Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music presents
A CHRISTMAS CAROL An operatic setting Music composed by Ronald Combs Based on the book by Charles Dickens Directed by Sasha Gerritson Accompanied by Jane Kenas-Heller, Kay Kim & Jaime Gorgojo Choreographed by Andrew Waters
Performance running time 2 hours including one 15 minute intermission
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L E T T E R F R O M T H E D I R E C TO R Dear friends – thank you so much for being here tonight to celebrate and support this production of A Christmas Carol. It is so meaningful to me to present a work written by my dear friend and mentor, Ron Combs. Ron has been my teacher for more than half my life and I owe so much of who I am today to his guidance. It has been such fun to work with him and the rest of the team to put together this production. It’s a great piece! There are so many people to thank, I can’t possibly name them all. But to those who were with me every day, helping pull together all the details…Ron, Kay M, Jane, Kay K, Sarah, Shayne, Drew, Paul, Eugene…thank you SO much. This wouldn’t have happened without you. The members of the cast and crew are my family, dearest friends, NEIU students, and artists of the highest caliber. Working with them has been amazing – such characters! Please sing in every show, forever, okay? The kids singing in the show…well, what can I say? They are rockstars. And special thanks as well to their parents, who drive them here and there and support their musical theater careers, you are awesome parents. This has been such a fun project; I really hope we can all collaborate again! The students, community listeners, faculty, staff, coaches, tech crew, children and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for believing in us, and coming to see our show. We have been working really hard for the last four months to be able to present the highest quality production. So, to conclude I can only say mille grazie, merci beaucoup, muchas gracias, danke schön and in every other way thank you for making this possible. Next semester we are hoping to present a full production of Street Scene by Kurt Weill, complete with full orchestra, costumes and sets. I hope you can make it back in April! Fondly, Sasha Gerritson Director
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Alex Makkawy
John Baumgardner
Brennan Roach
Jared Metzger
Mary Lutz Govertsen
Mark Biedke
Grace Goble
Phyllis Hurt
Michelle Guy
Cristian Audiffred
Wellington DaSilva
Maggie Harris
Zach Nelson
Theresa Egan
Neydi Jimenez
Michael Harris
Genevieve O’Shea
Connor O’Shea
Gretel MinkHansen
Erik Kivi
David Wojtowicz
Megan Bieschke
Jillian Mayer
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LET TER FROM THE COMPOSER This operatic version of Dicken’s wonderful story was written thirty-four years ago in response to a request from Toby Nichelson, a director and choreographer on the North shore, who suggested it to me as a work he could present during the holiday season, using “Children and dancers”. The whole thing (including the adaptation of the novel) was written and orchestrated in about two and a half months, working evenings and weekends, and was given that December. Verdi once wrote that he believed in “Inspiration rather than construction” and there is no question in my mind that he had the right idea. I can’t say if the opera is good or bad, but I do know that the music was written in a burst of inspiration such as I have never felt before or since. I remember feeling as if I was hearing music already composed and simply writing to somebody else’s dictation. It was my fifth opera of nine, and is still my favorite. Seeing it alive again has been an inexpressible joy, and I thank Sasha and all the other performers who have created this magic, from the bottom of my heart! To quote Fred, “I know it does me good, and so I say God bless it Christmas day!” Ron Combs Composer
D E S C R I P T I O N O F C H A R AC T E R S : ( i n Ebenezer Scrooge The miserly owner of a London countinghouse, or accounting office. The three spirits of Christmas visit him in hopes of reversing Scrooge’s greedy, coldhearted approach to life. First/Second Gentleman Two gentlemen who visit Scrooge at the beginning of the tale seeking charitable contributions. Bob Cratchit Scrooge’s clerk, a kind, mild, and very poor man with a large family. Though treated harshly by his boss, Cratchit remains a humble and dedicated employee. Fred Scrooge’s nephew, a genial man who loves Christmas. He invites Scrooge to his Christmas party each 4 Northeastern University
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and every year, only to be refused by his grumpy uncle. The Ghost of Jacob Marley In the living world, Ebenezer Scrooge’s equally greedy partner. Marley died seven years before the narrative opens. He appears to Scrooge as a ghost condemned to wander the world bound in heavy chains. Marley hopes to save his old partner from suffering a similar fate. The Ghost of Christmas Past the lovely and lively spirit who helps show Scrooge scenes from his own past. Scrooge as a Boy Scrooge as his 10 year old self. Left alone at boarding school over the holidays.
D E S C R I P T I O N O F C H A R AC T E R S : ( i n Fan Scrooge’s sister; Fred’s mother. In Scrooge’s vision of Christmases past, he remembers Fan picking him up from school and taking him home. Fezziwig (Scrooge’s first Employer) The jovial merchant with whom the young Scrooge apprenticed. Fezziwig was renowned for his wonderful Christmas parties. Mrs. Fezziwig Mr. Fezziwig’s lovely wife, who loves Christmas just as much as he does. Alice Scrooge’s first Sweetheart, who loves him, but in the end leaves him due to his obsession with money. Scrooge as a Young Man Scrooge as his 20 year old self, trying to convince his true love, Alice, not to leave him. The Ghost of Christmas Present The second spirit to visit Scrooge, a majestic character. His lifespan is restricted to Christmas Day. He escorts Scrooge on a tour of his contemporaries’ Holiday celebrations.
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Martha Cratchit Bob Cratchit’s oldest daughter, who works in the local shop. Peter Cratchit Bob Cratchit’s oldest son. Sarah Cratchit one of Bob Cratchit’s daughters. Tiny Tim Bob Cratchit’s young son, crippled from birth. Rose the wonderful, although sometimes jealous, wife of Fred. Topper Fred’s best friend. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come The third and final spirit to visit Scrooge, a silent phantom. He presents Scrooge with an ominous view of his lonely death. First Man/Second Man contemporaries of Scrooge who make light of his death. Joe A receiver of stolen goods. A Laundress a household servant to Scrooge, in love with the Undertaker.
Beth Cratchit one of Bob Cratchit’s daughters. George Cratchit Bob Cratchit’s middle son. Mrs. Cratchit Bob Cratchit’s wife, a kind and loving woman.
Mrs. Dilber the best friend of the laundress, a local townsperson. An Undertaker the local funeral director.
Photo: Milwaukee Rep
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CAST LIST Ebenezer Scrooge .................................................................................................Alex Makkawy First Gentleman/Scrooge as a Young Man .............................................Cristian Audiffred Second Gentleman................................................................................................... Miguel Long Bob Cratchit.................................................................................................... John Baumgardner Fred ........................................................................................................................... Brennan Roach The Ghost of Jacob Marley/Undertaker......................................................... Jared Metzger The Ghost of Christmas Past.................................................................. Mary Lutz Govertsen Scrooge as a Boy.........................................................................................................Mark Biedke Fan ..................................................................................................................................Grace Goble Mr. Fezziwig ...................................................................................................................Ron Combs Mrs. Fezziwig..................................................................................................................Phyllis Hurt Alice ...............................................................................................................................Michelle Guy The Ghost of Christmas Present..............................................................Wellington Da Silva Beth Cratchit.............................................................................................................Maggie Harris George Cratchit/Turkey Boy...................................................................................Zach Nelson Mrs. Cratchit................................................................................................................Theresa Egan Martha Cratchit.......................................................................................................Neydi Jimenez Peter Cratchit........................................................................................................... Michael Harris Sarah Cratchit.................................................................................................. Genevieve O’Shea Tiny Tim.....................................................................................................................Connor O’Shea Rose .................................................................................................................Gretel Mink-Hansen Topper...................................................................................................................... Andrew Waters The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come............................................................................ Erik Kivi First Man..................................................................................................................... Eugene Jarvis Second Man...........................................................................................................Jerry Lee Brown Joe .......................................................................................................................... David Wojtowicz A Laundress..........................................................................................................Megan Bieschke Mrs. Dilber ....................................................................................................................Jillian Mayer Fiddler........................................................................................................................ Jaime Gorgojo Solo Vendors..............................................................................Laura Camacho, Robyn Falasz, Janelle Gianakopolous, Angela Zuniga Dancers Olivia Park (Ignorance) Yasmeen Quinones (Want)
Andrew Waters (choreography)
ENSEMBLE Cristian Audiffred, Vanessa Barrera, Eugene Beeler, Megan Bieschke, Jerry Lee Brown, Laura Camacho, Freddie Collier, Jean Collier, Robyn Falasz, Kristine FalckPedersen, Janelle Gianakopoulos, Dawn Granadon, Samara Gualdron, Torrian Jackson, Eugene Jarvis, Nancy Kabat, Margot Kinscherff, Carolyn Kitty, Elizabeth Krahulec, Lauren Lakomek, Miguel Long, Jerome Matthews Jr., Jillian Mayer, Fahimeh Mehrabkhani, Yleana Morales, Ahriel Mullings, Andre Owens, Lillian Pilto, Evelyn Priebe, Tomasz Rabianski, Erica Sauder, Fred Sivils, Krystal Starr, Emma Wagner, Aggie Zarkadas, Angela Zuniga 6 Northeastern University
CHILDREN’S CHORUS Kendall Battaglia, Paige Colonna, Helen Crawford, Kate Crawford, Claire Duffy, Rachel Duffy, Bonnie Harris, Olivia Herman, Anna Lemke, Emma Lemke, Molly O’Brien, Micah Orr, Hannah Siebert, Grace Taglia, Sam Taglia, Emma Wagner, Hannah Wagner, Isabela Wilson, Madeline Wilson
TECH / NEIU PERSONNEL Director................................................................................................................... Sasha Gerritson Production Manager & Scenic Designer......................................................Kay Lea Meyers Choreographer...................................................................................................... Andrew Waters Lighting Designer....................................................................................... Christopher Burpee Costume Designer..........................................................................................................Bill Morey Technical Director....................................................................................................... Rick Combs Hair/Makeup Designer.......................................................................Sienna Macedon-Kusek Master Electrician..........................................................................................................Bryan Back Props Mistress....................................................................................................Gretchen Sheirok Videographer...................................................................................................................Greg Boris Audio Recording Engineer........................................................................................ Rick Martin Costume Assistant............................................................................Kate Setzer Kamphausen House Manager..............................................................................................................Steve Zivin Security............................................................................................................................ Brian Starai Rehearsal Accompanists................................Paul Hamilton, Jane Kenas-Heller, Kay Kim Fiddler....................................................................................................................... Jaime Gorgojo Assistant to Director..................................................................................................Sarah Linske Poster Design.......................................................................................................Lauren Lakomek Poster/Flyer Printing...................................................................................................The Ink Well Programs.........................................................................................................Marcus Promotions Photography......................................................................................................................Joe Davis Costume Shop.............................................................................................Broadway Costumes Scenic Shop..........................................................................................................Left Wing Scenic BIOGR APHIES Cristian Audiffred (First Gentleman, Scrooge as a Young Man, Ensemble) is a sophomore at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), studying Vocal Performance. Working with Sasha is an awesome experience and he can’t wait for more years to come. He studies voice with Dr. Hurt. He gives thanks to his parents and Mrs. Quattrin-Campagna for their endless support. “I wouldn’t be here today with out them!” Vanessa Barrera (Ensemble) is a senior at NEIU where she is a Vocal Music Major. She takes private voice lessons with Kathy Cowan. She is also a cosplay photographer and makes video game inspired jewelry.
Kendall Battaglia (children’s chorus) is 9 years old and a 4th grader at Roosevelt Elementary School in Park Ridge. She has been in choir since she was 5, and her favorite activities include singing, soccer and drawing. Kendall was in La Bohème at NEIU last year. John Baumgardner (Bob Cratchit) is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Vocal Pedagogy at NEIU and is a private student of Dr. Heitzinger. He has performed in numerous opera and musical productions at NEIU.
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Eugene Beeler (Ensemble) is a chorister looking forward to appearing in his second NEIU performance following La Bohème. He has also sung with Sasha and the PRCC choir in Vienna. “It just keeps getting better and better!” Mark Biedke (Scrooge as a Boy) is a 7th grader in Park Ridge and has been in choir with Sasha for 6 years. He also likes soccer, chess, trumpet, and handball. He thanks Sasha for this exciting opportunity and hopes this is just the beginning of his performance career! Megan Bieschke (Laundress, Ensemble) is currently a sophomore at NEIU, pursuing a Vocal education degree. “Words cannot explain how happy and excited I am to be in my first opera production! I’m very happy to be working with such a talented cast, the director, Sasha Gerritson, and composer, Ron Combs! I would like to thank all of my family and friends for their unconditional love and support! Enjoy the Show! God Bless us every one!” Greg Boris (Videographer) enjoys any chance to work with other artists. He is currently studying cinematography at Columbia College Chicago. He would like to thank his awesome parents for supporting him. Jerry Lee Brown (Second Man, Ensemble) Long a stage and concert hall performer, Jerry has appeared at NEIU in Opera Workshop productions of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience in 2007, Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods in 2009, the 2010 production of La Bohème and, most recently, The Secret Garden in 2011. He is pleased to appear here again, working with this fine ensemble of friends and musicians. Chris Burpee (Lighting Designer) designs lighting for many theatre companies around Chicago, including Redtwist Theatre, where he is the Resident Lighting Designer. Chris is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University. When he’s not designing, he freelances as a lighting technician, and an event and portrait photographer. Laura Camacho (Solo Vendor, Ensemble) is a music student at NEIU where she 8 Northeastern University
studies with Dr. Phyllis Hurt. She is excited to have met the composer and very excited to be a scary phantom. She also enjoys apples tart with rosie cheeks. Freddie Collier (Ensemble) is very excited to be in his first college opera. He is a freshman vocal performance major at NEIU and studies voice with Dr. Robert Heitzinger. Jean Collier (Ensemble) is thrilled to be in her second NEIU performance, and hopes there will be many more now that she has given up her hectic travel schedule following her recent retirement. Jean is a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Choir in Park Ridge and has also toured in Europe with Sasha and the PRCC choir. Paige Colonna (children’s chorus) is 8 ½ years old and is in third grade at Washington Elementary School. This is her first year in Choir and also her first Opera. While singing is her first love, she also enjoys ice-skating, basketball, dancing and taking long walks with dog. Dr. Ron Combs (Mr. Fezziwig, Composer) has been teaching, performing and composing music for about sixty years. He has a Bachelor and Masters degree from the University of Cincinnati and a Doctorate from Northwestern. He has taught at the University level for more than forty years and sung with a number of opera companies in the Midwest. He has written nine operas, choral and orchestral compositions as well as chamber music. He has been retired from university teaching for three years, but continues to teach voice privately in the city. A Christmas Carol was written thirty-four years ago and seeing it awake again is really a thrill and a delight for him. Heartfelt thanks to Sasha for remembering the opera after so many years, and for bringing it to life once more. Also thanks to all the performers who have worked so hard and well to present it. They have made an old musician very happy! Helen Crawford (children’s chorus) is 10 years old and in the fifth grade at Washington School in Park Ridge. This is her second year in choir and her first opera. She and her sister were both in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last year at Stage Coach Theater.
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Kate Crawford (children’s chorus) is 8 years old and in the third grade at Washington School in Park Ridge. This is her second year in choir, and her first opera! She and her sister were both in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory last year at Stage Coach Theater. Wellington Da Silva (Ghost of Christmas Present) is a student in NEIU’s Music Education program. He has performed leading roles in numerous operas and musicals at Northeastern and is so pleased to have been a part of this production of A Christmas Carol. Claire Duffy (children’s chorus) is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge. Claire has been in choir since she was 4 years old, and her favorite things to do are draw, read and sing. Claire was also in La Bohème at NEIU last year. Rachel Duffy (children’s chorus) is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge. Rachel has been in choir since she was 4 years old, and her 2 favorite things to do are draw and sing. Theresa Egan (Mrs. Cratchit) is currently working towards her Masters in Vocal Pedagogy at NEIU where she studies with Dr. Robert Heitzinger. She was recently seen as the Papagena understudy in Verismo Opera Theater’s production of Magic Flute and as Rose in NEIU’s production of Secret Garden. Other performance credits include Gianetta from Elixir of Love in Northeastern’s Opera Scenes and as Musetta from La Bohème both as an understudy with Verismo and as the principal with NEIU. She is thrilled to be working with the talented people at Northeastern once again. Robyn Falasz (Solo Vendor, Ensemble) is a sophomore vocal music performance major at NEIU. She studies voice privately with Dr. Heitzinger, and is excited to sell chestnuts! Kristine FalckPedersen (Ensemble) has a BA in Theatre/Music from Columbia College and is currently finishing up her Masters in Education. She is delighted to be in the Ensemble, and to be working with all the professors during this production, along with the theater community at NEIU.
Sasha Gerritson (Director) is extremely grateful to all the people who helped make A Christmas Carol possible. A graduate of NEIU and DePaul, Sasha has been the NEIU Opera Director for five years, in addition to teaching Music Theory. In her spare time she sings opera and musical theatre and serves as the Music Minister of the Park Ridge Community Church. Sasha lives in Glenview with her husband Eugene and their sons Nate and Josh. Sasha would like to thank Dr. Ron Combs for being her mentor, teacher and friend for the last 20 years. Love you!!! Janelle Gianakopoulos (Solo Vendor, Ensemble) is very excited to be in her first opera. She would like to thank her director Sasha Gerritson for giving her this opportunity and her family for being so supportive of her singing. She is a vocal education major at NEIU and studies voice with Kathy Cowan. Grace Goble (Fan, Scrooge’s sister) is pleased to return to the NEIU stage after having the time of her life performing the role of Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden this past spring. Grace has performed in over 20 theatrical productions throughout Chicagoland with companies such as: Marriott Lincolnshire, Theatre at the Center, The Gift Theatre, Steep Theatre, The Music Theatre Company, The Artistic Home Theatre, and Dominican University. Grace has had the good fortune to have worked with Sasha Gerritson since she was 4 years old and thanks her for her love and guidance. Jaime Gorgojo (fiddler) Recent highlights in Jaime Gorgojo’s career are three appearances in 2011 with YoYo Ma playing the Mendelssohn Octet, Bach Brandenburg Concerto and leading the conductorless Civic Chamber Ensemble with Haydn Cello Concerto in C. Born in Madrid, he has performed as a soloist, chamber and orchestra musician in Spain, the US, Mexico and Canada. In 2010 he became Concertmaster of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He is part of Violin and Viola Faculty at NEIU.
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B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Dawn Granadon (Ensemble) is a junior in the NEIU music education department, and studies voice with Kathy Cowan. She’s thrilled to be a part of this great production! Samara Gualdron (Ensemble) is excited to be in her first opera. She is entering NEIU in the spring and will study voice with Dr. Hurt. Samara has been singing her whole life and is a graduate of Schurz HS. Michelle Guy (Alice) is a senior Music Performance and Biology major at NEIU and is studying voice with Dr. Robert Heitzinger. She has previously performed at NEIU in La Bohème and as Alice in The Secret Garden, as well as scenes from Pirates of Penzance as Mabel, and Hansel and Gretel as Gretel. She is very excited to play Alice in Ronald Combs’ A Christmas Carol and is extremely grateful to her friends and family for their love and support. Paul Hamilton (Vocal coach, Accompanist) a native of Savannah, Georgia, has developed a versatile career as a pianist, composer and music director. Venues: Carnegie Hall; Cappella/Smolny Cathedral, St. Petersburg, Russia; Tokyo International Oboe Competition; Galway Music Festival, Ireland; Ravinia Festival, Chicago. Pianist/coach: The Secret Garden & La Bohème, NEIU; among many others! Bonnie Harris (children’s chorus) is a 4th grader at Roosevelt Elementary School in Park Ridge. She enjoys singing with Sasha’s junior choir at Park Ridge Community Church. This is her first time singing in an NEIU production! Maggie Harris (Beth Cratchit) is a 7th grader at Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge. She enjoys tap, dance, and ballet and singing in Sasha’s Angeli Choir at Park Ridge Community Church. Michael Harris (Peter Cratchit) is a freshman at Maine South High School and has performed in Sasha’s choir at Park Ridge Community Church for many years. He was last seen on the NEIU stage as Colin in The Secret Garden in April 2011. Thank you Sasha for this great opportunity to study and perform! Olivia Herman (children’s chorus) is 10 years old in the 4th grade at Washington 10 Northeastern University
School. This is Olivia’s first year in choir and her first opera. She also is in the bells group and plays piano and cello. Phyllis Hurt (Mrs. Fezziwig) aka “Dr. Phil,” has been teaching at NEIU for 30 years and was honored in 2004 to sing the role of Elizabeth in The Patriots, a new opera by her esteemed colleague Ronald Combs. She is again honored to be included in this performance of Dr. Combs’ opera, A Christmas Carol, especially as Mrs. Fezziwig to his Mr. Fezziwig. Thanks, Sasha. Torrian Jackson (Ensemble) is a sophomore vocal performance major at NEIU. This is his first major opera production. He studies with Dr. Heitzinger. He would like to thank Sasha for the opportunity, as well as his family and friends for support. Eugene Jarvis (First Man, Ensemble) has appeared in numerous operas and musicals at NEIU and other places. He loves to sing, play piano and guitar, as well as write songs. When not pursuing music, he also creates video games. Oh yeah, and he’s married to the Director! Neydi Jimenez (Martha Cratchit) is a sophomore at NEIU, studying vocal performance and is taking private lessons with Dr. Robert Heitzinger. This is her second production at NEIU and she is so happy to work with such wonderful and extremely talented students and faculty. In her spare time she loves to watch Disney movies and read comics! Nancy Kabat (Ensemble) graduated with her Masters in Music Education from NEIU in 1994. She has been a music educator for the last 25 years, and currently teaches in Glenview School District 34. She continues to pursue her passion for performing, whether playing the flute or singing. She is also involved in church music ministry, and local community organizations such as the Northwest Symphony Orchestra. She and her husband Brian (MS in Music Education, Northeastern ‘94) along with their two musical sons, reside in Morton Grove, Illinois. She is thrilled to be back onstage at NEIU working with Sasha, Jane, Dr. Hurt and Dr. Combs!
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Jane Kenas-Heller (Accompanist, Vocal Coach) served as the staff accompanist for the NEIU Music Department until her recent retirement in December 2010. Jane earned her Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy degree at NEIU and accompanies the Park Ridge Chorale, is organist at Edgewater Presbyterian Church in Chicago, and enjoys performing with her clarinetist husband, Irwin. Margot Kinscherff (Ensemble) is a graduate student at large at NEIU, studying vocal performance. She has her bachelor’s degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Kay Kim (Accompanist, Vocal Coach) is the newly appointed staff accompanist for the NEIU Department of Music. An active collaborator, she performs an average of over 50 concerts a year both domestically and internationally. She has been one of the pianists of Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s conductor’s rehearsals, performed with the Stradivari Society artists and collaborated with Chicago Chamber Musicians. As a member of musical ambassador group Trio Chicago and Friends, Ms. Kim performs worldwide in Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia. She has been heard in CBS ‘Early Show’, WFMT ‘Impromptu’ and Dame Myra Hess Series. Ms. Kim serves as a fulltime staff pianist and as an instructor of piano accompanying at Northeastern Illinois University. Her previous teaching and staff positions include Northwestern University, Indiana University and the Juilliard School. She holds a doctoral degree in piano performance from Northwestern University. Carolyn Kitty (Ensemble) is a community listener delighted to appear in her second NEIU performance after La Bohème. She has also sung with Sasha and the PRCC choir in Vienna. What fun! Erik Kivi (Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come) is in his final senior year at NEIU, majoring in Music Education. This is his first role in musical theater since his debut in 5th grade as J.S. Bach in Bach to the Future. Erik is a double bass player, and hopes to teach middle school orchestra upon graduation. He would like to thank his family, teachers, and especially Sasha for her continued support.
Elizabeth Krahulec (Ensemble) transferred to NEIU this semester and is a junior CMT major, Music and Business minor. She studies voice with Kathy Cowen. This is her first production with the music department. Lauren Lakomek (Ensemble, Poster Design) is delighted to be making her NEIU performance debut. A Marquette University alumna, she spends her days tweeting for Loyola University Chicago and nights watching bad movies. No longer confined to signing in the shower, she feels incredibly fortunate to work with Sasha and such a fun group of musicians. Anna Lemke (children’s chorus) is 8 years old and in third grade. This is her third year in choir and her second opera. “Ms. Banana” loves tumbling, soccer, penguins and pigs. If she could, she’d be wearing her penguin hat as part of her costume for the opera. Emma Lemke (children’s chorus) is 10 years old and in fifth grade. This is her fourth year in choir and her second opera. Emma also plays soccer, dabbles in hip hop and is in her first year of percussion lessons. She LOVES dogs and technology. Miguel Long (Second Gentleman, Ensemble) is thrilled to be performing in his third NEIU production, his last two being The Secret Garden & La Bohème. He was last seen as a Shark in West Side Story with Music On Stage, and as Seaweed in Hairspray with The Rising Stars Theater Company. Some of his favorite roles include: Hero (A Funny Thing Happened...) with Wright College, Roger (Grease), and Lun Tha (The King and I) with TRSC. He would like to thank all of his family and friends for their love and support. Mary Lutz Govertsen (The Ghost of Christmas Past) is a NEIU Graduate student at large in Music Education. She was last seen as Mimi in La Bohème. at NEIU. Locally, she has performed with Chamber Opera Chicago, Verismo Opera, Main Street Opera, OperaModa, Opera for the Young, and Chicago Symphony Chorus. With these companies, she has been seen as Countess Adele/Le Comte Ory, First Lady/The Magic Flute; Mimi/La Bohème, Madame Lidoine/The Dialogues Northeastern University 11
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) of the Carmelites; and Mlle. Silberklang/Der Schauspieldirektor, among others. She has been an apprentice at Opera New Jersey, where she covered the role of Clorinda/ La Cenerentola and at Opera Cedar Rapids, as Fiordiligi/Cosi fan tutte. Other roles include Rusalka/Rusalka, Mariane/ Tartuffe; Natalia/A Month in the Country, and Female Chorus/The Rape of Lucretia. Equally at home performing musical theater, Mary has sung the roles of Lily/ The Secret Garden and Mrs. Nordstrom/A Little Night Music in the Chicago area. Upcoming engagements include a Kurt Weill cabaret with the new opera burlesque company, Lingerie Lyrique, and concert work with area ensembles. Sienna Macedon-Kusek (Hair/Makeup Designer) was the Makeup/Hair Designer is last year’s production of The Secret Garden. She is a current artist in residence at Northbrook Theatre, and her designs can be seen this season with Evanston’s Light Opera Works. Alex Makkawy (Ebenezer Scrooge) is a senior vocal performance major studying with Bob Heitzinger here at NEIU, and is thrilled to be returning to the NEIU stage as Ebenezer Scrooge. He has played numerous leading and supporting roles at Northeastern, including Dr. Craven (The Secret Garden), and Schaunard (La Bohème). Alex is thrilled to be working with so many familiar and talented faces and to once again get to do a show with such a great director. Alex would like to thank Sasha, Dr. Combs, Dr. Bob, and his family and friends for always supporting him in his musical pursuits. Jerome Matthews, Jr. (Ensemble) Singer, Songwriter and Musician Jerome Matthews is an aspiring young artist from Chicago who is no stranger to the music industry. He has opened for some of the worlds most recognized artists including Chris Brown and Lil’Wayne. As a solo artist he has performed all around Chicago and surrounding cities and has left lasting impressions on each person that sees him perform. Now, with his highly unique vocal style and approach to writing music he is armed and ready to take his career to the next level. Jillian Mayer (Mrs. Dilber, Ensemble) is thrilled to return to the Northeastern 12 Northeastern University
stage, having just been seen as Martha in NEIU’s production of The Secret Garden. She is studying voice with Dr. Phyllis Hurt. No stranger to comedic roles, other favorite roles include Tracy in Hairspray and Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables. Thank you to family and friends for all your support and a special thanks to Candice, Tony, Brian, David, Miguel, gills, blacksheep, and (most importantly) Pierre for all your support, laughs, and making life so beautiful. Enjoy the show! Fahimeh Mehrabkhani (Ensemble) is a transfer student from BIHE (Bahai Institute for Higher Education). She is a vocal music education major, studying voice with Dr. Phyllis Hurt and this is her first opera. Jared Metzger (Ghost of Jacob Marley, Undertaker) earned a Master of Arts in vocal pedagogy from NEIU where he studied voice with Dr. Ronald Combs and piano with Dr. Allen Anderson. After graduating, he began teaching music at several Chicago public and private schools until eventually founding his own fulltime private music studio. Jared has sung leading roles in numerous operas, been a choir member and soloist at Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago and has sung with The Chicago Symphony Chorus. Gretel MinkHansen (Rose, Fred’s wife) a Florida Native, is a graduate from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music in Coral Gables, Florida with a Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance. She is thrilled to begin her graduate work at NEIU and to be in this production of A Christmas Carol. Gretel currently teaches as a voice and early childhood instructor at The Music Connection in Orland Park and has sung in various venues in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, worked for The Walt Disney World Company, and has sung as a studio artist with the Orlando Opera. She is currently a resident artist with Chamber Opera Chicago in Lincoln Park and has most recently appeared as Miss Carteret in the new musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and was reviewed as a “pure delight.” Gretel was recently married at Walt Disney World’s Wedding Pavilion and is happy to be living her dreams with her new husband!
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) Kay Lea Meyers (Production Manager/ Scenic Design) is a graduate of Columbia College of Chicago. She has worked as Company Stage Manager for Luna Negra Dance Theater of Chicago and Ballet Hispanico of New York. Kay is thrilled to be near the love and hugs of her lovely siblings and swims in joy when she gets to work for Sasha Gerritson. She sends great thanks to all who have worked to make this production a success. Yleana Morales (Ensemble) is a sophomore in the NEIU music education department and studies voice with Kathy Cowan. This is her first semester involved in the opera workshop, and she’s looking forward to the actual performance day. Bill Morey (Costume Design) has designed costumes for many Chicago theaters including Timeline, Lifeline, Theo Ubique, Boho, Bailiwick, Piven, Griffin, Hell in a Handbag and others. He has just designed his first offBroadway show Tomorrow Morning at the York. He has been nominated three times for a Jeff Award, winning in 2008 for Porchlight Music Theatre’s Nine. www.billmorey.com Ahriel Mullings (Ensemble) has been singing since she was 8 years old with the Chicago Children’s Choir. With CSC, Ahriel has been in 2 operas at the Lyric Opera House, Cunning Little Vixen and Carmen. Now it is her second year at NEIU but first production with Sasha. She’s excited as the years go on to be in different shows at NEIU. Zach Nelson (George Cratchit, Turkey Boy) Zach is in the 6th grade and is 11 years old. Zach appeared in La Bohème last year. Molly O’Brien (children’s chorus) is 8 years old and a 3rd grader at Washington Elementary School in Park Ridge. Molly enjoys softball, soccer and playing with her brother Sean. Molly was in La Bohème at NEIU last year. Micah Orr (children’s chorus) is 10 years old and a 4th grader at Roosevelt Elementary School in Park Ridge. Micah enjoys playing football and reading. Micah was in La Bohème at NEIU last year. Connor O’Shea (Tiny Tim) is 7 years old
and a 2nd grader at Carpenter Elementary School in Park Ridge. Connor enjoys singing, dancing and drum lessons. Connor has a really cool magic wand collection. Connor is excited to be back at NEIU for his second opera! Genevieve O’Shea (Sarah Cratchit) is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Emerson Middle School. Genevieve has just entered her seventh year of playing the piano. Her many interests include drama, dance, art and Glee Club. In her free time, Genevieve likes pretending she’s a cooking star on The Food Network Channel. Genevieve also sang in the production of La Bohème at NEIU. Andre Owens (Ensemble) is ecstatic about being in this year’s production of A Christmas Carol. This is Andre’s fifth appearance on the stage at NEIU. He is planning on returning to NEIU for his performance degree. Olivia Park (Ignorance) has been taking dance classes for 3 1/2 years through the Community Dance Program at NEIU. She has performed in their productions of The Wizard of Oz, Pictures at an Exhibition and The Four Seasons. Olivia is seven years old and in the second grade. She also enjoys playing the cello and taking gymnastics. Lilian Pilto (Ensemble) is a Freshman at NEIU and this is her first performance in an actual Opera. She is a Music Education Major and a Vocalist. She comes from Gordon Technical High school, where she took part in theater each year of her high school career, as well as AllCity High School Choir. In this particular production she is one of the High Sopranos in the Chorus and portrays a servant during Fred’s Party and in the beginning of Act I. She hopes with this experience she will be able to play more prominent roles later on but is delighted to take part in A Christmas Carol. Evelyn Priebe (Ensemble) has a long history of performing. She has a particular affinity for the musical stage, having performed in many operas, operettas and Broadwaystyle musicals. She again returns to the NEIU stage as a Community Listener in Musical Theatre. Yasmeen Quinones (Want) began her Northeastern University 13
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) dance training in 2004 with Rachel Burton and Julia Hinojosa. She has studied Ballet, Jazz and Hiphop with the NEIU Community Dance Program as well as Creative Movement and HipHop with Cena Loren at Confidance Community Dance. She has also studied Spanish Dance with Sara Samuels, Leticia Aravena and Julia Hinojosa at the Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance and Music. Yasmeen was recently accepted into the Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Youth Company and was awarded a scholarship to continue her studies in Spanish Dance with the Ensemble Español. Tomasz Rabianski (Ensemble) is a vocal performance major at NEIU and a member of a progressive metal band called Eta Carinae. Before coming to America he had lived in a splendid Polish ski resort named Bialka Tatrzanska. Brennan Roach (Fred, Scrooge’s nephew) is a graduate student in Vocal Pedagogy at NEIU where he studies with Dr. Bob Heitzinger. A native Chicagoan, he has been seen recently in: Shadow of a Gunman, with Seanachai Theatre Company, The Student Prince, at Light Opera Works, 50 PLAYS by Joe Janes, at Strawdog Theatre, Sweet Bird of Youth at The Artistic Home, and Finding Eleusis with Terra Mysterium as part of The Chicago Fringe Festival. He appeared regionally in Into the Woods at Reagle Musical Theatre of Greater Boston. Brennan is a graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Erica Sauder (Ensemble) is in her second year studying at NEIU, and is pleased to be performing in her first NEIU Opera production. She’s enjoyed getting to know some of the “cool kids”, and the experience so far has been smashing. Enjoy the show! Kate Setzer Kamphausen (Costume Assistant) has been costuming live theater and indie film in Chicago for eleven years, lately with Hell in a Handbag Productions and Lifeline Theater. She also creates clothing for special occasions, textile sculptures for worship spaces and modern kilts for men (and women) who are tired of bifurcation! Kate is delighted to work for the second time with NEIU. You can find her on Facebook. 14 Northeastern University
Gretchen Sheirok (Ensemble, Props Mistress) is thrilled to be in another show at NEIU. This makes her 18th show singing and being the prop mistress. She also enjoys singing in local choir groups around the city and suburbs. Hannah Siebert (children’s chorus) is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Friendship Junior High. Hannah enjoys basketball, singing and playing the violin. Hannah was in La Bohème at NEIU last year. Fred Sivils (Ensemble) is enjoying his fourth appearance at NEIU in a Sasha production. La Bohème, the 2010 Fall Scenes Recital, and The Secret Garden were his previous appearances. “I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful cast. Thanks, Sasha!” Krystal Starr (Ensemble) is very excited because this is her second full production. She was last seen in The Secret Garden. Krystal is a Business Management and Music Major at NEIU. Krystal is very excited for you to see the play, it was very fun working in the production rather than actually wondering what goes on in the background. Grace Taglia (children’s chorus) is 10 years old and in the 5th grade at Washington School. She has been singing with the PRCC choir for 5 years. Grace sang with the children’s choir in La Bohème. This will be her second opera. She is a huge lover of dogs! Grace also enjoys tennis, trampolines, playing piano and learning clarinet. Sam Taglia (children’s chorus) is 7 years old and in the 1st grade at Washington School. He has been singing with the PRCC children’s choir for 3 years. Sam was the youngest in the children’s ensemble for La Bohème. This will be his second experience on the stage. In his free time, Sam likes to play with his new turtle, Mango. He would like to have a zoo in his house and backyard, if possible. He also enjoys playing soccer and building all sorts of things. Emma Wagner (children’s chorus, Ensemble) is an 8th grader at Lincoln Middle School and is excited to return to NEIU for her second opera. She is a
B I O G R A P H I E S ( c o n t .) member of her school Swing Choir and the Angeli Choir at PRCC. In her spare time she enjoys reading and basketball. Hannah Wagner (children’s chorus) is a 4th grader at Roosevelt School and is excited to return to NEIU for her second opera. She is a member of the PRCC Junior Choir and Bells. In her spare time she loves to participate in cheerleading and softball. Andrew Waters (Topper/ Choreographer) is delighted to be working with Sasha Gerritson again, having choreographed NEIU productions of Susannah, Into The Woods, and The Secret Garden (which he co directed with Ms. Gerritson). Most recently he staged the musical Violet for Bailiwick Chicago at The Mercury Theater. Last year, Mr. Waters choreographed Sunday In The Park With George for Porchlight Musical Theatre, Wind In The Willows for City Lit, and was the associate choreographer for Theo Ubique’s hit Cats (which received a Jeff Award for best Choreography). Andrew also performed in Drury Lane’s critically acclaimed production of Spamalot. He would like to thank you and your family for supporting live theater. Isabela Wilson (children’s chorus) is 11 years old and a 6th grader at Science and Arts Academy. This is her second year in choir. She has performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wizard of Oz, The Emperor’s New Clothes, Pirates, Summer Camp, RATS! The Musical, Into the Woods Jr. and The Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew. In addition, Isabela loves all forms of art especially cartooning and claymation. Isabela plays piano, trumpet and cello. She loves reading, movies and baking. She is a member of the Angeli Choir which Sasha directs in Park Ridge. Madeline Wilson (children’s chorus) is 9 years old and a 3rd grader at Washington School. She has been in choir for two years and handbells for one. She caught the acting bug this summer while performing in RATS! The Musical during Brickton Art Center’s Summer Stock. When not at school Madeleine takes piano, guitar and hip hop. She is on a basketball team and is also an avid equestrian. Madeleine’s special talent is
knowing the Harry Potter book and movie series inside out. David Wojtowicz (Joe the Pawnbroker) returns to NEIU for his 14th show. He has sung leading and supporting roles with Chamber Opera Chicago, James Downing Theater, Light Opera Works, L’Opera Piccola, Music Institute of Chicago, Northeastern, Savoyaires and Trinity Players. David is active in Choruses at Northwestern and Northeastern Universities, North Shore Choral Society, Park Ridge Civic Orchestra, Peninsula Music Festival, Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia and is a soloist at Park Ridge Community Church. AND… Dave maintains an active dental practice in Skokie. Aggie Zarkadas (Ensemble) studied music at NEIU, and has performed with L’Opera Piccola and the opera workshop at NEIU. She is delighted to be working with Sasha Gerritson and Dr. Ron Combs on this production. Angela Zuniga (Solo Vendor, Ensemble) is a Junior at NEIU and this is her second college musical production. She is majoring in Vocal Music Ed and loves to perform jazz piano and vocals here at NEIU under the guidance of Mayo Tiana. She studies piano with Dr. Susan Tang, studied voice with Kathy Cowan for two years and now studies with Dr. Phyllis Hurt. Angela is very excited to be singing with and learning from such a talented cast. “Thank you to everyone who came to support our production!”
Ticket SPECIALS Visit Footlights.com to check out the latest event discounts. Northeastern University 15
A C H R I S TM A S C A R O L S Y N O P S I S ACT I The show begins in London, on Christmas Eve. People are in the town, having a great time, getting ready for the holiday. A meanspirited, miserly old man named Ebenezer Scrooge sits in his countinghouse on a frigid Christmas Eve. His clerk, Bob Cratchit, shivers from the cold because Scrooge refuses to spend money on heating coals for a fire. Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, pays his uncle a visit and invites him to his annual Christmas party. Scrooge refuses, of course. Two gentlemen run into Scrooge on the street and ask him for a contribution to their charity. Scrooge reacts to the holiday visitors with bitterness and venom, spitting out an angry “Bah! Humbug!” Later that evening, after returning to his dark, cold apartment, Scrooge receives a chilling visitation from the ghost of his dead partner, Jacob Marley. Marley, looking haggard and pallid, relates his unfortunate story. As punishment for his greedy and selfserving life his spirit has been condemned to wander the Earth weighted down with heavy chains. Marley hopes to save Scrooge from sharing the same fate. Marley informs Scrooge that three spirits will visit him during each of the next three nights. After the wraith disappears, Scrooge collapses into a deep sleep. He wakes moments before the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Past, a strange childlike phantom with a brightly glowing head. The spirit escorts Scrooge on a journey into the past to previous Christmases from the curmudgeon’s earlier years. Invisible to those he watches, Scrooge revisits his childhood school days, his apprenticeship with a jolly merchant named Fezziwig, and his engagement to Alice, a woman who leaves Scrooge because his lust for money eclipses his ability to love another. Scrooge, deeply moved, sheds tears of regret before the phantom returns him to his bed. The Ghost of Christmas Present, a majestic character, takes Scrooge through London to unveil Christmas as it will happen that year. Scrooge watches the large, bustling Cratchit family prepare a miniature feast in its meager home. He discovers Bob Cratchit’s crippled son, Tiny Tim, a courageous boy whose kindness and humility warms Scrooge’s heart. ACT II The specter then zips Scrooge to his nephew’s to witness the Christmas party. Scrooge finds the jovial gathering delightful and pleads with the spirit to stay until the very end of the festivities. Toward the end of the visit, he shows Scrooge two starved children, Ignorance and Want, living under his coat. He vanishes instantly as Scrooge notices a dark, hooded figure coming toward him. The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come leads Scrooge through a sequence of mysterious scenes relating to an unnamed man’s recent death. Scrooge sees businessmen discussing the dead man’s riches, some vagabonds trading his personal effects for cash, and the like. Scrooge, anxious to learn the lesson of his latest visitor, begs to know the name of the dead man. After pleading with the ghost, Scrooge finds himself in a churchyard, the spirit pointing to a grave. Scrooge looks at the headstone and is shocked to read his own name. He desperately implores the spirit to alter his fate, promising to renounce his insensitive, avaricious ways and to honor Christmas with all his heart. Whoosh! He suddenly finds himself safely tucked in his bed. Overwhelmed with joy by the chance to redeem himself and grateful that he has been returned to Christmas Day, Scrooge rushes out onto the street hoping to share his newfound Christmas spirit. He sends a giant Christmas turkey to the Cratchit house and attends Fred’s party, to the stifled surprise of the other guests. As the years go by, he holds true to his promise and honors Christmas with all his heart: he treats Tiny Tim as if he were his own child, provides lavish gifts for the poor, and treats his fellow human beings with kindness, generosity, and warmth. 16 Northeastern University