet agrees to the plan and bolsters her resolve with the heroic melody of her aria Amour ranime mon courage. The next scene finds her led on a wedding march with guests offering well wishes and gifts. But as Capulet leads her to the chapel, she collapses, and he believes she is dead.

The last act opens in the tomb, with Friar Laurence learning that Romeo has not received the letter and attempting to alert him to the plan. The message does not arrive, however, and when Romeo finds Juliet, he believes her dead and drinks a vial of poison. At that moment she wakes up and they sing about their love in music that recalls melodies from their earlier moments in the opera. As he weakens, she finds the sword she hid among her clothes and stabs herself. She then sings in the key of Romeo’s first declaration of love in Act 2, before they make one final effort to ask for divine clemency before they die.

Director's Note: ROMÉO ET JULIETTE

THE PANTHEON OF OPERA is replete with mythic lovers, totemic ideals of romance and passion: Tristan and Isolde, Orpheus and Eurydice, Romeo and Juliet. Outside of an outsized and burning desire, all these devoted pairs have one thing in common – they all end in death. Juliet and Romeo have become defined by their fiery, devoted, and brief attraction. They have become to us the platonic ideal of romance. But to better understand this passion we must understand its context. Romeo and Juliet’s love is not one that transcends time and echoes through the ages, it is born out of lust, angst, strife, and defiance. It is the profound echo of an adolescence we all have experienced. Romeo and Juliet exist in a world of constant and acutely meaningless sectarian violence. In a world where adults in positions of power blindly adhere to a generational conflict with no origin in memory. Two teenagers’ hurricane of uncontrollable emotion and attraction is not just sanity by comparison, but the only source of compassion. When Romeo meets Juliet, lust meets rebellion.

Romeo and Juliet’s love is not unattainable or beyond our understanding, it is in fact one that all of us have experienced in one way or another, and one that most of us have left behind or grown beyond. The crux and the tragedy of this story is in its conclusion, one born from impatience, rashness, and the naivety of youth, but whose senselessness and sorrow brings reason back to the unreasonable. In a world of ceaseless partisan violence, the blind yearning of an unwise attraction can lead the way back to understanding.

WALLACE MILLER

Romeo and Juliet’s love is not unattainable or beyond our understanding, it is in fact one that all of us have experienced in one way or another, and one that most of us have left behind or grown beyond.

DAN

Kiss Me, Kate

Sponsored by Pamela and Louis Bansbach

MUSIC AND LYRICS

BOOK

COLE PORTER

SAM AND BELLA SPEWACK

ADAM TURNER DIRECTOR

CONDUCTOR

CHOREOGRAPHER

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

SET DESIGNER

LIGHTING DESIGNER

KEN CAZAN

DANIEL PELZIG

ZANE A. ALCORN

MATTHEW S. CRANE

ABIGAIL HOKE-BRADY

ORIGINAL COSTUME DESIGNER JEFF MAHSHIE

WIG/MAKEUP DESIGNER RONELL OLIVERI

CHORUS MASTER BRANDON ELDREDGE

MUSICAL PREPARATION

STAGE MANAGER

JEREMY REGER AND KRISTIN DITLOW

CHARLIE LOVEJOY

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER AURA MICHELLE MAGNIEN

Kiss Me, Kate is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. concordtheatricals.com

KISS ME, KATE Cast

IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE

POPS (STAGE DOORMAN) ALEXANDER KAPP

FIRST STAGEHAND/NATHANIEL ERROL-WESLEY SHAW

SECOND STAGEHAND/PHILIP DANIEL MILLER

THIRD STAGEHAND/ HABERDASHER ZEKY NADJI

HATTIE SARAH DYER

WARDROBE LADY MELANIE DUBIL

PAUL STEPHEN WALLEY

RALPH DAVID R. BAKER II

DANCE CAPTAIN/GREGORY GRAHAM BROOKS

FRED GRAHAM/PETRUCHIO JONATHAN HAYS

HARRY TREVOR/BAPTISTA ROBERT ONUSKA

LILLI VANESSI/KATHARINE (KATE) EMILY BROCKWAY LOIS LANE/BIANCA LAUREN GEMELLI

BILL CALHOUN/LUCENTIO JEFFREY SCOTT PARSONS

FIRST MAN ADELMO GUIDARELLI

SECOND MAN ISAIAH FEKEN

GREMIO/FLYNT JORDAN COSTA

HORTENSIO/RILEY ZACHARY BRYANT

GENERAL HARRISON HOWELL MATTHEW COSSACK

DANCERS NU-WORLD CONTEMPORARY DANSE THEATRE

The conductor’s podium is endowed in perpetuity by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation

Costumes designed by Jeff Mahshie provided by Broadway Sacramento

This production is presented by Pamela and Louis Bansbach

Sound Design & Amplification sponsored by Kristin and James Bender

CENTRAL CITY OPERA FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Avenir Foundation, Inc. • Pamela and Louis Bansbach • Central City Opera House Association Endowment Fund

Citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District • El Pomar Foundation • Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson • Lanny and Sharon Martin

Heather and Mike Miller • John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation • Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Fuller II

Margaret and Stan Baker

Erin Nichols

• Mr. and Mrs. Brian Woods

• The Virginia W. Hill Foundation

Lizabeth A. Lynner and James L. Palenchar

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

• The Kemper Family Foundations

• Kristin and James Bender

• Max Nichols

• Nancy S. Parker

Estate of Mr. John R. Starkey

Anonymous

• City of Central

• John and Melinda Couzens

• Karen and Andrew Ritz

• James and Kathy Switzer

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle

• Phoebe Smedley • Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

• Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation

PERFORMANCE SPONSORS

• Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Accetta

• Charles and Joan Albi

The Butler Family Fund of The Denver Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Erzinger

Gates Family Foundation

• Carole J. Yaley

• Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Bader, Jr.

• Colorado Creative Industries

• First Western Trust

• Mrs. Helen M. Hallin

Joseph Haarer Group – LIV Sotheby’s

Robert Montgomery

• Heidi Burose

• The Dinegar Family

• John and Jeannie Fuller

• Jane Hascall

• Mr. James R. Hilger, Jr.

• Robert A. Ellis

• Beverlee Henry Fullerton

• Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust

• Dr. Sarah K. Scott and Mr. Kevin Kearney

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schneider

Trask Family Foundation

• Jeanne Land Foundation

• Mr. Tyler Ray and Ms. Ann Collier

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Unger

• Pam and Sonny Wiegand

• Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie

• Xcel Energy Foundation

PARSONS GUIDARELLI FEKEN HAYS BROCKWAY GEMELLI

BY DR. JOSEPH V. NELSON

INSPIRED BY THE REAL-LIFE BATTLING HUSBANDAND-WIFE ACTORS Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in their 1935 production of The Taming of the Shrew, this Cole Porter gem is a play within a play and art imitating life. Kiss Me, Kate follows the swaggering Fred Graham and his ex-wife, movie star Lilli Vanessi, as they prepare for the opening night of Taming of the Shrew. The pair attempt to revive their theater careers while navigating tumultuous and unresolved feelings for each other. This is complicated by Fred’s lusting after the supporting actress Lois Lane and Lane’s wastrel boyfriend Bill, who plays her love interest in the play. The drama unfolds both on- and offstage as egos, ambition, and passion drive the couples into an effervescent mix of silly hijinks and sweet devotions. Much like the Shakespeare on

which it is based, the question for a modern audience is whether Lilli/Katherine is tamed or whether she does the taming. The magic of the musical comes in with Lois’s frank outlook on relationships, which she explains to Bill in Always True to You in My Fashion and with Fred and Lilli’s enduring and shared passion. The show opened on Broadway in the New Century Theatre on December 30, 1948, where it ran for nineteen months before then transferring to the Schubert on Broadway. It won the first Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949, its 1949 original cast recording was the first musical inducted into the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, and in 1998 that recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. It has remained one of the most iconic shows in the American Musical Theater repertoire.

Scenes and Musical Numbers

ACT ONE

Overture

Another Opening, Another Show - Hattie and Company

Why Can't You Behave? - Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun

Wunderbar - Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi

So in Love - Lilli Vanessi

We Open in Venice - Fred Graham, Lilli Vanessi, Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun

Tom, Dick or Harry - Bianca, Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio

I've Come to Wive it Wealthily in Padua - Fred Graham and The Men

I Hate Men - Lilli Vanessi

Were Thine That Special Face - Fred Graham

We Sing of Love (Cantiamo D'Amore) - Lois Lane, Bill Calhoun and Ensemble

Kiss Me, Kate - Fred Graham, Lili Vanessi and Ensemble

ACT TWO

Too Darn Hot - Paul and Ensemble

Where is the Life That Late I Led? - Fred Graham

Always True to You in My Fashion - Lois Lane

From This Moment On - Harrison Howell and Lilli Vanessi

Bianca - Bill Calhoun and Company

So in Love - (Reprise) Fred Graham

Brush Up Your Shakespeare - First Gangster and Second Gangster

I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple - Lilli Vanessi

Kiss Me, Kate - (Reprise) Company

Director's Note: KISS ME, KATE

TO SAY IT IS A PRIVILEGE to create a production of this timeless masterpiece is an understatement. Cole Porter was an active participant in the birth of the Golden Age of Musical Theatre, alongside such immortals as Rodgers and Hammerstein and Irving Berlin. Porter began as a Tin Pan Alley composer/lyricist, a rarity back then. Composers almost always depended on a separate collaborator to create words, but the lyrics were generally created after the tune had been written. Unlike in classical music and operetta, the words were created to fit the notes.

In contrast with the bulk of his peers, Porter had an upper-class upbringing and education (as a student at Yale, he wrote the Bingo Eli Yale fight song, which is still sung today). Even though he came from money he had to pay his artistic dues, and it took him a while to establish himself. By the time Kiss Me, Kate came

around, he was well known as a “society” composer/ lyricist. His verses were witty, clever, and full of what could be construed as elite sensibilities. Kiss Me, Kate is no exception. It sparkles from the very beginning to its final, touching happy ending. It is well aided by the funny, acerbic book of Bella and Samuel Spewack. The back and forth of the “play within the play” convention still works wonderfully to keep our brains activated and involved in the story and drama. In my design, I have opted to keep the show bright and to take a late-1940s/ early 1950s graphic approach to the look, keeping the piece light and fun. The approach is very story-theater, which will facilitate an evening that moves swiftly forward.

It sparkles from the very beginning to its final, touching happy ending. The back and forth of the "play within the play" convention still works wonderfully to keep our brains activated and involved in the story and drama.

KEN CAZAN

Otello

COMPOSER

LIBRETTIST

GIOACHINO ROSSINI

FRANCESCO BERIO DI SALSA

JOHN BARIL DIRECTOR

CONDUCTOR

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

ASHRAF SEWAILAM

BARBARA POLL

SET DESIGNER MATTHEW S. CRANE

LIGHTING DESIGNER

COSTUME DESIGNER

COSTUME DRAPER

ABIGAIL HOKE-BRADY

MADISON BOOTH

SARAH ZINN

WIG/MAKEUP DESIGNER RONELL OLIVERI

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR BRANDON ELDREDGE

CHORUS MASTER

MUSICAL PREPARATION

BRANDON ELDREDGE

MICHAEL BAITZER, KRISTIN DITLOW AND SHELBY RHOADES

STAGE MANAGER MARGARET KAYES

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

SUPERTITLES

CHARLIE LOVEJOY

JEREMY REGER

By arrangement with Hendon Music, Inc., a Boosey & Hawkes company, Sole Agent in the U.S., Canada and Mexico for Casa Ricordi/Universal Music Publishing Ricordi S.R.L., publisher and copyright owner

OTELLO Cast

IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE

OTELLO KENNETH TARVER

THE DOGE DANIEL MILLER

IAGO BERNARD HOLCOMB

RODRIGO CHRISTOPHER BOZEKA

ELMIRO FEDERICO DE MICHELIS

EMILIA HILARY GINTHER

DESDEMONA CECILIA VIOLETTA LÓPEZ

GONDOLIER DYLAN SCHANG

LUCIO ANGELO SILVA

CENTRAL CITY OPERA FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Avenir Foundation, Inc. • Pamela and Louis Bansbach • Central City Opera House Association Endowment Fund

Citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District • El Pomar Foundation

• Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson • Lanny and Sharon Martin

Heather and Mike Miller • John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich • Mr. and Mrs. Brian Woods

PRESENTING SPONSORS

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation • Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Fuller II • The Virginia W. Hill Foundation • The Kemper Family Foundations

Lizabeth A. Lynner and James L. Palenchar

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Margaret and Stan Baker

• Kristin and James Bender

• City of Central • John and Melinda Couzens • Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle

Erin Nichols • Max Nichols • Nancy S. Parker • Karen and Andrew Ritz • Phoebe Smedley • Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation

Estate of Mr. John R. Starkey • James and Kathy Switzer • Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation • Carole J. Yaley

Anonymous

PERFORMANCE SPONSORS

• Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Accetta

• Charles and Joan Albi

The Butler Family Fund of The Denver Foundation

• Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Bader, Jr. • Heidi Burose

• Colorado Creative Industries

Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Erzinger • First Western Trust

Gates Family Foundation

• The Dinegar Family

• John and Jeannie Fuller

• Mrs. Helen M. Hallin • Jane Hascall

• Mr. James R. Hilger, Jr.

• Robert A. Ellis

• Beverlee Henry Fullerton

• Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust

Joseph Haarer Group – LIV Sotheby’s • Dr. Sarah K. Scott and Mr. Kevin Kearney

Robert Montgomery • Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schneider

Trask Family Foundation

• Jeanne Land Foundation

• Mr. Tyler Ray and Ms. Ann Collier • Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie

• Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Unger

• Pam and Sonny Wiegand

• Xcel Energy Foundation

TARVER HOLCOMB BOZEKA

GINTHER LÓPEZ DE MICHELIS

The conductor’s podium is endowed in perpetuity by the Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation English supertitles created by Opera Philadelphia

BY DR. JOSEPH V. NELSON

LOOSELY BASED ON THE TEXT OF SHAKESPEARE’S OTHELLO, or The Moor of Venice, Rossini’s tale of forbidden love, race, power, and jealousy opens with the Doge, the ruler of the city, conferring citizenship onto Otello, captain of the Venetian fleet, with Otello making a spectacular entrance with the aria Ah si, per voi gia sento. Otello has been forced to marry Desdemona in secret due to the opposition of her father, the powerful senator Elmiro. The celebration of Otello’s new status is also not shared by Iago, who is jealous of Otello’s growing political power, or the Doge’s son Rodrigo, who loves Desdemona himself. Iago schemes to pit Rodrigo against Otello, singing the duet No, non temer, serena. Desdemona confides her distress over a letter she has written that has gone missing to her confidante Emilia. She is then called to a meeting where her father announces in front of the court that she will marry Rodrigo. Otello enters and reveals their marriage, at which point Elmiro curses his daughter and the rivals Otello and Rodrigo challenge one another.

Rodrigo takes a more prominent role as Otello’s rival in the opening of the second act, when he pleads with Desdemona for her love in his aria Ah, come mai non senti. However, Iago continues to scheme and convinces Otello that his wife holds feelings for Rodrigo in the scene and duet Che feci!...Non m’inganno: al mio rivale. This leads to a confrontation between Otello and Rodrigo, witnessed by Desdemona, in the scene beginning with the recitative E a tanto giunger puote, then moving to the duet Ah! vieni, nel tuo sangue, and, finally, the trio Ahime! fermate!, perhaps Rossini’s most spectacular ensemble numbers.

The third act of this opera provides some of its most beautiful music, including the gondolier’s song and the mournful Willow Song, Assisi a piè d’un salice. As a storm blows in, Desdemona dismisses her confidante Emilia and prays in her aria Deh calma, o Ciel, nel sonno. The tensions come to a boil when Otello, fearing that his wife secretly loves Rodrigo, sends Iago to kill his rival while he confronts Desdemona in her bedchamber. Rodrigo kills Iago instead and as he dies, the villainous Iago confesses to his duplicity, at which point Rodrigo and Elmiro intend to reconcile with Otello. They arrive only to find that Otello has killed Desdemona and then kills himself. Meyerbeer wrote of this final act, “This third act is really godlike…Firstrate declamation, continuously impassioned recitative, mysterious accompaniment full of colour, and…the style of the old romances brought to highest perfection.”

CENTRAL CITY OPERA REPERTORY

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Joshua Habermann’s ensemble are style chameleons... performing with full-wattage brilliance and brio.

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Supported in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the County of Santa Fe Lodgers’ Tax.

Photos: Tira Howard Photography

FOUR YEARS AFTER ITS PREMIERE, to a libretto by Francesco Berio based on a 1796 adaptation of the play by Jean François Ducis, Rossini’s Otello was performed in Rome in 1820. There the work attracted the ire of the censors not only over a depicted suicide, but mainly because of its political-racial critique. Deviating from the original Shakespeare storyline, Rossini’s version is set entirely in the city-state of Venice – uncomfortable for a region whose drive for identity and unification was fueled by fierce nationalism. In that era, the opera might as well have been a modern concept production that would make certain audiences bristle today if it were set in – say – the South on the cusp of the civil rights movement. After all, Otello did return victorious from a war against a barbaric discriminatory invader only to face a nation that was still endemically racist against him despite his victories on its behalf.

We have set the story of this Otello in Ancient Rome, and just like Venice, Rome tolerated diversity based on merit and practical considerations only. In the ancient Roman Empire, many non-Romans were employed and were allowed to rise through the ranks because they were best at managing their own colonized populations. However, the dominant culture made sure that all outsiders stayed trapped in a position of inferiority and maintained an aspiration to be accepted by the ‘superior’ race and state, even as they were lauded for their accomplishments. This fundamental

Director's Note: OTELLO

lack of humanity in the story about diversity then and today uncovers the shame of colonialism: you’re here not because you are a person, but because of what you can do for us.

This version of the opera puts racism front and center (as opposed to jealousy in the original Shakespeare): the text in the libretto makes dealing with the question of race unavoidable. Clearly, the racism-fueled plots against Otello only succeeded and led to his undoing because of his own ingrained self-loathing. The problem is not that Otello was “born under a brutal ungrateful sky,” but that he believed the narrative. The tragedy is that he ends up killing the only person who genuinely accepted his racial difference, Desdemona, because he believed that she would leave him for a man of her own race. In short, the Otellos of the world are victims of their learned self-loathing just as much as the racism and sense of exceptionalism perpetrated against them.

For someone who believed he came from a brutal background, there was no shortage of brutality and intrigue against Otello in his adopted homeland, albeit camouflaged behind a celebration of his accomplishments and packaged in a skin tone that programmed him to feel that lighter is superior, prettier, and more valuable.

We have set the story of this Otello in Ancient Rome, and just like Venice, Rome tolerated diversity based on merit and practical considerations only.

ASHRAF SEWAILAM

Summer with the Bard

BY DR. JOSEPH V. NELSON

THIS YEAR, CENTRAL CITY OPERA has chosen three works based on the plays of William Shakespeare. Generally regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, Shakespeare provided a wealth of rich, vibrant, and complex stories that have naturally inspired composers and performers across the centuries. This summer season includes two well-known shows, Gounod’s Roméo et Juliette and Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate, alongside Rossini’s Otello. While each composer and their librettists took liberties with the text, these works retain the spirit of the original plays and show the versatility and relevance of Shakespeare today.

All three of these stories center on themes of love, commitment, and the need for connection. Yet each couple faces their own sets of challenges that seem completely modern. First, the star-crossed young lovers of Roméo et Juliette who must try to throw off their family’s feud and are ultimately crushed under the weight of politics and power. Second, Fred and Lilli of Kiss Me, Kate grapple with their unresolved feelings while engaged in a battle of egos and ambition. Last, and equally poignant, Otello and Desdemona also must contend with politics and powerful interests, but with the added parasitic influence of racial prejudice and jealousy.

Perhaps no love story in Western culture has held more interest and

fascination than Romeo and Juliet. Written somewhere between 1591 and 1595, the play had its origin in an Italian novella written by Matteo Bandello and then translated into English and published by Arthur Brooke in 1562. Shakespeare used both Brooke’s poem and William Painter’s retelling of the story in Palace of Pleasure (1567) as sources, however, the playwright expands the plot by developing supporting characters such as Mercutio and Paris. His switching between comedy and tragedy to heighten the dramatic tension and expanding the roles of minor characters demonstrate Shakespeare’s dramatic genius and have provided a range of dramatic possibilities for composers.

In the Gounod opera, for example, the character of Stéphano replaces Shakespeare’s Balthasar and offers a spritely comic element amid the sensuous lyricism of the opera, one that matches Shakespeare’s own comedic turns. Gounod even includes a puckish aria for the young page in Act 3, Scene 2, Que fais-tu, blanche tourterelle, in which he sings about a turtle-dove held prisoner by vultures to taunt the Capulet servants and draw them out of the house. Such touches likely helped solidify the opera as Gounod’s most immediate success with its premier during the Exposition Universelle of 1867, after which it took Europe by storm. It is best remembered today for the duets between Romeo and Juliet and for Juliet’s valse-ariette Je veux vivre. However, Gounod's music for Romeo’s Ah! lève-toi soleil! should

All three of these stories center on themes of love, commitment, and the need for connection.

not go overlooked, neither should the comedic potential of Mercutio’s ballad about Queen Mab in Act 1 or the almost patriotic intensity of Juliet’s poison aria in Act 4, Amour, ranime mon courage

Perhaps less familiar and more difficult for modern audiences is The Taming of the Shrew, which Shakespeare wrote between 1590 and 1592, and which serves as the source text and backdrop for Kiss Me, Kate. While on its face, the play can come across as overtly misogynist, particularly with the torments that Petruchio puts Katherina through in an effort to “tame” her. It is worth noting, however, that the play is set as a show within a show and likely was meant as an almost farcical exaggeration of courtly romance.

Additionally, the play premiered under the rule of a powerful Queen Elizabeth I and at a time when strong women were both ridiculed and lauded in popular literature, such as Long Meg of Westminster in the pulp fiction-style rogue pamphlets. In fact, The Taming of the Shrew might be seen as a companion piece to Love’s Labour’s Lost (c.1595), in which the King of Navarre and his three companions try to swear off women for three years and then fail as they subsequently fall for the Princess of France and her ladies.

What Cole Porter captures, however, is the multifaceted comedy behind Shakespeare’s text and translates it brilliantly for modern audiences. John Fletcher, William Shakespeare’s sometime collaborator and successor as playwright for the King’s Men, in fact, produced a play around 1611 called The Woman’s Price, or the Tamer Tamed, written as a sequel to The Taming of the Shrew and in which the female lead successfully tames the male lead. Porter’s collaborators Bella and Samuel Spewack bring this playful, cheeky side of the text out in the bickering between Fred and Lilli, but even more in Lois’s handling of Billy.

The third show of the season is perhaps the most culturally salient at the moment, especially given the history of blackface in opera. Rossini only loosely based his Otello off Shakespeare and so many elements do not line up with the play. For one, Rodrigo has a greatly expanded role in the play while Iago’s role is reduced. As in the play, however, Rossini’s Otello is a Moor and racial prejudice grinds away in the background as one of the forces tearing apart his relationship to Desdemona.

Much like Romeo and Juliet have to contend with their powerful families and the politics of their city, Rossini’s foregrounding of Rodrigo, son of the Venice’s ruler, makes the issue of dynastic succession and power even more present in his version of the story. And while Otello manages to navigate being both African and Venetian, he is beset by Iago’s machinations and driven to extremes by his circumstances. Besides the element of race separating the tragic outcomes for Otello and Desdemona from that of Romeo and Juliet, Othello is one of Shakespeare’s mature tragedies and captures the aching grief of those who have lived and lost. It is not the story of what might have been but a meditation on love, jealousy, and oblivion as only Shakespeare can tell.

The opera has suffered from several musical and historical facts, including the looming presence of Verdi’s masterpiece Otello (1887). Moreover, Rossini’s choice of so many high tenors in the cast adds much timbral brightness to an otherwise brooding and dark story. Still, the opera deserves greater treatment and offers tremendous energy in its duets between Iago and Rodrigo, Iago and Otello, and then the confrontation scene between Otello and Rodrigo at the close of Act 2. As the recent recording by Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres demonstrates, when handled by two masters of bel canto singing, such duets can lead to fireworks and spectacle not seen anywhere else.

Central City Opera has programmed a season that runs the gamut of emotions, with stories written by the masterful hand of Shakespeare and music crafted by some of the greatest composers in opera and musical theater. All three shows offer audiences moments of reflection, with scenes depicting the joys of young love, the heartache of broken promises, and the weighty hand of Fate. Combined with the talent that has distinguished the company for decades, this season will be one to remember.

...stories written by the masterful hand of Shakespeare and music crafted by some of the greatest composers in opera and musical theater.

Company Profiles

Kameron Alston *

Developing Artist

Tenor: Tybalt, Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: Priest, The Light in the Piazza, 2022

Recently: Ernesto, Don Pasquale, Piedmont Opera; Orlando, Orlando Paladino, A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute; Jephtha, Jephtha, University of North Carolina School of the Arts; Bonario, Volpone, A.J. Fletcher Opera Institute

John Baril

Central City Opera Music Director

Conductor: Otello

Conductor: Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: (Partial Listing)

Die Fledermaus, 2022; Two Remain, 2022; Rigoletto, 2021; Billy Budd, 2019; Il trovatore, 2018

Recently: Rigoletto, Shreveport Opera; Die Fledermaus, Northwestern University; La traviata, Inland Northwest Opera

Christopher Bozeka ±

Tenor: Rodrigo, Otello

Recently: Alfredo, La traviata, Opera Las Vegas; Fourth Jew, Salome, Houston Grand Opera; Comte Ory, Le Comte Ory, Opera Southwest; Nemorino, L'elisir d'amore, Livermore Valley Opera; An Offstage Voice, Hamlet, The Metropolitan Opera; Count Almaviva, Il barbiere di Siviglia, OperaDelaware/Opera Baltimore

Ken Cazan

Director: Kiss Me, Kate

Central City Opera: (Partial Listing)

The Light in the Piazza, 2022; Carousel, 2021; Billy Budd, 2019; Acis and Galatea, 2018; The Face on the Barroom Floor, 2018

Recently: Professor of Opera/Resident

Stage Director, USC Thornton School of Music; Director, Curlew River/Orfeo ed Euridice, USC Thornton School of Music

Matthew S. Crane ±

Set Designer

Recently: The Mousetrap, Winnipesaukee Playhouse; Little Women, Southern Illinois University; The Thanksgiving Play, University of Denver; The Winter's Tale, Colorado Shakespeare Festival; One Man, Two Guvnors, Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Michael Baitzer Director/Administrator, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program

Central City Opera: Principal Coach, 20122023; Music Staff 1999-2004

Recently: Head of Music Staff, Washington National Opera; Pianist, Annapolis Opera; Faculty, University of Maryland

Madison Booth ±

Principal Costume Designer

Recently: Assistant Costume Coordinator at Opera Colorado; Costume Designer, Amerikin, Curious Theatre; Rent, University of Denver; Kate Hamill's Little Women, The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs; S.P.I.E.S 2: Flight of the Hawk, Imagination Stage; La Bohéme, Opera Steamboat

Emily Brockway ±

Soprano: Lilli Vanessi/Katharine, Kiss Me, Kate

Recently: Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady, Opera North; Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins, Syracuse Stage; The Lady of the Lake, Camelot, Westchester Broadway Theatre; Miss Scarlet, Clue, The Gateway Playhouse; Disney Cruise Line

Adam Cioffari ±

Bass-Baritone: Comte Capulet, Roméo et Juliette

Recently: Leporello, Don Giovanni, Opera in Williamsburg; Fasolt, Das Rheingold, Dayton Opera; Tom, Un ballo in maschera, Maryland Lyric Opera; Monterone, Rigoletto, Shreveport Opera; Colline, La bohème, Pacific Opera Project; Judge Turpin, Sweeney Todd, Pittsburgh Festival Opera; The Commentator, Scalia/Ginsburg, Castleton Festival

Federico De Michelis

Bass-Baritone: Elmiro, Otello

Central City Opera: Mr. Flint, Billy Budd, 2019

Recently: Friar Laurent, Roméo et Juliette, Opera San Antonio; Featured Artist, Amor, New York Festival of Song; Laurentino, El Milagro del Recuerdo, Houston Grand Opera; Diego Rivera (cover), El último sueño de Frida y Diego, San Diego Opera

Brandon Eldredge

Conductor: Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: Co-Conductor, Two Remain, 2022; Associate Conductor/Chorus Master, Die Fledermaus and The Light in the Piazza, 2022; Carousel, 2021; Rigoletto, 2021; Conductor, Dido and Aeneas, 2021

Recently: Assistant Conductor and Chorus Master, Le nozze di Figaro, Three Decembers,  Das Rheingold, Virginia Opera; Co-Conductor, La bohème, Virginia Opera

Ricardo Garcia

Tenor: Roméo, Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: Fabrizio Naccarelli,

The Light in the Piazza, 2022

Recently: Alfredo, La traviata, Houston Grand Opera; Third Jew, Salome, Houston Grand Opera; Schmidt, Werther, Houston Grand Opera; Tenor Soloist, Messiah, Las Vegas Philharmonic; Roméo, Roméo et Juliette, Houston Grand Opera; First Commissioner, Dialogues of the Carmelites, Houston Grand Opera

Hilary Ginther ±

Mezzo-Soprano: Emilia, Otello

Recently: Maddalena, Rigoletto, Opera Columbus; La maestra delle novizie, Suor Angelica, Opera Omaha; Elisabetta, Maria Stuarda, Musica Viva (Hong Kong); Olga, Eugene Onegin, Opera Omaha; Adalgisa, Norma, Musica Viva (Hong Kong); Rosina, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Opera on the James & Fargo Moorhead Opera

Jonathan Hays *

Baritone: Fred Graham/Petruchio, Kiss Me, Kate Central City Opera: (Partial Listing) Signor Naccarelli, The Light in the Piazza, 2022; King Melchior, Amahl and the Night Visitors, 2022; Donald, Billy Budd, 2019; Reverend Gruffydd, How Green Was My Valley, 2014

Recently: Bartolo, Le nozze di Figaro, Syracuse Opera and Tri-Cities Opera; Baritone Soloist, “Some Enchanted Evening,” Colorado Springs Philharmonic; Pangloss, Candide, Syracuse Opera

Bernard Holcomb ±

Tenor: Iago, Otello

Recently: Champion, The Metropolitan Opera; Kevin Richardson, The Central Park Five, Long Beach Opera; Tanzmeister, Ariadne Auf Naxos, Lakes Area Music Festival; X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X, Opera Omaha; Harlekin, Der Kaiser von Atlantis, On Site Opera

Isaiah Feken *

Developing Artist

Baritone: Second Man, Kiss Me, Kate

Central City Opera: Giuseppe Naccarelli,  The Light in the Piazza, 2022

Recently: Papageno (cover),  Die Zauberflöte, Des Moines Metropolitan Opera; First Sergeant,  Il barbiere di Siviglia, Opera Colorado; Il conte,  Le nozze di Figaro, Voci nel Montefeltro Festival

Lauren Gemelli ± Mezzo-Soprano: Lois Lane/Bianca, Kiss Me, Kate

Recently: Bella Rose, Desperate Measures, Saint Michael's Playhouse; Liz, Mona, Velma, Roxie, Matron "Mama" Morton (cover), Chicago: The Musical National and International Tours; Candide, New York City Opera; Janet & Kitty, The Drowsy Chaperone National Tour

Adelmo Guidarelli

Baritone: First Man, Kiss Me, Kate Central City Opera: Dr. Grenvil, La traviata, 2015; The Innkeeper/The Governor, Man of La Mancha, 2015

Recently: Don Magnifico, La Cenerentola, Syracuse Opera; Don Alfonso, Così fan tutte, Cedar Rapids Opera; Bartolo, The Barber of Seville, Gulfshore Opera; Judge Turpin, Sweeney Todd, Opera Tampa

Abigail Hoke-Brady ±

Resident Lighting Designer

Recently: The Night Falls, BalletCollective/ PEAK Performances; Così fan tutte, San Diego Opera; Requiem, INSeries Opera; How I Learned What I Learned, PlayMakers Repertory Company

Madison Leonard ±

Soprano: Juliette, Roméo et Juliette

Recently: Léïla, Les pêcheurs de perles, Austin Opera; Despina, Così fan tutte, Palm Beach Opera; Marie, La fille du régiment, Utah Opera; Gilda, Rigoletto, Dallas Opera; Mabel, The Pirates of Penzance, Utah Opera; Chrisann Brennan, The [R]evolution of Steve Jobs, Lyric Opera of Kansas City

± Central City Opera Debut

* Indicates a Past Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artist

Company Profiles

Cecilia Violetta López ±

Soprano: Desdemona, Otello

Recently: Rose, The Factotum, Lyric Opera of Chicago; Rusalka, Rusalka, Opera Idaho; Violetta, La traviata, Houston Grand Opera; Beatrice, Three Decembers, Virginia Opera

Ronell Oliveri

Wig and Makeup Designer

Central City Opera: Billy Budd, Madama Butterfly, 2019; The Magic Flute, Il trovatore, Encore: A Musical Revue, 2018; Carmen, Così fan tutte, 2017; Carmen, Amadigi di Gaula, Gianni Schicchi, 2011

Recently: The Marriage of Figaro, Opera Omaha; Suor Angelica, Opera Omaha; The Shining, Die Tote Stadt, Turandot, Opera Colorado; Cavalleria rusticana, Boston Lyric Opera

Shea Owens *

Baritone: Mercutio, Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: Fiorello, Il barbiere di Siviglia, 2013

Recently: Guest Soloist, Love Thy Neighbor, Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra; Belcore, L’elisir d’amore, Theater St. Gallen; Marcello, La bohème, Theater St. Gallen; Valentin, Faust, Theater St. Gallen; Alvaro, Florencia en el Amazonas, Theater St. Gallen

Daniel Pelzig

Choreographer: Kiss Me, Kate

Central City Opera: Choreographer, West Side Story, 2008; Stage Director, Carmen, 2010; Choreographer, Oklahoma!, 2012

Recently: Director, Rigoletto, Opera Philadelphia; Director, La clemenza di Tito, Boston Conservatory; Director, Holiday Inn; The Little Mermaid; Mary Poppins, Musical Theatre West

Sable Strout *

Developing Artist

Mezzo-Soprano: Stéphano, Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: Giovanna, Rigoletto, 2021; Sorceress, Dido and Aeneas, 2021

Recently: Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro, Syracuse Opera; Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro, Tri-Cities Opera;

Flora, La traviata, Inland Northwest Opera; Mercédès, Carmen, Opera Idaho

Dan Wallace Miller

Director: Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: Director, Two Remain, 2022; Director, Dido and Aeneas, 2021; Assistant Director, Carousel, 2021; Assistant Director, Billy Budd, 2019; Director, Short Works, 2019

Recently: Artistic Director, Inland Northwest Opera; Director, Susannah, Wolf Trap Opera; Director, Tosca, Opera Naples

Rob Onuska

Actor: Harry Trevor/Baptista Minola, Kiss Me, Kate

Central City Opera: Officer Krupke, West Side Story, 2008

Jeffrey Scott Parsons ±

Baritone: Bill Calhoun/Lucentio, Kiss Me, Kate Tap Choreographer, Kiss Me, Kate

Recently: Mike Costa, A Chorus Line, Moonlight Stage Productions; Ted Hanover, Holiday Inn, Musical Theatre West; Riff, West Side Story, Performance Riverside; Bobby Child, Crazy for You, San Diego Musical Theatre; Dick, Dames at Sea, 42nd Street Moon; Molina, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Theatre at the Welk

Ashraf Sewailam

Director: Otello

Central City Opera: Ferrando, Il trovatore, 2018; Sprecher, Die Zauberflöte, 2018

Recently: Stage Director, Lucrezia, Opera Louisiane; First Priest, The Magic Flute, The Metropolitan Opera; Maometto II, Maometto Secondo, Washington Concert Opera; Colline, La bohème, Seattle Opera; Bartolo, Il barbiere di Siviglia, New Orleans Opera; Mustafa, L’Italiana in Algeri, Tulsa Opera

Kenneth Tarver ±

Tenor: Otello, Otello

Recently: NDR Vokalensemble, Belshazzar, Concerto Köln; Orfeo, L’anima del filosofo, Danish Chamber Orchestra; Tippett’s A Child of Our Time, London Philharmonic Orchestra; Beethoven’s The Symphony No. 9, SWR; Messiah, North Carolina Symphony; Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; Don Ottavio, Don Giovanni, Welsh National Opera

Adam Turner

Conductor: Kiss Me, Kate

Central City Opera: The Light in the Piazza, 2022; Madama Butterfly, 2019; Carmen, 2017; Man of La Mancha, 2015; Associate Conductor, 2014, 2011–12

Recently: Artistic Director, Virginia Opera; Conductor, Il trovatore, Toledo Opera; Conductor, Three Decembers, San Diego Opera

Wei Wu *

Bass: Frère Laurent, Roméo et Juliette

Central City Opera: Li Bai (cover), Poet Li Bai, 2007

Recently: Kobun Otogawa, The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs, Calgary Opera; Angelotti, Tosca, LA Opera; Sparafucile, Rigoletto, Opera Philadelphia; Sarastro, Die Zauberflöte, Washington National Opera

NU-World Contemporary Danse Theatre | Dancers: Kiss Me, Kate

Ellen Collison

Denver, CO

Kim Robards Dance, Apex Dance, Davis Contemporary Dance Company

Skyler Levine

Nashville, TN

Nashville Ballet, FALL Dance

± Central City Opera Debut

* Indicates a past Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artist

Henry Max McCall

St. Louis, MO

Wonderbound

Khanhsong

Nguyen

Arvada, CO

The Damsels Dance Company, Avatar Movement Dance

Davry Ratcliffe

Columbus, OH

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Ensemble, Dayton Contemporary Dance

John Roberts

St. Louis, MO

Wonderbound

Apprentice Artists

BONFILS-STANTON FOUNDATION ARTISTS TRAINING PROGRAM

Sarah Rachel Bacani + Soprano

Toms River, NJ

Recently: Donna Elvira, Don Giovanni, Indiana University Opera Theater; Mariola, Two Remain, Central City Opera; Pamina, Die Zauberflöte, Indiana University Opera Theater

Matthew Cossack

Baritone

Brooklyn, NY

Recently: Fiorello, Il barbiere di Siviglia, Florida Grand Opera; Sciarrone, Tosca, Florida Grand Opera; Ser Amantio di Nicolao/ Magistrate/Buoso’s Ghost, Gianni Schicchi, Florida Grand Opera

Sarah Dyer

Mezzo-Soprano

Omaha, NE

Recently: Federico Garcí Lorca, Ainadamar, Moores Opera Center; Madame Larina, Eugene Onegin, Music Academy of the West; Second Witch, Dido and Aeneas, Ars Lyrica Houston

Alexander Kapp + Baritone

Louisville, KY

Recently: Dr. Pangloss, Candide, Indiana University Opera Theater; Manfred Lewin (cover), Two Remain, Central City Opera; Ottone, L'incoronazione di Poppea, Indiana University Opera Theater

Elise Miller

Mezzo-Soprano

San Antonio, TX

Recently: Lazuli, L'étoile, Indiana University Opera Theater; Lolette/chorus, La rondine, Indiana University Opera Theater; Nerone, L'incoronazione di Poppea, Indiana University Opera Theater

Zachary Bryant + Baritone

Houston, TX

Recently: Commissioner/Baron Douphol (cover), La traviata, OperaDelaware & Opera Baltimore; Robert Mission, The New Moon, Victorian Lyric Opera Company; Billy Greene/Joshua Speed/David Derickson/ Elmer Ellsworth, Yours Forever, Lincoln, Quarry Theatre

Melanie Dubil + Mezzo-Soprano

Philadelphia, PA

Recently: Queen of the Fairies, Iolanthe, The Orchestra Now (TŌN); Edka, Two Remain, Central City Opera; Lapák/Mrs. Pásková, The Cunning Little Vixen, TŌN & the Bard Conservatory Vocal Arts Program

Grace Heldridge

Mezzo-Soprano

Omaha, NE

Recently: Cherubino, Le nozze di Figaro, Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Hannah After, As One, Boston Conservatory at Berklee; Dolly Gallagher Levi, Hello, Dolly!, Seagle Festival

Daniel Miller

Tenor

Arvada, CO

Recently: Spoletta, Tosca, Opera on the James; Tamino, Die Zauberflöte, Opera on the James; Count Belfiore, La finta giardiniera, Carnegie Mellon University Opera

Sarah Neal + Mezzo-Soprano

South Bend, IN

Recently: Prince Orlofsky (cover), Die Fledermaus, Central City Opera; First Witch, Dido and Aeneas, Ars Lyrica Houston; Mezzo Soloist, Ich habe genug (BWV 82), Ars Lyrica Houston

Oliver Poveda-Zavala

Bass

Quito, Ecuador

Recently: Baobab/The King/Hunter, The Little Prince, Lamont Opera Theatre; Leporello, Don Giovanni, Vincero Academy; Colline, La bohème, Opera Steamboat

Emily Richter

Soprano

Arlington, VA

Recently: Ginevra, Ariodante, Pittsburgh Opera; Ines, Il trovatore, Pittsburgh Opera; Countess (cover), Le nozze di Figaro, Pittsburgh Opera

Dylan Schang

Tenor

Appleton, WI

Recently: Rinuccio, Gianni Schicchi, Luther College Opera; Tamino, Die Zauberflöte, Chicago Summer Opera; Alfred, Die Fledermaus, Luther College Opera

Skyler Schlenker

Bass-Baritone

Norwich, VT

Recently: Otto Frank, Anne Frank (world premiere), Indiana University Opera Theater; Older Jim Thompson, Glory Denied, Opera

Naples; Ozzie, On the Town, Opera Naples

Geoffrey Schmelzer

Baritone

Skokie, IL

Recently: Boatswain, H.M.S Pinafore, Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company of Chicago; Guglielmo, Così fan tutte, Finger Lakes Opera; Schaunard, La bohème, Northwestern Opera Theater

Angelo Silva

Tenor

Houston, TX

Recently: Miles, Proving Up, UMKC Opera Theater; Rinuccio, Gianni Schicchi, Pepperdine University; Alfred, Die Fledermaus, Pepperdine University

Errol-Wesley Shaw

Bass-Baritone

Miami, FL

Recently: Falstaff, Falstaff, DePaul Opera Theatre; Giove, La Calisto, DePaul Opera Theatre; Frère Laurent, Roméo et Juliette, Janiec Opera Company

Bergsvein Toverud

Tenor

Lenoir, NC

Recently: Bardolph, Falstaff, Palm Beach Opera

+ Indicates a Past Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artist

Studio Artists

BONFILS-STANTON FOUNDATION ARTISTS TRAINING PROGRAM

David R. Baker II

Bass-Baritone

Lake Geneva, WI

Recently: Fredrik Egerman, A Little Night Music, Turner-Fischer Center for Opera: LSU School of Music; Le Roi, Cendrillon, Turner-Fischer Center for Opera: LSU School of Music; Don Alfonso, Così fan tutte, Turner-Fischer Center for Opera: LSU School of Music

Danielle Casós

Mezzo-Soprano

Boise, ID

Recently: Zerlina, Don Giovanni, University of Michigan; Lišak, Cunning Little Vixen, University of Michigan; Olga (cover), Eugene Onegin, Music Academy of the West

Jade Dashá

Soprano

Cleveland, OH

Recently: Miss Jones, Charlie and the Wolf, Cedar Rapids Opera; Dalinda (cover), Ariodante, Opera Neo; Grace Alumond (cover), Quamino’s Map, Chicago Opera Theater

Kristen Marie Gillis

Soprano

Round Rock, TX

Recently: Mother, Hänsel und Gretel, Temple Opera Theater; Eliza, Dark Sisters, Temple Opera Theater; La contessa, Le nozze di Figaro, Temple Opera Theater

Zeky Nadji

Baritone

Interlochen, MI

Recently: Monsieur de Brétigny, Manon, Boulder Opera; Usciere, Rigoletto, Opera Colorado; Figaro, Le nozze di Figaro, Boulder Opera

Graham Brooks  Tenor

Bellevue, NE

Recently: Don Basilio/Don Curzio, Le nozze di Figaro, Opera Omaha; Dominique, Cabildo, Simpson Productions; The Prince, Rusalka, Utah Vocal Arts Academy

Jordan Costa

Tenor

Stamford, CT

Recently: Comte d'Ory, Le Comte Ory, Yale Opera; Le Remendado, Carmen, Glimmerglass Opera; Nemorino, L'elisir d'amore, Yale Opera

Radnel Del Rio Ofalsa

Tenor

Pila, Laguna, Philippines

Recently: First Armored Man, Die Zauberflöte, Mannes Opera; Tonio, La fille du regiment, Mannes Opera; Pedrillo, Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Mannes Opera

Kate Johnson

Soprano

Omaha, NE

Recently: Anne Frank, Anne Frank (world premiere), Indiana University Opera Theater; Adza, L'étoile, Indiana University Opera Theater; Atalanta, Xerxes, Indiana University Opera Theater

Justin Ramm-Damron

Bass-Baritone

Sacramento, CA

Recently: Un Officier Municipal, Thérèse, Sarasota Opera; Masetto (cover), Don Giovanni, Sarasota Opera; Un Carceriere, Tosca, St. Petersburg Opera

Stephanie Shelden x Mezzo-Soprano

Wichita, KS

Recently: Mercédès, Carmen, Music On Site, Inc.; Alto Soloist, Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater; Dritte Dame, Die Zauberflöte, Florida State Opera

Alexandria Zallo Mezzo-Soprano

Pittsburgh, PA

Recently: Der Trommler, Der Kaiser von Atlantis, Carnegie Mellon University Opera; Arminda, La finta giardiniera, Carnegie Mellon University Opera; Arete/Megaera, Lysistrata, Pittsburgh Festival Opera

Stephen Walley Baritone

Gladstone, NJ

Recently: Escamillo, Carmen, Brevard Music Center; Imperial Commissioner, Madama Butterfly, Boheme Opera NJ; Marcello, La bohème, Opera Magnifico

the light in the piazza, 2022. photo by amanda tipton.

× Indicates a past Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Studio Artist

Orchestra Notes

“I am forever grateful for this job, which invites me to play at my very best level with incredible colleagues, inspiring singers, fabulous directors, and all of the people behind the scenes,” SARAH BIERHAUS, Oboe

“[Performing Traviata] was like being given the keys to a Ferrari and a wide-open track. Opera is the best,” MIKE TETREAULT, Principal Timpani

“Being a part of the Central City Opera Orchestra is the highlight of my year!”

JOHN LEWIS, Principal Cello

“Central City Opera has become a second home for me, and our stellar performances and my amazing colleagues keep me coming back every summer,”

JEFFREY STEPHENSON , Principal Oboe

“I love looking forward to spending the summer up in the mountains with colleagues I don't get to see during the rest of the year, playing amazing music at a high level,”

CHRIS JUSELL, Violin

“Rigoletto at Hudson Gardens in 2021 was completely thrilling, a musical experience so rare that I don't believe I'll see one again in what I hope to be many years of playing with this great, great ensemble,”

BYRON HITCHOCK, Concertmaster

“We will always cherish our time here in Central City. This would not be at all possible without our amazing donors, patrons and directors,” BRON WRIGHT, Principal Trombone

Festival Orchestra

VIOLIN

Byron A. Hitchcock, concertmaster

Takanori Sugishita, assistant concertmaster

Chris Jusell, acting principal second violin

Michelle Davis

Elizabeth Drabkin

Nina Fronjian

Emily Glover

Margaret Gutierrez

Ryan Jacobsen

Christine Menter

Susie Peek

Veronica Sawarynski

Tori Woodrow

VIOLA

Kostadin Dyulgerski, principal

Leah Kovach, assistant principal

Nancy Samantha Headlee

Stephanie Mientka

CELLO

Jon Lewis, principal

Erin Patterson, assistant principal

Kimberlee Hanto

Jeff Watson

DOUBLE BASS

Mary Reed, principal

Jonathon Piccolo, assistant principal

FLUTE AND PICCOLO

Masha Popova, principal

Jessica Petrasek

OBOE AND ENGLISH HORN

Jeffrey Stephenson, principal

Sarah Bierhaus

CLARINET

Anna Brumbaugh, principal

Calvin Falwell

April Johannesen

BASSOON

Jessica Findley Yang, principal

Francisco Delgado

SAXOPHONE

David Bernot

Matt Burchard

Adam Gang

April Johannesen

HORN

Carolyn Kunicki, principal

Abigail Black

Devon Park

JJ Groszew

TRUMPET

Leslie Scarpino, principal

Jonathan Kaplan

TROMBONE

Bron Wright, principal

Andrew Wolfe

Noah Roper

TUBA

Adam Snider, principal

HARP

Janet Harriman, principal

GUITAR AND MANDOLIN

Patrick Sutton, principal

PIANO / KEYBOARD

Jeremy Reger

TIMPANI

Michael Tetreault, principal

PERCUSSION

Carl Dixon, principal

Peter Cooper

Nena Lorenz Wright

John Baril MUSIC DIRECTOR

Nancy Samantha Headlee ORCHESTRA PERSONNEL MANAGER AND MUSIC LIBRARIAN

Brian Cook ASSISTANT PERSONNEL MANAGER

Administration

PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PAMELA A. PANTOS has held executive positions at arts organizations including the Newport Music Festival, Opera North, Arts Consulting Group, and Boston Children’s Chorus. She is a proven leader with the skills to energize organizations, achieve operational excellence and promote institutional advancement. She has also advised national institutions including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Park Avenue Armory, and Bravo! Vail. Additionally, Pantos spent over ten years in Europe performing opera roles in many of the world’s most prestigious venues including Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Lyric Opera of Athens, and Rotterdam Ahoy Arena. As a mezzo-soprano, she recorded for EMI and the Companions Label and was on the roster of Columbia Artists.

Pamela A. Pantos, President & CEO

John Baril, Music Director

Michael Baitzer, Director/Administrator, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation Artists Training Program

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Wanda M. Larson, Office & Gift Shop Administrator

BOX OFFICE

Deb Mountain, Director of Operations

AJ Kazlouski, Patron Services Associate

DEVELOPMENT

Scott Finlay, Vice President of Development

Billy Higgins, Associate Director of Development

Aidan Furlong, Volunteer and Donor Relations Coordinator

Megan Quilliam, Development Associate

Chloe White, Development Administrative Coordinator

HISTORIC PROPERTIES

Eric Chinn, Director of Historic Properties

Sam Carrington, Historic Property Maintenance

Bill Gerkens, Historic Property Maintenance

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Margaret Williams, Interim Director of Sales, Marketing & Communications

Erin Osovets, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Peter Constas, Digital Marketing Manager

Melissa Rick, Art Direction & Graphic Design

EDUCATION

Margaret Ozaki Graves, Director of Education & Community Engagement

Daniela Guzman, Education & Community Engagement Coordinator

MUSIC AND COACHING STAFF

John Baril, Music Director; Conductor, Otello; Roméo et Juliette

Adam Turner, Conductor, Kiss Me, Kate

Brandon Eldredge, Conductor, Roméo et Juliette; Associate Conductor & Chorus Master

Michael Baitzer, Director/Administrator, Bonfils-Stanton Young Artist Training Program; Principal Coach

Nancy Samantha Headlee, Orchestra Personnel Manager & Music Librarian

Brian Cook, Assistant Orchestra Personnel Manager

Kristin Ditlow, Assistant Conductor

Jeremy Reger, Assistant Conductor

Shelby Rhoades, Assistant Conductor

DIRECTORS & PRODUCTION STAFF

Ken Cazan, Director, Kiss Me, Kate

Dan Wallace Miller, Director, Roméo et Juliette

Ashraf Sewailam, Director, Otello

Glenn Grassi, Production & Technical Director

Charlie Lovejoy, Stage Manager, Kiss Me, Kate; Assistant Stage Manager, Otello

Margaret Kayes, Production Stage Manager, Roméo et Juliette; Otello

Aura Michelle Magnien, Assistant Stage Manager, Roméo et Juliette; Kiss Me, Kate

Zane A. Alcorn, Assistant Director, Kiss Me, Kate

Dana Kinney, Assistant Director, Roméo et Juliette

Barbara Poll, Assistant Director, Otello

Maria Fabara, House Manager

Daniela Guzman, Assistant Company Manager

Margaret Ozaki Graves, Festival Scheduler

DESIGNERS/CHOREOGRAPHERS/SUPERTITLES

Matthew S. Crane, Set Designer

Abigail Hoke-Brady, Resident Lighting Designer

Jason Bieber, Assistant Lighting Designer

Teila Vochatzer, Properties Supervisor

Jason Ducat, Sound Designer

Robert Perdziola, Original Costume Designer, Roméo et Juliette

Jeff Mahshie, Original Costume Designer, Kiss Me, Kate

Madison Booth, Principal Costume Designer, Otello

Miranda Graves, Wardrobe Supervisor

Sarah Zinn, Costume Draper, Otello

Bettina Bierly, Costume Coordinator, Roméo et Juliette; Kiss Me, Kate

Delaney Althauser, Stitcher/Dresser

Peter Walsh, Stitcher/Dresser

Ronell Oliveri, Resident Wig & Makeup Designer

Lisa Pedraza, Wig & Makeup First Assistant

Sarah Demmon, Wig & Makeup Second Assistant

Matt J. Herndon, Stage Combat Instructor/Resident Fight Choreographer/Intimacy Coach

Daniel Pelzig, Choreographer

Jeffrey Scott Parsons, Tap Choreographer

NU-World Contemporary Danse Theatre:

Ellen Collison

Skyler Levine

Henry Max McCall

Khanhso Nguyen

Davry Ratcliffe

John Roberts

FESTIVAL INTERNS

Kathleen Martin, Costume/Wardrobe Assistant, Kansas

Gabby Reid, Costume/Wardrobe Assistant, Kansas

Natacha Condor-Guevara, Wigs & Makeup Assistant, Colorado

Kate Fehan, Stage Management Production Assistant, Indiana

Ashley Nolt, Stage Management Production Assistant, Pennsylvania

Olivia Riddle, Props Assistant, New York

Elizabeth Wind, Festival Services Assistant, Colorado

IATSE/STAGE CREW HEADS

Stephen Mazzeno, Head Electrician

Amanda Short, Console Programmer

Eric Hilton, Spot Light

Ashley Keys, Spot Light

Keven Soll, Head of Props

Greg Killpack, Head Fly Person

Dustin Sloan, Assistant Fly Person

Mike Boswell, Head Carpenter

Dave Youngs, Assistant Carpenter

Richard Roys, Carpenter

Paul Cote, Carpenter

Brent Rolfson, Carpenter

Benjamin Pryer, Carpenter

die fledermaus, 2022, photo by amanda tipton.

Photo by Jordan Curet

At the Wheeler Opera House, we set the stage for connections that create memories for our audiences, artists, and greater Aspen community.

DOUGLAS

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DIVE DEEPER into the stories on stage in the words of the singers, designers and artists of all kinds who bring them to life.

l’esprit de noël

holiday home tour

Benefiting the Programs of Central City Opera

AFTER TWO YEARS operating as a virtual event due to the pandemic, the 46th Annual L’Esprit de Noël Holiday Home Tour reopened its magnificently decorated doors on November 18 and 19 in the Glenmoor Country Club neighborhood. Five beautiful homes were decorated by ten of Colorado’s most talented florists and table designers

L'ESPRIT CHAIRS

Louise Atkinson and Katie Grassby

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Joseph-Haarer Group at LIV Sotheby’s

PLATINUM SPONSOR

Barbara H. Ferguson

GOLD SPONSOR

Karen and Andrew Ritz

SILVER SPONSORS

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard A. Dinegar

Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Erzinger

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle

Ms. Nancy S. Parker

to raise funds in support of Central City Opera. Tour goers were able to not only enjoy the diversity of each home and its respective holiday décor, but also find unique gifts in the L’Esprit Holiday Boutique, another tradition which made a triumphant return after a several year absence.

THANK YOU TO THE 2022 SPONSORS

BRONZE SPONSORS

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Baker

Mr. and Mrs. Louis P. Bansbach, III

Mr. & Mrs. Jim Bender

Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Fuller II

Ms. Beverlee Henry Fullerton

Dr. Sarah K. Scott and Mr. Kevin Kearney

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wiegand II

MEDIA SPONSORS

Colorado Expression Magazine

The Denver Post

Stroll Magazine Cherry Hills Village

The Villager

FLORISTS AND TABLE DESIGNERS

Birdsall & Co.

Flower Power

The Fresh Flower Market

KaraKara Flowers

Plum Sage Flowers

Enjoué Studio

Home with Holliday

lulu’s Furniture & Décor

T is for Table

SAVE THE DATE FOR THIS YEAR'S L'ESPRIT!

NOVEMBER 17-18, 2023

Honoring Nancy S. Parker

The night was a spectacular success, with over $150,000 raised for the organization’s year-round programs, including education and community engagement, historic property preservation and festival operations.

ON APRIL 21, CENTRAL CITY OPERA HELD ITS 2023 THEATRE OF DREAMS GALA at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, honoring Nancy Parker and her 40-plus years of devotion to Central City Opera’s artistic excellence. With a romantic “Shakespeare in Love” theme and musical entertainment by Kiss Me, Kate star Emily Brockway, the night was a spectacular success, with over $150,000 raised for the organization’s yearround programs, including education and community engagement, historic property preservation and festival operations.

“I was honored to chair the annual Theatre of Dreams Gala,” says Gala Chair Susan Stiff. “I have been involved with the Central City Opera Guild for over 30 years, initially due to an invitation from our 2023 honoree, Nancy Parker! She is the epitome of a devoted leader for the organization.”

Appearing alongside Emily Brockway and accompanied by pianist Jeremy Reger were Jennifer DeDominici and Alex DeSocio, who delighted audiences with a sophisticated, romantic, and hilarious performance medley. The evening was rounded out with a live auction hosted by Denver “Fundaneer” Rylie Behr.

Thank

El Pomar Foundation

Sharon & Lanny Martin

Vectra Bank Colorado

Kristin & Jim Bender

Scott Finlay & Tom Duggan

First Western Trust

Karen & Andrew Ritz

Susan Stiff

Jay’s Valet

67 2023 Festival

2023 SEASON

Community Support

NONE OF THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT YOU!

Outstanding performances like the one you are about to enjoy depend on your generosity. The Central City Opera board, staff and the entire company thank you for your continued support.

Annual Fund

The following donors made gifts to support the activities of Central City Opera between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

While space limits this list to donors of $100 or more on a yearly basis, every gift is important and truly appreciated. If your name is listed incorrectly, or omitted, you have our sincere apologies. Please contact Central City Opera at 303.292.6500 to ensure correction.

Corporate, Foundation, Association and Government Donors

Central City Opera Festival Sponsor ($100,000+)

Avenir Foundation, Inc.*

Central City Opera House Association Endowment Fund*

El Pomar Foundation*

Citizens of the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District*

J. Landis and Sharon Martin Family Foundation•*

Presenting Sponsor ($50,000 - $99,999)

Bonfils-Stanton Foundation*

The Kemper Family Foundations• The Virginia W. Hill Foundation*

Production Sponsor ($25,000 - $49,999)

Galen and Ada Belle Spencer Foundation*

Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation• City of Central*

Monarch Casino Resort and Spa

Performance Sponsor ($10,000 - $24,999)

Mabel Y. Hughes Charitable Trust*

Gates Family Foundation

Jeanne Land Foundation*

Trask Family Foundation•

Bansbach Foundation

Bader Charitable Fund

The Butler Family Fund of The Denver Foundation*

The Comegys Bight Charitable Foundation

Colorado Creative Industries

First Western Trust

Xcel Energy Foundation

Joseph Haarer Group – LIV Sotheby’s Vectra Bank – Colorado

Director’s Circle ($5,000 - $9,999)

Denver Lyric Opera Guild*

Armstrong Foundation

Fuller Family Fund

Henry R. Schwier Charitable Fund Advised by Robert Wiegand II

The Joseph Family Foundation

Conductor’s Circle ($2,500 - $4,999)

Pikes Peak Community Foundation BetsUSA

+ Friends who have passed away in the last year

* Loyal donors who have made gifts to Central City Opera for ten consecutive years or more

• Voice Your Dreams Campaign contribution

◊ Diva/Divo Guild Members

^ Elevation Club Members

Artist’s Circle ($1,000 - $2,499)

Marcia L. Ragonetti

Ewing Family Foundation

Stephens Enders Fund - Chicago Community Foundation

Dillard's, Inc.

W.G. Nielsen and Company

The Autrey Foundation*

David Lawrence Foundation

Laura Jane Musser Fund

Merle Chambers Fund

Monaghan Foundation

National Christian Foundation-Colorado

Renaissance Charitable Foundation

The Gilman Family Foundation

William H. Donner Foundation, Inc.

Benefactor ($500 - $999)

Laff Foundation, Inc.

Exxon Mobil Foundation

Honnen Equipment

Innovest Portfolio Solutions, LLC

Carolyn and Dave Wollard Donor - Advised Fund at Rose Community Foundation

Patron ($250 - $499)

The Denver Foundation•

The Jess and Rose Kortz and Pearle Rae Foundation

University of Colorado at Boulder

Aging at 5280

Denver Children's Home

Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc.*

Wallace Properties

J. McLaughlin

Associate ($100 - $249)

Gustafson Business Solutions

Divvy

Community Resources, Inc.

Matching Gift Companies

Bank of the West

Caterpillar Foundation

IBM International Foundation

VISA

Xcel Energy Foundation

Individual Donors

Central City Opera Festival Sponsor

($100,000+)

Pamela and Dutch Bansbach*•◊

Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson*•◊

Lanny and Sharon Martin*•◊

Heather and Mike Miller•◊

John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich*•

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Woods

Presenting Sponsor ($50,000 - $99,999)

Mr. and Mrs. Robert K. Fuller II*•◊

Lizabeth A. Lynner and James L. Palenchar*•

Production Sponsor ($25,000 - $49,999)

Margaret and Stan Baker*•

John and Melinda Couzens*•

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. McGonagle*•◊

Ms. Erin P. Nichols◊

Max Nichols

Nancy S. Parker*•◊

Karen and Andrew Ritz*•◊

Phoebe Smedley*•

Estate of Mr. John R. Starkey•

James and Kathy Switzer^

Carole J. Yaley•

Performance Sponsor ($10,000 - $24,999)

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Accetta

Charles and Joan Albi*•

Mr. and Mrs. Gerald L. Bader, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. James Bender◊

Heidi Burose◊

John and Anne Draper•

The Dinegar Family◊

Robert A. Ellis*•

Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Erzinger*•◊

John and Jeannie Fuller*•

Beverlee Henry Fullerton*•◊

Mr. Newell M. Grant*•◊

Mrs. Helen M. Hallin

Mr. Ryan Haarer

Jane Hascall*

Mr. James R. Hilger, Jr.*

Mr. Justin Joseph

Dr. Sarah K. Scott and Mr. Kevin Kearney*•◊

Robert Montgomery*

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schneider•

Ms. Ann Collier and Mr. Tyler Ray

Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie*

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Unger*•

Pam and Sonny Wiegand*•

Director’s Circle ($5,000 - $9,999)

Mr. Roopesh Aggarwal and Ms. Lauren Lovejoy•

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Armstrong

Nancy Benson•

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy L. Blunk

Mr. and Mrs. Gray Clark◊

Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Danos

Mr. Scott Finlay and Mr. Thomas J. Duggan*◊

Mrs. James P. Gordon*

Mr. and Mrs. John Grier

Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin

Chap and Ethel Hutcheson*

Mr. and Mrs. Lance Kitt

Gregg Kvistad and Amy Oaks

Brooke and Charles Maloy*

Roberta Martin*

Sharon L. Menard

Jon and Lynne Montague-Clouse◊

Mr. Alexander and Mrs. Cynthia Read◊

Richard and Sally Russo◊

Robert and Lucy Showalter

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas S. Sparks◊

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Tyree, Jr. *•

Tim Walker

Mr. James M. Wilkins

Conductor’s Circle ($2,500 - $4,999)

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Adams

Lisa and Rob Adams

Mr. and Mrs. Adam J. Agron

Dr. and Mrs. Todd Alijani

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gregory Austin III

Mr. and Mrs. John Barker, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Duke Beardsley

Mr. and Mrs. John Burstein

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Calamari

Mr. and Mrs. Bradley H. Calkins, Jr.

Elizabeth and Jon Clarke◊

Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan D. Coleman

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent F. Connelly

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Conroy

Mr. and Mrs. Peter J. Coors, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Damiano

Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. Davis

Mr. and Mrs. Raj Dhanda

Mr. and Mrs. Eric G. D’Hondt

Ronald Engels and Zane Laubhan*

Kelsey and Anson Fatland◊

Dr. and Mrs. Donald C. Ferlic*

Mr. and Mrs. Seth E. Frankel

Mr. and Mrs. Bret A. Fox^

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Fucarino

Steven and Alice Gansfield^

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Geller

Richard and Rebecca Goozh

Mr. and Mrs. Sean Grauer

Mr. and Mrs. Byron J. Haselden

Dr. Armodios Hatzidakis and Mrs. Melissa Hatzidakis

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Henderson

Ms. Kari Hess

Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Hicks

Mr. Howard Janzen

Mr. and Mrs. Todd S. Jobe

Ms. Christy Jordan and Mr. Christopher B. Little

Mr. Peter J. Korneffel, Jr.

Ms. Laurie Korneffel

Ms. Kristin K. Lang

Mr. and Mrs. Fraser Leversedge

Rosalind G. Lidstone*

Mr. Jerome and Dr. Stacy McHugh◊

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Metcalf

Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Miles

Mr. and Mrs. William Miranda

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Murphy

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew B. Parsons

Ms. Jennifer Pearson

Ms. Emily Philpott and Mr. Chris Tetzeli

Frederick H. Poppe and Jana Edwards

Mrs. Stephanie Reeman

Richard B. Robinson and Nina Saks Robinson◊

Mr. and Mrs. David Rudnick

Mr. Charles E. Samson

Mr. and Mrs. Clark Seccombe

Mr. and Mrs. George Secor◊

Ms. Cathryn Sheldon

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Shloss

Gibson Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Stava

Mr. Stephen Tebo and Mrs. Tatiana Tebo

Mrs. and Dr. Turner

Mr. and Mrs. Tim Twombly

Mr. Roy Varela

Buzz and George Ann Victor◊

Mr. and Mrs. Sean M. Waters

Mr. and Mrs. William White

Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Wilkins II

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Willis

Dr. Dean Yannias

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Zirin

Artist’s Circle ($1,000 - $2,499)

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Adalian^

Mr. Russell Allen

Nora Astley

Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Austin, Esq. Hartman Axley*

Ms. Lornel Baker•

George Banks

William and Bev Barber^

John Baril and Brian Cook

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Barron

Mr. Richard A. Billings*

Ms. Linda E. Bjelland*^

Dr. Geil Browning

Dr. Dina Brudenell Altman

Sandi and Bill Bruns

Ms. Joyce Castle*

Marty and John Chamberlin*

Merle C. Chambers

Mrs. Wendy T. Cogdal

Sue Cole*

Ms. Ann M. Corrigan and Mr. Kent A. Rice

Mr. Carter Dammen

Carol and Jeffrey Dawson^

Ronald and Becky Dreasher^

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Banks Duke•

Ms. Arline Echandia◊^

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew D. Emerson

David and Debra Flitter*

Noel and Keree Frakes

Mr. and Mrs. John Gallagher

Mr. Stuart Gilman and Ms. Cathie Walker

Ms. Cecily Grant

Ms. Barbara Grogan

Thomas E. Healy•

Jennifer Heglin

Kathryn Heider

Christoph Heinrich and Kira van Lil

Cathey A. Herren*^

Virginia Hersch

Mr. Lyman Ho

Mr. Robert Homiak and Ms. Susan Schneider

Julie Hughes

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Huseby◊

Mr. Christopher R. Jacoby and Mrs. Kim Fuller Jacoby◊

Mrs. Arlene M. Johnson

Ms. Barbara Kelley

Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight^

Cynthia Kruse

Ken and Barbara Laff

The Langs

Danni L. Langdon and Carl Jacobson

Ms. Pauline R. Langsley

Ms. Lisa A. Lee^

Carolyn L. Longmire*

Suzanne Matthews

Mr. and Mrs. Dirk McDermott*•

The Morss Dehncke Family◊

Ms. Lin Murphy

James V. Neely*

Drs. Harold and Sarah Nelson•^

Jane and Skip Netzorg

Mr. Kevin D. O'Connor and Ms. Janet E. Raasch

Ronald Y. Otsuka

Dr. and Mrs. Joe K. Ozaki

Mr. and Mrs. Bob F. Phelps, Jr. ◊

Rich and Kim Plumridge

Mr. John Potter

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Quillin

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rawley•

Mr. and Mrs. James Reeman

T. R. Reid

Mr. and Mrs. David Repsher

Ms. Louise Rouse◊

Dr. Evan Schwartz

Nancy J. Siegel*

Mr. and Mrs. William W. Slaughter^

Mr. William M. Spencer

Alice and Tom Stephens*•◊

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Sullivan

Mr. and Mrs. Dale S. Sweat, Jr. ◊

Dr. Alexandra Theriault and Mr. Ron Guillot

Ms. Colleen Thumm*^

Mr. and Mrs. David Tryba

Mr. David Vansickle

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wallace

Cia A. Wenzel•

Beth and Karl Williamson*

Mollie Mitchell and John Wilson

Duain Wolfe*

Jacklyn Writz

Benefactor ($500 - $999)

Anonymous

Ms. Susan Adams

Mr. and Mrs. Evan Anderman

H. Gregory and Deanna Austin

Carolyn and Ron Baer

Donald K. Bain^

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bennett

Mrs. Joan Berg

Dr. and Mrs. S. Gilbert Blount

Libby Bortz

Mr. and Mrs. Suzanne Brauer^

Tabby Briggs

Mr. and Ms. Trevor S. Brown

Mr. Keith Brumbaugh

Leslie Cady

Mr. Mark Corbett and Mrs. Annie R. Cordova

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Corrigan

Mr. Thomas Cox

Lauren O'Neill Crist-Fulk

Chris and Lisa Curwen

Michael and Sara DiManna*

Marian Dines and Joanne Christensen*

Mr. John C. Dixon

Mr. James Eckhart◊

Mrs. Robin A. Everett

Mo Ewing•

Ms. Christine W. Farrel

Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Fey

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick A. Fielder, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Gary K. Gantner

Mr. and Mrs. William Gleason

Ms. Shelby Green

Chuck and Pat Griffith

Greg and Cathy Groene◊^

Elaine Gunnell

Ms. Janice Hall

Ms. Lynn E. Harrington

Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Hazel

Monty and Kelly Henninger

Ms. Lindsay Hickel

Chip Horne and Jan Kennaugh

Marijane Hutchison

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon A. Isaacs, Jr.

Ms. Deborah Jenkins

Charles and Ursula Kafadar

Meredith Kallai

Johanna Elizabeth Kelly

Mr. Charles Kettering and Dr. Lisa Kettering

Mr. and Mrs. Greg Kintzele

Mr. Tom McCarty and Mrs. Bernardine Kirchhof

Mark and Barbara Kiryluk*

Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn H. Klein*

Ms. Barbara L. Knight

Mr. and Mrs. Avery Koch

The Koehler Family

Elizabeth B. Labrot*

Dr. and Mrs. Mark Laitos

Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Leitch*•

Igor and Jessica Levental

Doug Llewellyn

Nancy and Jack Lockwood

Richard and Ann Lohmeyer

Mr. Richard Macklin

Katie MacWilliams*

Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Y. Marchand*

Ms. Jeanine Matney

Dr. Vicki McFarlane

Mr. and Mrs. Paul McPheeters

Trish and Ted Millice

William R. Moninger and Bonnie J. Phipps

Emily Murdock and Steven Aguiló-Arbues*•

Ms. Anne Myers

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Perkins

Lori Pidick and Mark Niles

Kathryn L. Pride

Mr. David Pyle

Nijole Rasmussen

Mr. Jeremy Reger

Mary E. Moser and William A. Richey

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Robinson

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Schabacker

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Schaefer

Ruth E. Schoening*

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Shaller

Kathleen and Peter Shand

Mr. and Mrs. David C. Shelton

Terry and Bonnie Shetler

Mrs. Lorraine Shuler

Jenene and James Stookesberry^

Rita Sommers*

Ms. Kim C. Spears

Susan Stiff

Mr. Stephen M. Strachan

Frank and Sylvia Sullivan*

Ms. Karen Sumner

Mr. and Mrs. James A. Swanson*

Mr. Richard Swomley

Ms. Tolly Tate•

Mrs. and Mr. Meagan Thomas

Mrs. and Mr. Charlotte Travis

Mr. Zachary Umetani

Ms. Julie C. Van Camp

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Walker

Bill and Midge Wallace

Ms. Vicki Wallen

John and John West

Sandy and Jerry Wischmeyer*

Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Woolley II^

Joe and Donna Worsham*

Ms. Priscilla Zavala

Jeffrey Zax and Judy Graham

Mary Marsh Zulack*

Ms. Jennifer Zynn

Patron ($250 - $499)

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Adams

Ms. Barbara J. Ahrens and Mr. Raymond C. Hauschel

Ms. Leslie Alger

Ms. Diana Allen

Robert C. Anderson

Mr. and Ms. Nasit Ari

Heather and Nael Ashour

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Atkinson◊

Edwin Austin

Ms. Dianne Bartlett

Cynthia Beard

Ms. Lorrie Beck

Michelle Beeman

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Beer

Mr. and Ms. Richard K. Bellmar

Mr. Lawrence Berliner and Mrs. Barbara Anderson

Ms. Dennie Bernier

The Bird Family

Janet Bishop

Bob Spencer and Sondra Bland

Mr. and Mrs. Ahron Bogomilsky

Ms. Suzanne Brauer

Mr. Colin Broom

Janet Bruchmann

Mrs. Edith B. Buchanan

Ms. Sarah Buffum

Ms. Nancy Burke

Philip and Joann Burstein

Ron and Gordon Butz*

Carol Canon

Mr. Norton Ewart and Ms. Carol Carter

Ms. and Mr. Sharon Cate

The Chandler Family

Ms. Karen Christiansen*

Ethel Clow*

Joshua H. Cobb

Mr. Eric D. Coggeshall

Mrs. Toni Cohig

Barbara and Ralph Cox•

Mr. Louis J. Deegan, Jr.

Thomas Dufficy

Mr. and Mrs. Roger Dutton

Scarlett and Geoff Dutton

Ms. Lynda Edwards

Mr. Michael Ehrman

Ms. Linda Eichenbaum Lent

Mr. Eli Feret◊

Ms. Jeanine M. Figur

Larry and Joanne Fisher

Dr. Frederick J. Fraikor

Meg Frantz

Mr. and Mrs. James W. Freeman

Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Frey

Ms. Jan Friedlander

Mrs. Heidi Frost

Mr. and Mrs. William Gage

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Gast

Ms. Laura L. Gastis

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Graves•

Dr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Greenholz

Mr. and Mrs. Russell W. Haas

Rosemary Hanratty

Dr. Linda J. Hargrave*

Carolyn L. Harrison

Norma and Phil Heinschel*

Mrs. and Mr. Kelly C. Henninger

Sandy and Rosemary Hertz

Susan W. Hiatt

Jack Hidahl

Mr. and Mrs. Martin B. Hidalgo*

A. Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld

Gail and James D. Hoffman

Mrs. and Mr. Catherine Hollis

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Hoover•

Ms. Hai O. Hou

Dr. Susan R. Jensen and Mr. Thomas Trainer

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Johnson

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Kelly

Robert and Mary Kelman

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Kitt

Sandy F. and Dorothy D. Kraemer

Herb Kress

Mr. Gothriel Lafleur

Gayle and Gary Landis

Mr. George M. Lawrence and Ms. Judith Auer

Wesley E. and Catherine H. Le Masurier

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen C. Lee

Mr. and Mrs. Lenzotti

Pearle Rae and Mark Levey

Ms. Mary Litwiler

Mr. Neil Maday

Mr. Jeffrey Markowsky

Ron and Nancy Marshall

Ms. Susan H. Martin*

Deb McBride

Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. McCann*

Catherine and Charles K. McClean*◊

Mr. and Mrs. James Edgar McDonald, Jr. ◊

Priscilla Mead and Charles Edwards

Ms. Mena Moran

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Moraskie

Lawrence Moskow

Kimberly Victor Neckers*◊

Dr. Julie Neway

Mr. and Mrs. Kent Obee

Mr. David Oswald

Bonnie C. Perkins

Ms. Cydney Peshut

Christine Pfaff and Larry White

Susan Pientka

Ms. Juliann Pulliam

Ms. Amanda Raddatz

Mr. Richard W. Rubel, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. R. Alan Rudy

Kathryn and Tim Ryan

Ms. Nancy Sauer

Mary Scarpino*

Chelley Schaper

Ms. Marilyn E. Sena*

Mr. and Mrs. D. Dale Shaffer

Ms. Sandhya Sharma

Ms. Cindy Shaw

Mrs. Marlene Siegel•◊

Mr. and Mrs. Luke Simpson

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Sisk, Jr.

Catherine and Jacob Skokan

Mr. and Mrs. Michal Slouka

Ms. Gayle Spelts

Nancy and HJ Stalf*

Ms. Ellen E. Stewart and Mr. Donald R. Vancil

Mr. and Mrs. Matthew M. Strickler

Ms. Randi Stroh

Lynn Swanson*

Mr. Vincent Szafranko*•

Professor and Mrs. Joseph S. Szyliowicz

Mr. Charles Tabor

Mr. and Mrs. Martin N. Tarabocchia

The Bell Family

Ms. Christine M. Thompson

Barbara Trick*

Karen H. Van De Water*

Teresa Vogler*

Roberta Waldbaum

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ward

Ms. Diane Watkins

Ms. Wendy Wenkstern

Mrs. Nancy Westman*◊

Mr. and Mrs. Rodney D. Wicklund

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Wise*•

Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick L. Wolfe

Mr. and Mrs. Gene A. Young*•

Ms. Barbara E. Zarlengo

Associate ($100 - $249)

Mr. Peter Abuisi*

Mr. and Mrs. Allan Adams

Ms. Kris Adams

Joseph J. Adler and Shelby D. Green-Adler

Tara Allgood

Ms. Judith W. Amico

Susanne R. Anselmi

Mr. Jay April

Mr. Gabriel Arguello

Mr. William Arndt

Katy and John Arnold

Ms. Sheryl J. Bain

John Bardeen

Mr. Kent Bartlo

Peggy A. Battalora, M.D.

Mr. and Mrs. Donald C. Bauder

Mrs. Pamela Beardsley

Tami Beardsley

Mix and Karen Beauvais

Eunice M. Beeman

Mariette Bell

Mr. and Mrs. Graham Thomas Benes

Mr. and Mrs. Martin M. Berliner

Ms. Elena Berlinsky

Jack and Karen Berryhill

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore A. Bickart

Mrs. Sara Blackwelder and Mr. Andrew Ogle•

Mr. Harvey Bodker

Ms. Diane Bogart

Brewster and Helen Boyd

Gail Bransteitter•

Dr. and Mrs. Edwin Breitenbach

Jim and Tabby Briggs

Mr. John Buckley

Ms. Suzanne Bufton

Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Burton

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cada

Phyllis Carlson

Ms. Barbara Taylor Carpender

Mr. Paul Cascio

Ms. Teresa D. Case

Joseph and Delphine Casey*

Eleanor Caulkins

Ms. Grayson R. Cecil

Mr. Richard Ceresko

Mr. Chin

Mr. Stephen Clear

Jill Clymer

Lew and Enid Cocke *

Mr. Gerry Cohen

Ms. Lynda B. Collins

Mr. Doug Conarroe

Ms. Karen Connolly

Mr. Thomas Conroy

Alicia and Greg Corliss

Mr. and Mrs. John Cowel

Ms. Barbara Cummings

Sandy Cunard and Ernst Rothstein

Ms. Victoria Cundiff

Ms. Jean Daviet

Mrs. Mary Ann G. Davis*

Ms. Maya Debus

Mr. and Mrs. Albert DeLauro

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Diamond

Stephen Dilts+*

Mr. Dominic Donato

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Donovan

Mr. Daril Doran

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas W. Draper

Ms. Nita Drolet-Johnson

Ms. Jean Dubofsky

Jack Dysart and Carole Milligan

Sarah Edgell

Ms. Jane Ellison

Larry & Leslie Englander

Mr. Ronald Ermold•

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Farkas

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Finlon

Mr. Gary Flander

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Fowler

Keith French*

Bob Fullerton*

Dr. and Mrs. Henry L. Galan

Grant Garcia

Dr. and Ms. Rob G. Gerritsen

Michael and Sara Gilbert

Tim and Patricia Givens

Taylor and Katie Grassby

Ms. Kay Griffel

Ms. Sabina Grusnick

Gustafson Business Solutions

Ms. Jeanne Habib

Mrs. Cynthia Halaby

Richard R. and Carolyn C. Hansen

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hays

Phyllis D. Hayutin

Ms. Carol Headrick

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hemming*◊

Emily Henderson

Ms. Cassandra E. Herbert

Sandy and Rosemary Hertz

Ms. Elizabeth Hilger

Mr. and Mrs. Richard L. Hilt

Mrs. Sarah C. Hite*

Miles Horne

Tom and Linda Hughes

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hyde

Mr. and Mrs. Lee K. Janssen◊

Ms. Suszan Jenkins

Charles and Peggy Jernigan

Dr. and Mrs. William L. Jobe

Ms. Mary Lou Johns

Constance Joiner

Mr. and Mrs. Steven H. Jordheim

Jim and Charla Kates

Theresa and Bob Keatinge

Dr. Mary B. Kenny-Moynihan and Dr. Michael J. Moynihan

Mrs. and Mr. Carolyn Kent

Bonnie Kipple*

Ms. Kay Knifer and Mr. Ray D. Robertson

Ms. Svetlana Komisarchik

Ms. Ellen Krasnow

George and Ruth Krauss

Mrs. Wendy E. Labbett◊

Mr. and Mrs. John P. LaFollette

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Larkin

Mr. Richard Lathon

Melinda Stivers Leach

The Leavell Family

Jack and Karen LeCuyer

Mr. and Mrs. Ken Lehman

Ms. Peggy Leversedge

Judy and Dan Lichtin

Ms. Janice Lippard

Mr. Scott Lubinski

David Luck, DVM

Frances A. MacAnally*

Mr. Michael Magan

Peter A. Mandics and Agnes Takacs

Jean and Larry Manion*

Hilton G. and Elizabeth A. Martin•

Catherine B. Maxwell

Ms. Barbara A. Mazurowski

Yolanda McAllister*

Ms. Nancy McCurdy

Mr. Eric McDaniel

Mr. William W. McIntyre and Mrs. Laura Martin

Russell R. Mellon and Lauretta C. Moell*

Christopher H. Merrell

Christopher and Karen Mohr

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard W. Molberg

Ms. Patricia Moore

Mrs. Lynnette A. Morrison

Ms. Lydia Morrongiello

Dr. Ron and Alys Moubry

Ms. Kathleen Neal

Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Neas

Kathleen and John Ness*•◊

Mr. and Mrs. Carl H. Neu

Ms. Janice R. Norelius

Mr. Christian Oertel and Mrs. Liz Oertel

Ms. Debra Olinger

Ms. Jane Oppenheim

Roger and Stephanie Berg Oram

Elizabeth Orr

Erin and Ilya Osovets•

Dirk and Janet Pasterkamp

Mr. Floyd Pentlin

Mr. and Mrs. Robert W. Phelps

Mr. and Mrs. Robert G. Pierce

Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Pons*

David Poppers

Dave and Bette Poppers*•

Ann and Ralph Poucher

Carol S. Prescott

Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Price

Mr. and Mrs. Donald M. Quinn

John Rankin

Mrs. Beth Reid

Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Reisser

Ms. Marilyn Rhodes

Ms. Glenda Richter

Sydney Rickert

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Ritter

Dr. and Mrs. Steven Rosenberg

Mary Ann Ross

Ms. Sharon N. Rouse

Jean Rueschhoff

Ms. Susan Rusch

Julie Ryberg

Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Sabo

Steven and Barbara Sande

Helen Scott Santilli

Ella Schleicher

Mr. Michael Schlut

Mrs. Karen P. Schmidt

Mr. Paul Schulte

Stephen W. Seifert

Karl and Jocelyn Seller*

Ms. Jamie Shaak

Mrs. Christine L. Shore

Grant and Tina Simpson

Ms. Anne Slucky

Ms. Liz Smith

Rita Smith

Sherry Spano

Mr. James W. Stalley, Jr.

Dr. and Mrs. A. Thomas Stavros

Elizabeth Stokes

Ms. Catherine L. Strange

Ms. Virginia Strange

Marcia D. Strickland*

Mr. Matthew D. Strickler

Laura Stuntz

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan

Ms. Kristal Suter

Mrs. Joan Swartz

Ms. Jacqueline Talbot

Ms. Evelyn Taylor

Mr. and Mrs. Eric T. Taylor

Ms. Dixie Termin

Ms. Tina Thomas

Gary L. Thompson

Ms. Carol Tierney

Ms. Carol Timblin

Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Turner*

John Uppendahl and Travis Railey

Mr. Donald J. Van Anne

Mr. David van Buskirk

Robert & Jill von Trebra

Bernd and Marta Wachter

Betty Wall and Rolland Fischer

Suzanne Walters

Ms. Barbara N. Walton

Ms. Anne Weiher

Sara and Jeff Weil

Lyn W. Wickelgren

Eugene and Kathleen Wiggs

Ms. Clara Wilbrandt and Mr. John Arnesen

Frances Williams

Ms. Geri Williams

Mr. Tim Wilson

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald G. Workman

Calvin and Diana Youngberg

Elise Zall

Ms. Susan Zimmerman

ENDOWMENT CAMPAIGN

History, pageantry, artistic excellence, and energy come together to create an unforgettable arts experience for all who enter the magical opera house. In planning for the future, it is crucial to ensure that Central City Opera has the funds not only to sustain its ability to inspire audiences each summer, but also to grow and expand. When you contribute to the Voice Your Dreams Endowment Campaign, you are supporting Central City Opera and all of its performers, historic properties, productions, and educational programs.

PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A GIFT to join the donors who have already committed to this monumental campaign. Thank you for being an essential part of Central City Opera’s future. Join the campaign at voiceyourdreams.org

FOR 91 YEARS, CENTRAL CITY OPERA HAS WORKED TO ENHANCE LIVES AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH THE POWER OF THE ARTS AND HISTORY.

Endowment Fund

The following funds have been established to preserve the work of Central City Opera for future generations. These noteworthy gifts have an enduring impact, and the company is truly honored to be the recipient of such incredible investments.

Established Funds

The Charles and Joan Albi Fund for Central City Opera

The Margaret and Stanley Baker Fund for Central City Opera

The Pamela and Louis Bansbach Fund for the Presentation of Musical Theatre

The Betty B Dutton Charitable Remainder Trust

The Edward E. and Jean R. Bolle Memorial Fund for Central City Opera

The Bonfils-Stanton Young Artist Training Program Fund

The Nancy P. Brittain Fund for the Presentation of Established Works

The Valerie Brown Fund for Education

The Central City Opera House Association Guild Fund

The Central City Opera Working Capital Endowment Fund

The Colleen Healey Charitable Fund

The Melinda and John Couzens Fund for Central City Opera

The Richard and Doris Cross Fund for Apprentice Artists

The Michelle and Mark Dorman Fund for Central City Opera

The John and Anne Draper Fund for Central City Opera

The Cheryl and David Dutton Fund for Central City Opera

The David R. Ericson Memorial Fund

The Marty and Suzie Erzinger Fund for Central City Opera

The Barbara and Charlie Ferguson Endowed Fund

The Jeannie and John Fuller Fund for Studio Artists

The Robert K. and Virginia E. Fuller Fund

The Beverlee Henry and Robert P. Fullerton Fund for Central City Opera

Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates

The E. Atwell Gilman Memorial Fund for Apprentice Artists

The Judy and Newell Grant Fund for Central City Opera

The Bridget and John Grier Fund for Central City Opera

The Gina Guy Memorial Fund for Studio Artists

The Colleen M. Healey Memorial Fund for Central City Opera

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation Fund for Central City Opera

The Jennifer A. Heglin Fund for Central City Opera

The Jane A. Hultin Memorial Fund for Central City Opera

The Sally Scott and Kevin Kearney Fund for Central City Opera

The Nina Odescalchi Kelly Family Matinee Performance Fund

The Kemper Family Foundations Fund for Central City Opera

The John W. Kure and Cheryl L. Solich Fund for Central City Opera

The Gregg Kvistad and Amy Oaks Fund for Central City Opera

The Liz Lynner and Jim Palenchar Fund for Central City Opera

The Lanny and Sharon Martin Fund for Central City Opera

The Ruth McCormick-Tankersley Charitable Fund for Audience Development

The Central City Opera Guild Mary McGlone Memorial Fund

The Anne and Tom McGonagle Endowed Concertmaster Fund

The John Moriarty Fund for Apprentice Artist Awards

The Neustetter Fund for Central City Opera

The Nancy S. Parker Fund for Central City Opera

The Alfred and Ursula Powell Fund for Central City Opera

The Karen and Andrew Ritz Fund for Education Programs

The Phoebe Smedley Fund in recognition of Pat Pearce’s Enduring

Contributions to CCO

The John R. and Virginia L. Starkey Fund for Apprentice Artists

The James B. Steed Memorial Fund

The Trask Family Fund for Historic Property Maintenance

The Kathy and Tom Tyree Fund for Central City Opera

The Bob and Betsey Unger Fund to Support the Teller House

The Rosalind and Dory Vanderhoof Fund for Studio Artists

The George Ann and Buzz Victor Fund for Central City Opera

The Eleanore Mullen Weckbaugh Foundation Fund for Central City Opera

The Karin and Charlie Woolley Fund for Central City Opera

The Carole J. Yaley Fund for Principal Flute

Pooled Endowment Contributions

Mr. Roopesh Aggarwal and Ms. Lauren Lovejoy

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Armstrong

Ms. Lornel Baker

John Baril and Brian Cook

Mr. and Mrs. John Barker, Jr.

Nancy Benson

Mrs. Sara Blackwelder and Mr. Andrew Ogle

The Boyce Family

Gail Bransteitter

Mr. Dean Burton

Ms. Ana Carrera

Mr. Eric Chinn

Elizabeth and Jon Clarke

Barbara and Ralph Cox

Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Danos

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Dessens

Riisa and Pany Dikeou

The Dinegar Family

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Banks Duke

Mrs. Emily A. Eck

Robert A. Ellis

Mr. Ronald Ermold

Mo Ewing

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Graves

Cathy and Greg Groene

Thomas E. Healy

Ms. Catherine Hoerter

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Hoover

Bruce and Heidi Hoyt

Julie Hughes

Ms. Barbara L. Knight

Murlie J. Kogan

Wanda M. Larson

Laura Jane Musser Fund

Mr. and Mrs. Donald G. Leitch

Dr. and Mrs. William R. Maclay

Hilton G. and Elizabeth A. Martin

Mr. and Mrs. Dirk McDermott

Ms. Anna Miller

Trish and Ted Millice

Emily Murdock and Steven Aguiló-Arbues

National Christian Foundation-Colorado

Drs. Harold and Sarah Nelson

Kathleen and John Ness

Mr. and Mrs. Edward C. Nichols

Mr. and Mrs. Sam Nicholson

Erin and Ilya Osovets

Dr. and Mrs. Joe K. Ozaki

Pelham G. Pearce, Jr.

Dave and Bette Poppers

Ms. Lisa Proch

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Rawley

Mr. James L. Riesberg

Mr. and Mrs. Leo Rostermundt

Scott Family Charitable Fund

Mr. and Mrs. George Secor

Mrs. Marlene Siegel

Mr. and Mrs. Lars O. Soderberg, Jr.

Alice and Tom Stephens

Ms. Karen Stevens

Mr. Vincent Szafranko

Mr. Steven Talley

Ms. Tolly Tate

Tom and Joan Tyree Memorial Fund

Tomkins Gates Corporation Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick K. Trask III

Ed and Patty Wahtera

Watt Family Foundation of Pikes Peak Community Foundation

Cia A. Wenzel

Mr. and Mrs. J. Russell Wilkins II

Mr. and Mrs. William J. Wise

Xcel Energy Foundation

Dr. Dean Yannias

Mr. and Mrs. Gene A. Young

Mr. Mark Zardus

Giving

to Opera

DENVER LYRIC OPERA GUILD

Giving Voice to Opera

Colorado's oldest volunteer organization supporting university opera programs and opera companies.

Membership includes Luncheons Educational Programs Opera Tours

Our annual juried/professionally judged Competition for Colorado Singers

Membership dues are tax deductible

Collegiate Grants

Colorado State University Metropolitan State University University of Colorado at Boulder University of Denver University of Northern Colorado

Young Artists Program Grants

Central City Opera Opera Colorado Opera Fort Collins Opera Theatre of the Rockies

Yellow Rose Society

CELEBRATING Prudy Hilger (1935-2019)

Prudy was a great lover of Central City Opera, volunteering on many committees throughout the years and always attending performances at the Summer Festival.

PRUDENCE (PRUDY) DIX HILGER, beloved wife of James Robert Hilger, of Centennial, was born May 17, 1935 and passed away on September 4, 2019.

Her gracious spirit endeared her to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a world-class runner, being elected to the Sportswomen of Colorado Hall of Fame and inducted into the DePauw University Athletics Hall

of Fame. Additionally, Prudy was a great lover of Central City Opera, volunteering on many committees through the years and always attending performances at the Summer Festival. Her husband, Jim Hilger, served on the board of Central City Opera and is currently a member of the Honorary Board. Performances of  Amahl and the Night Visitors this past December were graciously dedicated by her family in her memory.

BECOME A MEMBER OF

The Yellow Rose Society

The Yellow Rose Society acknowledges those who are leaving a legacy for Central City Opera through a planned gift. These donors, with their foresight and generosity, are ensuring the long-term artistic and financial stability of the Company.

YELLOW ROSE SOCIETY MEMBERS

Charles and Joan Albi

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick K. Bains

Mix and Karen Beauvais

Cheryl and David Dutton

Ms. Arline Echandia

Mrs. Charles L. Ferguson

John and Jeannie Fuller

Mr. and Mrs. Verne J. Goodwin

Deborah Hayes and James L. Martin

Cathey A. Herren

Mr. and Mrs. Michael C. Huseby

Kathryn S. Keller

Johanna Elizabeth Kelly

Phyllis Gottesfeld Knight

Laura Hannah Stein-Leavitt

Lizabeth A. Lynner and James L. Palenchar

Dr. and Mrs. William R. Maclay

Mr. Arthur Makar

Hilton G. and Elizabeth A. Martin

Lanny and Sharon Martin

The Morss Dehncke Family

Dr. Ron and Alys Moubry

Ms. Lin Murphy

Kathleen and John Ness

Nancy S. Parker

Dave and Bette Poppers

Pam Powell

Mr. Daniel L. Ritchie

Karen and Andrew Ritz

Steven and Barbara Sande

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Schaefer

Terrence and Elaine Scholes

Robert and Lucy Showalter

Phoebe Smedley

Alice and Tom Stephens

Susan Stiff

Jenene C. and James J. Stookesberry

Jane Alexandra Storm

Mr. and Mrs. Richard A. Walsh III

Ms. Barbara N. Walton

Mr. Jerry F. Wathen

IN MEMORIAM

Remembering members of the Yellow Rose Society who thoughtfully included Central City Opera in their estate plans:

Ms. Catherine H. Anderson

Mr. Vincent L. Bates

Mrs. Jean R. Bolle

Mr. Edward E. Bolle

Nancy P. Brittain

The Estate of Valerie G. Brown

Erna D. Butler

Walt Duncan

Estate of David R. Ericson

Mr. Charles L. Ferguson

Celeste Fleming

Mrs. Callae Gilman

Gloria Gossard

Carol K. Gossard

Gina Guy

Anonymous

Estate of Jane A. Hultin

Murlie J. Kogan

Mr. Roy G. Krug

Dr. Joseph A. Leonard

Mrs. Ann C. Levy

Mrs. Buddie Mees

Mrs. Rosemary Priester

Mrs. Charles C. Reineman

Anonymous

Ruth S. Silver

Christina Bearman Von Wald

FOR MORE INFORMATION on planned giving, or to inform Central City Opera of your estate plans, please contact dev@centralcityopera.org.

PRESIDENT

Nancy Hemming

PRESIDENT ELECT

Katie Grassby

PAST PRESIDENT Louise Atkinson

CO-VPS OF MEMBERSHIP

Susan Stiff and Heidi Burose

VP OF EDUCATION

Kristin Bender

VP OF HISTORIC PROPERTIES Cathy Groene and Kay Fiege

SECRETARY Marilyn Rhodes

CCO LIAISON Aidan Furlong

2023 EXECUTIVE BOARD

Tributes IN HONOR

Central City Opera acknowledges with gratitude the following gifts made in honor of the persons below. Gifts listed were received between April 1, 2022 and April 31, 2023.

In honor of Piper Adams

Mr. and Mrs. Allan Adams

Mrs. Edith B. Buchanan

In honor of All Past Presidents of the Guild

Ginny and Bob Fuller

In honor of Elizabeth Austin

Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Austin, Esq.

H. Gregory and Deanna Austin

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gregory Austin III

In honor of Pam and Dutch Bansbach

Mr. and Mrs. Martin M. Berliner

Philip and Joann Burstein

Elizabeth and Jon Clarke

Mrs. Toni Cohig

Ms. Lynda B. Collins

Mr. and Mrs. Miles Cortez

Denver Children’s Home

Dr. and Mrs. Donald C. Ferlic

Mrs. Cynthia Halaby

Mrs. and Mrs. Kelly C. Henninger

Sandy and Rosemary Hertz

Ms. Lindsay Hickel

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher R. Jacoby

Dr. and Mrs. William L. Jobe

Ms. Terri Johnson

Dr. and Mrs. Melvyn H. Klein

Mr. and Mrs. Avery Koch

Mr. and Mrs. Dirk McDermott

Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Sabo

Mr. and Mrs. John A. Schabacker

Mr. and Mrs. Darrell D. Schmidt

Dr. and Mrs. A. Thomas Stavros

In honor of John Baril

Mr. and Mrs. Gray Clark

Buzz and George Ann Victor

In honor of John Baril and Brian Cook

Marcia L. Ragonetti

Rita Sommers

In honor of the Benes Family

Mr. and Mrs. Graham Thomas Benes

In honor of Gail Bransteitter

Erin and Ilya Osovets

In honor of Paul Cohen

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan

In honor of Ella Faith Dammen

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Wallace

In honor of Barbara Ferguson

Ginny and Bob Fuller

In honor of Scott Finlay

John Baril and Brian Cook

Ms. Barbara E. Zarlengo

In honor of Caroline Halaby

Mrs. Cynthia Halaby

In honor of Avery Jane Hicks

Mr. and Mrs. Ahron Bogomilsky

Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Hicks

In honor of Emma Hybl

Gretchen Christensen

In honor of Vernon Isaacs “Bud”

Mr. and Mrs. Vernon A. Isaacs, Jr.

In honor of Ella Kitt

Mr. and Mrs. Lance Kitt

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Kitt

In honor of Roberta and Mel Klein’s 60th Anniversary

Sandy and Rosemary Hertz

In honor of Miss Hazel Knight

Ms. Barbara L. Knight

In honor of Riley Layne Leversedge

Ms. Peggy Leversedge

In honor of Margaret Dake Bansbach Maloy

Mr. and Mrs. Guy M. Arnold

Mr. and Mrs. Craig Richard Benes

Mr. Mark Corbett and Mrs. Annie R. Cordova

Mr. and Mrs. Dirk McDermott

The Morss Dehncke Family

Mr. and Mrs. Lars O. Soderberg, Jr.

In honor of Cate Maloy

Pamela and Dutch Bansbach

In honor of Brooke Maloy

Mr. Christian Oertel and Mrs. Liz Oertel

In honor of Ana Myers

Ms. Anne Myers

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Myers

In honor of Kimberly Neckers

Buzz and George Ann Victor

In honor of Pamela Pantos

John Baril and Brian Cook

David and Debra Flitter

In honor of Nancy Parker

Dr. Geil Browning

Eleanor Caulkins

John and Jeannie Fuller

Ginny and Bob Fuller

Ms. Cecily Grant

A. Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld

The Morss Dehncke Family

Rita Sommers

Mrs. Nancy Wimbush

In honor of Kat and Ben Parsons

Ms. Linda Eichenbaum Lent

In honor of Kate Parsons

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Johnson

In honor of Pelham “Pat” Pearce

Judy and Dan Lichtin

Marcia L. Ragonetti

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Gene A. Young

Rita Sommers

In honor of Karen and Andrew Ritz

Janet Bonner

In honor of Nancy Stalf

Alicia and Greg Corliss

In honor of Avery and Edith White

Mr. and Mrs. William White

Tributes IN MEMORY

Central City Opera acknowledges with gratitude the following gifts made in memory of the persons below. Gifts listed were received between April 1, 2022 and April 31, 2023.

In memory of Edward F. Altman

Dr. Dina Brudenell Altman

Mr. and Mrs. Roger L. Kinney

Mrs. Lynnette A. Morrison

In memory of Nancy Brittain

Mr. Richard A. Billings

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph G. Hodges, Jr.

Mr. Gothriel Lafleur

Mrs. Karen P. Schmidt

Mr. Tim Wilson

In memory of Barbara D’Atri

Karen and Andrew Ritz

In memory of Cora Jean Davis

Mrs. Robin A. Everett

In memory of Griff Ferguson

Karen and Andrew Ritz

In memory of Hon. Robert P. Fullerton

Mr. and Mrs. Gray Clark

In memory of Judith W. Grant

Mr. Scott Finlay and Mr. Thomas J. Duggan

Mr. and Mrs. Bret A. Fox

In memory of Martha Greenberg

The Leavell Family

In memory of Chet Hampson

Leslie Cady

Phyllis Carlson

Stephen W. Seifert

Suzanne Walters

In memory of Prudy Hilger

Ms. Elizabeth Hilger

Mr. Jim Hilger

In memory of Peter and Mary Jane Kirchhof

Mr. Tom McCarty and Mrs. Bernardine Kirchhof

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Roger D. Knight, Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. James Reeman

In memory of Diana Charlton Lyford and Julia Charlton Lafean

Ms. Kim C. Spears

In memory George, Julie, and Matthew Mannion

Mr. Tom McCarty and Mrs. Bernardine Kirchhof

In memory of Theo H. “Bud” Mees, Jr.

Hilton G. and Elizabeth A. Martin

In memory of John Moriarty

Mrs. Helen M. Hallin

In memory of Bob Orth

Mr. Michael Ehrman

In memory of Robert Rhodes

Mr. Newell M. Grant

In memory of Iris Henwood Richards

Anonymous

In memory of Wendell Swanson

Lynn Swanson

In memory of Dr. and Mrs. Roland J. Zarlengo

Ms. Barbara E. Zarlengo

2023 Flower Girls

Kendall Isabel Adams

Dylan Hays Agron

Sophie Sarah Alijani

Georgia Grace Burstein

Emilia Mae Calamari

Sarah Peck Caulkins

Audrey Elizabeth Connelly

Caroline Grace Coors

Linden Dalia Denise Fatland

THE FLOWER

GIRL TRADITION began in 1932 at the grand reopening of the Central City Opera House. Two young ladies, Nancy Kountze and Elaine Oakes, were presented as the first Flower Girls. They often watched the rehearsals of the inaugural production and were asked to pass out nosegays to members of the audience at intermission. Today, young women from prominent Colorado families are still invited to be Central City Opera Flower Girls, and their presentation celebrates the start of the Central City Opera Festival each year.

Francesca Marie Fucarino

Estella James Alvarado Geller

Alexandra Mae Hatzidakis

Katelyn Michelle Jobe

Helaina Lil Korneffel

Sophia Gabrielle Miles

Claire Grogan Murphy

Helene Bliss Pearson

Samantha Brooke Schneider

Lily Ann Sheldon

Kathryn Walden Shloss

Anne Louise Smith

Catherine Marie Stava

Allison Elizabeth Turner

Madison Elizabeth Twombly

Scarlett Rosemary Wiedenmayer

SUPPORT MUSIC AND STORYTELLING FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Become a part of Central City Opera’s 91-year legacy of producing world-class opera, training young artists, preserving Colorado history and bringing opera to our communities.

We couldn’t do this without your commitment to the arts in Colorado

DONATE TODAY! centralcityopera.org/donate

Special Thanks and Gifts-in-kind

Central City Opera sincerely appreciates the following individuals and organizations who have dedicated their time, opened their doors and contributed much-needed products and services in the last year.

AWS Drilling & Blasting, Inc.

Susan Adams

Diana Anderson

Applewood Valley United Methodist Church

Elizabeth Arnold

Louise and Bill Atkinson

Nancy Aubin

Pam and Dutch Bansbach

Reba Bechtel

Edie Bell

Shannon Bell

Kristin Bender

Katrina Benes

Mike “Boz” Boswell

Tully and Trish Bragg

Gail Bransteitter

Gregory Carpenter

Karen Christiansen

Jasmine Chu

Linda Clark

Liz Clarke

Joann Cole

Aimee Coleman

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Amy and Peter Corrigan

Melinda Couzens

Barbara Danos

Kim Danos

Holly and Joseph Dencker

Denver Lyric Opera Guild

Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Christina and Leonard Dinegar

Allison Dodge

Brooke Domich

Julia Donnelly

Tom Duggan

Lisa Duke

Jonathan Dunkle

Sue Edwards

El Pomar Foundation

Missy and John Eliot

Suzie Erzinger

Erica Ferris

Jeremy Fey

First United Methodist Church of Boulder

Ms. Jeanie Fowle

Wendy Franz

Katie Grassby

Cathy and Greg Groene

Daniela Guzman

Lori Harrison

Kira van Lil and Christoph Heinrich

Nancy Hemming

Heidi Hoyt

Betsy and Mike Huseby

Mr. and Mrs. Lee K. Janssen

Christy Jordan

Kimberly Kaufman

Sally Scott and Kevin Kearney

Kris Kerr

Lynn Kitt

Cindy and Avery Koch

Missy de Koning

Joe Loyet

Maritza Lynch

Suzanne MacKenzie

Brooke Maloy

Maj. Konstantinos “Dino” G. Maniatis

Sharon and Lanny Martin

Jannett Matusiak

Dave Mazzeno

Ericka and Eric R. McDaniel

Carol and Kirk McDermott

Stacy and Jerry McHugh

Tom Merry

Caryne Mesquita

Britta Miles

Heather and Mike Miller

Monarch Casino Resort and Spa

Jon and Lynne Montague-Clouse

Mena Moran

Deb Morrow

Kim Morss and Richard Dehncke

Emily Murdock

Kimberly Neckers

Erin Nichols

Opera Colorado

Tim Orr

Courtney O’Shea

Nancy Parker

Kingsley Parsley

Alli Perkins

Max Peterson

Jody Phelps

Emily Philpott

Pam Powell

Susan and Matt Rawley

Melissa A. Rick

Karen and Andrew Ritz

Sally and Richard Russo

Serendipity Catering

Margaret Siegrist

Jan Soderberg

Ann Sparks

St. James UMC

Brad Stabio

Andrea Stevens

Susan Stiff

Annie Stookesberry Burke

Sur La Table

Diane Sweat

The Collaborative of the SCFD

Amanda Tipton

Willie Trimmer

Trinity Music and Arts Ministry

Kathy and Thomas B. Tyree

UMB Bank

Shannon Umetani

George Ann Victor

Kathleen Wallace

Aaron Wells

Wellshire Event Center

Wendy Wenkstern

West Jefferson Elem.

Julie Wham

Pam and Sonny Wiegand

Katie Wilkins

Margaret Williams

Peggy Winn

Lydia Wischmeyer

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Woods

Karin and Charles Woolley

Maureen Wulf

Xcel Energy Foundation

Jennifer Zynn

Cherry Creek

High School

Congratulates

Our 2023

Central City Opera

Flower Girls

Credits and Acknowledgements

CENTRAL CITY OPERA POLICIES

Thank you for attending this Central City Opera performance. For the benefit of all patrons, please note the following policies:

• Performances begin promptly at the advertised time. Due to the historic and incredibly intimate nature of our venue, it is difficult to seat latecomers without interrupting the rest of the audience’s experience.  If you arrive late, you will be seated in the balcony until intermission

• Patron use of cellular phones, cameras and recording devices is not allowed in the Opera House

• Food is not allowed in the Opera House

• Water and beverages in CCO covered cups are allowed inside the Opera House

• Please be considerate of other patrons and refrain from talking or making other audible disturbances during the performance

• Unless the performance is canceled, no refunds are given for any reason, including supertitle malfunction and weather conditions

• Casting is subject to change without notice

• If you or another patron needs first aid please contact the nearest usher

• Assisted listening devices are available upon request

• Central City Opera, at its own discretion, reserves the right to decline service to any patron

RESTROOMS

Restrooms are located off the Opera House Patio and on the lower floor of the Teller House. An additional accessible restroom is located on the first floor of the Teller House

GIFT SHOP

Be sure to stop by the Central City Opera Gift Shop, located in the Teller House adjacent to the Opera House

BOX OFFICE

The Administrative Central City Opera Box Office is located at 4875 Ward Road, Suite 100, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033. Hours are 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Box Office in Central City is located at the Teller House adjacent to the Opera House and is open one hour before each performance. The Central City Opera Box Office number is 303-292-6700 or 1-800-851-8175. Ticketing online is available at centralcityopera.org

PROGRAM CREDITS

Erin Osovets, Editor

Melissa Rick, Art Direction and Graphic Design

Gail Bransteitter and Margaret Williams, Advisors

Contributors: Roopesh Aggarwal, John Baril, Ken Cazan, Eric Chinn, Margaret Ozaki Graves, Daniela Guzman, Sam Headlee, Linda Jones, Dan Wallace Miller, Heather Miller, Joseph V. Nelson, Pamela A. Pantos, Margaret Siegrist, Ashraf Sewailam

Contributing photographers: Amanda Tipton, Jamie Kraus, Mark Kiryluk

Central City Opera is funded in part by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), created by Metro voters in 1988 to provide public financial support to scientific and cultural organizations via the .1% retail sales and use tax in the seven-county district

Central City Opera is a member of the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts

Central City Opera is also a member of OPERA America

Central City Opera acknowledges that we gather and operate on the traditional lands of the Cheyenne, Ute and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ past, present, and future. Further, we honor and acknowledge that 48 contemporary tribal nations are historically tied to the lands that make up the state of Colorado. As part of our commitment to Colorado history, we are dedicated to continue learning how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit.

Central City Opera

4875 Ward Rd, Suite 100

Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

centralcityopera.org