Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music presents
LA VIE PARISIENNE Music and Lyrics by Jacques Offenbach English translation and adaptation by Sasha Gerritson Directed by Sasha Gerritson Conducted by Michael Melton Choreographed by Andrew Waters
Performance running time: approximately 2 hours, 10 minutes (including one 15 minute intermission)
La Vie Parisienne
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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 La Vie Parisienne. It has been a transformative experience indeed! What a true labor of love. I remember last summer when my friend Bob Heitzinger suggested it to me as a good choice for our program. I looked at it and listened to the recording and thought, “It’s great, but I really hate the translation. Hey, I’ll just make my own!” What a good idea that seemed like at the time! HA! Well, I spent months trying to “get it right” and let me tell you, I’ve loved every minute of it! So I dedicate this performance to the memory of my NEIU French professor, Dr. Henry Russell, who, among others, inspired my passion for languages and lyrics. Henry was a fantastic and wonderful teacher of “all things French.” And although he is no longer here with us, I still wish to say “Merci beaucoup, Henry, for your encouragement; I never could’ve done this without the valuable lessons I learned from you.” The cast, crew and orchestra have worked really hard and I couldn’t be any more proud! And I am truly grateful for the support of NEIU Dept. of Music, the NEIU Foundation and the NEIU Administration. Your belief in our abilities and your encouragement has made all the difference. Certainly there is NO way I could’ve pulled this off without the hard work and dedication of so many people – especially Chris, Billy, Gretchen, Drew, Kay M, Kay K, Bill, Sienna, Mike, Jane, Shayne, Paul, Sarah, my mom Alicen, and of course my wonderful husband Eugene Jarvis, who supports my efforts in every way. Thanks my friends – I don’t know what I’d do without you! 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 show possible. Next year at this time we will present a classic musical theatre production, as it is our intention to rotate every other year. Please keep in touch. Fondly, Sasha Gerritson Director
GLENVIEW METHODIST PRESCHOOL PROUDLY SUPPORTS the
NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
MUSIC PROGRAM
& GMPS FAMILY MEMBER
SASHA GERRITSON
727 Harlem Ave., Glenview, IL 60025 • 847-729-3606 2
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
Break a
Leg!
La Vie Parisienne
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DePaul Opera Theatre Presents gilbert a nd sulli va n’s
Iolanthe or The Peer and the Peri
Music by Arthur Sullivan | Libretto by W.S. Gilbert First produced November 25, 1882, at the Savoy Theatre, London
Friday, May 30 and Sunday, June 1 7:30pm, Friday and 2:00pm, Sunday DePaul Concert Hall Steven Mosteller – conductor | Harry Silverstein – director
Join us this spring as DePaul Opera Theatre presents Iolanthe, or The Peer and the Peri, Gilbert and Sullivan’s satirical operetta that pits a band of immortal fairies against the British House of Lords. The duo is said to have hit its stride with this political lampoon – its seventh work together as composer and author – as they tell the story of the fairy Iolanthe and her half-son Strephon, who seek revenge against the forces denying Stephron his true love by using magic to take over Parliament. Sung in English.
Free and Open to the Public music.depaul.edu | 773.325.7260 | music@depaul.edu | 4
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
depaulschoolofmusic |
@DePaulSOM
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Christopher Zeglin
Patricia Mehler
Nicholas Brubaker
Robert Heitzinger
Jessica Lauren Fisher
Alaina Carlson
David Mitchell
Brennan Roach
Melissa Orr
Erica Sauder
Wellington Da Silva
Aldo Perrelli
Angela Zúñiga
Michelle Guy
Anthony DeFrancisco
Christopher Hatcher
La Vie Parisienne
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WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
Erica Bland
Janelle Gianakopoulos
Allison Hennessy
Neydi Jimenez
Kathy Cowan
Cong�at�lations to the cast & crew of La Vie Parisienne! Sarah Linske, Soprano
773.331.3323 | sjlinske@yahoo.com Professional Singing for all occasions. 6
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
The Park Ridge Community Church is proud to support the
NEIU Department of Music
La Vie Parisienne
Join us for worship every Sunday 8:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
All are welcome! In the heart of Park Ridge! Rev. Dr. Brett W. McCleneghan, Senior Minister Sasha Gerritson, Music Minister
100 S. Courtland Avenue Park Ridge, IL 60068
847.823.3164 | www.parkridgecommunitychurch.org La Vie Parisienne 7
Roll Out The Red Velvet
Eli’s Red Velvet Cheesecake
Order your Easter cakes, cookies & cupcakes! 773.205.3800 Local delivery available
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Visit us at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr., Chicago Or shop.elicheesecake.com Northeastern Illinois University Department Music CT for Easter delivery Mail order by April 17, of11am
CAST LIST (IN ORDER OF APPEAR ANCE) Bobinet..............................................................................................................................Christopher Zeglin Madame Karadec.................................................................................................................. Patricia Mehler Lead Waiter................................................................................................................................Philip Platakis Train Employee................................................................................................................................ Fred Sivils Gardefeu............................................................................................................................Nicholas Brubaker Metella...............................................................................................Jessica Lauren Fisher (April 9 & 11), Alaina Carlson (April 10 & 12) Gontran...............................................................................................................................Robert Heitzinger Joseph....................................................................................................................................... David Mitchell Swedish Baroness............................................................................................. Melissa Orr (April 9 & 11), Erica Sauder (April 10 & 12) Barton Gandermack............................................................................................................Brennan Roach Brazilian Millionaire.................................................................................................... Wellington Da Silva Customs agent................................................................................................................... Gabriel Muenzer Alphonse................................................................................................................................................Erik Kivi Servant 1............................................................................................................................ Zoe Dalton-Colley Frick.................................................................................................................................................Aldo Perrelli Gabrielle....................................................................................................... Angela Zúùiga (April 9 & 11), Michelle Guy (April 10 & 12) Servant 2................................................................................................................................. Siobhan Cronin Prosper........................................................................................................................ Anthony DeFrancisco Urbain.............................................................................................................................Christopher Hatcher Pauline.............................................................................................................................................. Erica Bland Clara........................................................................................................................... Janelle Gianakopoulos Leona......................................................................................................................................... Neydi Jimenez Louise.................................................................................................................................... Allison Hennessy Night Club Manager............................................................................................................... Tyrone Green Adelaide.......................................................................................................................................Kathy Cowan Core Ensemble Jose Aviles Jr., Kendall Battaglia, Dwan Buetow, Melina Chavez, Kimberly Coday, Derrick Colon, Siobhan Cronin, Zoe Dalton-Colley, Kristine Falck-Pedersen, Tyrone Green, Billy Jozwiak, Erik Kivi, Yleana Morales, Gabriel Muenzer, Zach Nelson, Joseph Orr, Lillian Pilto, Philip Platakis, Evelyn Priebe, Emma Wagner Ensemble Eugene Beeler, Jerry Lee Brown, Eugene Jarvis, Lucy Kennedy, Carolyn Kitty, Omar Nunez, Cathy Parrilli, Gretchen Sheirok, Fred Sivils, Ray Vergara, Caroline Wattelle Can Can Dancers Deborah Silvers, Britt-Marie Sivertsen, Lyz Krieger
Andrew Waters, choreographer
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ORCHESTR A Violin I Jaime Gorgojo, Concertmaster Chihsuan Yang Maria Storm Azusa Tashiro Michael Melton, conductor
Violin II Yuriy Geyer Pascal Innocenti Songhea Sackrider Penelope Riley
Oboe Amy Barwan Clarinet Rose Sperrazza Konrad Pawelek Bassoon Matthew Hogan Horn Anna Mayne Peter Finkel Peter Jackson
Viola Jay Pike Benjamin Weber
Trumpet Travis Heath Katie Samayoa
Cello Nazar Dzhuryn Andrew Snow
Trombone Arthur Linsner
Bass Gregory B. Sarchet
Percussion Tina Laughlin John Agno
Flute/ Piccolo Lyon Leifer Karin Ursin Margaret Austin
Contractor Sasha Gerritson
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Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
DONORS We are SO very grateful to our donors and sponsors who help to make our productions possible! Bob Boals, Betson Inc., Lauran & Myrna Bromley, Don Casey, DePaul University, Shayne Cofer, Ron Combs, Silvino Da Silva & Venetia Stifler, Ruth Page Foundation, Bart Darfler, BDAC, Sue Forgue, Phyllis Hurt, Sasha Gerritson, Park Ridge Community Church, Eugene Jarvis, Raw Thrills, Inc., Stephanie Bryan Kangas, Carolyn Kitty, CPA, Carla Knorowski, Abraham Lincoln Library, Sarah Linske, Soprano, Bridget McDonough, Light Opera Works, Jorge Perez, Ensemble Espaùol, Edward Reicin, Steve Robinson, WFMT, Melba Rodriguez, NEIU Foundation, Maureen Schulman, Eli’s Cheesecake, Robert Solari, Solari and Huntington Jewelry, David Swanson, GE, Jill Weeks, GMPS, David Wojtowicz, DDS TECH / NEIU PERSONNEL Director...................................................................................................................................Sasha Gerritson Conductor.............................................................................................................................. Michael Melton Choreographer......................................................................................................................Andrew Waters Production Manager & Lighting Designer.........................................................Christopher Burpee Scenic Designer....................................................................................................................Kay Lea Meyers Costume Designer......................................................................................................................... Bill Morey Technical Director.......................................................................................................................Rick Combs Hair/Makeup Designer...................................................................................... Sienna Macedon-Kusek Stage Manager...............................................................................................................Shannon Gonzalez Assistant Stage Manager........................................................................................................ Billy Jozwiak Costume Assistant........................................................................................... Kate Setzer Kamphausen Master Electrician........................................................................................................................ Casey Diers Props Designer......................................................................................................................... Emily Guthrie Props Mistress....................................................................................................................Gretchen Sheirok Videographer................................................................................................................ Anthony Schiavone Audio Recording Engineer............................................................................................. Charles Johnson House Manager............................................................................................................................. Steve Zivin Accompanists...................................................................Paul Hamilton, Jane Kenas-Heller, Kay Kim Assistant to Director................................................................................................................. Sarah Linske Poster Design...................................................................................................................... Lauren Lakomek Poster/Flyer/Postcard Printing............................................................................................... The Ink Well Programs........................................................................................................................ Marcus Promotions Security............................................................................................................................................Brian Starai Photography......................................................................................................................................Joe Davis Costume Shop............................................................................................................ Broadway Costumes Scenic Shop........................................................................................................Means of Production, Inc. Ushers.................................................................................................................................................The Saints
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L A V I E PA R I S I E N N E S Y N O P S I S La Vie Parisienne (Life in Paris) is a delightful comic operetta by Jacques Offenbach. The story is set in 1920’s Paris, a time of great innovation and decadence. With delightful music and a somewhat silly story, reminiscent of J. Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, this operetta will make you smile. The presentation is set in two acts, each with two scenes, but the plot of the show only spans one day. Act I, Scene I: The first scene opens on a typical Paris street café. We see the workers setting up and waiting for the gullible tourists to come buy their wares. Then we meet Mr. Bobinet, a young and dashing trust fund babe, who is seeing his rich old aunt off at the train station. She leaves him with strict instructions “No parties!”. He runs into his best friend Mr. Gardefeu, at the cafe and after settling an argument over a girl they both loved, Bobinet swears that he will only pursue wealthy women of the upper class from now on. Gardefeu tries to follow suit, and when he sees his former valet Joseph, he convinces him to allow him to step in and take his place as “guide” for a wealthy couple, the Swedish Baroness and her husband, an obnoxious businessman from Boston, Mr. Barton Gandermack. Gardefeu imagines he could woo the Baroness away from her husband and he could then be set up financially. He is especially motivated to get even with his ex-girlfriend, Metella, a famous opera singer, who he saw earlier with another man. The finale of the first scene ends with the entrance of an infamous Brazilian millionaire, who promises to throw the “fête of the century” late that evening. Act I, Scene II: Set in Gardefeu’s apartment, we see the servants hurrying to get everything ready. Gandermack has decided that he will try to woo the Swedish Baroness away from her husband. He takes them back to his apartment, which he has said is an off-shoot of the Grande Hotel of Paris. After a few hilarious twists and turns, we see the servants all scramble to make it work. Then Gandermack asks Gardefeu about “meeting other fishies in the sea” and the Baroness says she wants to see La Bohème, which is playing at the Paris Opera, and coincidentally is starring Metella, Gardefeu’s ex, in a leading role. As fate would have it, Gandermack has a friend who has suggested he meet a “certain opera singer, who is very accommodating”, which turns out to be Metella herself. He tells this to his “guide” Gardefeu and the plot thickens. Demanding a high class dinner party in a formal dining room, Gandermack goes to dress for dinner. Gardefeu scrambles to make arrangements for a dinner party, convincing his best friend Bobinet to help out. Act II, Scene I: Opens in Bobinet’s aunt’s mansion where her servants are hurrying to get everything ready for the dinner. And then Bobinet announces to Gardefeu that the servants will change their clothes and serve as the “dinner party” high society guests. In a comical scene filled with hidden identities and faux pas, we watch Gandermack drink more and more and try his best to figure out “these crazy Europeans”. Act II, Scene II: The final scene is at a fancy nightclub where the Brazilian millionaire is throwing a masquerade ball. In these last moments everything is resolved. Lovers are reunited and quarrels are set aside as they all sing “Life is short, spend time with those you love. Seize the day, don’t let it slip away. Do your best, near, far, east and west. Live without out regret, that’s “La Vie Parisienne!” 12
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
La Vie Parisienne
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BIOGR APHIES Jose Aviles, Jr. (Core Ensemble) A senior at NEIU, and after making appearances as a background actor in film and television, with principal roles in musicals, Jose is trying his hand at opera. He hopes this will round out his experience in being a music teacher. Kendall Battaglia (Core Ensemble) is twelve years old and a 6th grader at Lincoln Middle School in Park Ridge. She has been in choir at Park Ridge Community Church under Sasha since she was five. This is her 5th opera at NEIU. Prior to La Vie Parisienne she appeared in Sweeney Todd, Street Scene, A Christmas Carol and La Bohème. She was born in Changzhou, China, and loves to sing, hang-out with her friends, shop, babysit, and be a part of industrial technology at school. Eugene Beeler (Ensemble) community listener, relishes being in another NEIU performance after joining the ensembles
of both Sasha’s La Bohème and A Christmas Carol. Formerly in the Park Ridge Symphony Orchestra Chorus and currently in the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Chorus that is fresh off a Presidents’ Day concert in Springfield, IL, what better way to shake off Winter and welcome Spring than being in Sasha’s next masterpiece! Erica Bland (Pauline) is a sophomore Vocal Performance Major studying with Dr. Heitzinger. She is excited to be singing the role of Pauline this semester, after her debut as Julie Jordan in scenes from Carousel over the summer and as Musetta in scenes from La Bohéme. Prior to attending Northeastern, Erica attended the University of Colorado. She decided that singing classically was her calling, after winning the National American Miss Talent Competition in 2009. Erica has been in performances of Le Nozze di Figaro (Barbarina), L’Elisir D’Amore (Chorus), Dido and Aeneas (Chorus), and Grease (Patty
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Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
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Simcox). She would like to thank her parents and siblings for being there to support her all the way. Jerry Lee Brown (Ensemble) A graduate of the TCP program in 2009, Jerry has longer connections with NEIU through stage work. He has appeared in several Opera Workshop productions including Gilbert & Sullivan’s Patience in 2007, Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods in 2009, Puccini’s La Bohème in 2010, in the 2011 productions of The Secret Garden and A Christmas Carol and, more recently, in 2013’s production of Sweeney Todd. He is pleased to appear here again, working with this fine ensemble of friends and musicians. Nicholas Brubaker (Gardefeu) is a first year graduate student in the NEIU Vocal Pedagogy program, studying with Dr. Heitzinger. He grew up in Casper, Wyoming where his love and knowledge of music was cultivated by his participation in local orchestras, choirs, and theatre groups. In addition to studies in the viola, he began taking private voice lessons at the local community college as a junior in high school. Upon graduation he was accepted and given a scholarship to the University of Denver where he spent the next four years continuing his education in voice. During that time he received the Cherrington Scholarship which allowed him to study abroad in Aix- en- Provence, France for a year. After graduating from DU he returned to Europe and spent a year in Aachen, Germany studying both music and the German language. After being repatriated his luck persisted and he received a scholarship to Northwestern University where he remained for the next two years and completed a master’s degree in vocal performance. Since his graduation in 2011 he has remained in the Chicago area where he has been actively auditioning, performing, and teaching. He is currently a pursuing a second master’s degree in vocal pedagogy at NEIU. Roles of note include Giuseppe in The Gondoliers,
Count Bogdonovitch in the The Merry Widow, Colonel Calverley in Patience or Bunthorne’s Bride, Available Jones in Li’l Abner, Sam in Trouble in Tahiti, Dr. Bartolo in The Marriage of Figaro, The English Ambassador in The Ghosts of Versailles, Boatswain in H.M.S. Pinafore, Speaker in The Magic Flute, Mr. Olson in Street Scene, and Figaro in The Marriage of Figaro. In addition to Operatic work Mr. Brubaker is also an active recitalist and church musician. Dwan Buetow (Core Ensemble) is an NEIU Alumna, full time employee in the Pedroso Center and current student working on a second BA in Vocal Music Performance. Dee, the nick name she goes by, is currently studying voice with Dr. Phyllis Hurt and has performed in several community operettas and musicals, a long time ago... Dee’s biggest fans are her two daughters, Zephranie and Dana Buetow. Dee spends her rare, spare time cooking for her daughters and friends, cheering for the Chicago White Sox, dancing and traveling. Christopher Burpee (Lighting Designer) Previous NEIU design credits include Sweeney Todd, Street Scene, A Christmas Carol and Secret Garden. Chris is also the resident lighting designer at Redtwist Theatre, where his recent credits include Body of Water, Broken Glass, Opus, and Man From Nebraska. Other recent designs include Avenue Q for NightBlue at Stage 773. In addition to designing, Chris is also the Technical Director here at NEIU. Alaina Carlson (Metella, 4/10 & 4/12) is pursuing graduate work and studying voice with Dr. Robert Heitzinger at NEIU in the Vocal Pedagogy program. She has been a musician since beginning her piano studies at age 7 in her hometown, Racine, Wisconsin. She since became an avid choir member and performer, and got her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Lake Forest College in 2011. In addition to her choral work, Alaina’s favorite musical theater and opera roles have included Belle in Beauty La Vie Parisienne
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Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
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and the Beast, the Leading Player in Pippin, Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, and the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. She first worked with Sasha Gerritson this past summer in the Opera Training Institute of Chicago, (OPTiC) where she performed in scenes from Le Nozze di Figaro, Cosi fan tutte, and Don Giovanni. She currently sings with treble sextet La Caccina, Peregrine Vocal Ensemble, the Saint James Cathedral Choir, and the Chicago Symphony Chorus. She is also a piano and voice instructor for Piano Lessons In Your Home. Melina Chavez (Core Ensemble) is a current NEIU student majoring in Elementary Education. She was in last Spring’s production of Sweeney Todd and hopes to participate in future productions. “Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.” Kimberly Coday (Core Ensemble) is a vocal student of NEIU Instructor Kathy Cowan. She is delighted to be participating in her second NEIU production after previously appearing in the chorus of Sweeney Todd. Past credits include Baby (Lizzie), Our Town (Mrs. Gibbs), and Dames at Sea (chorus). Kim also performs with the Women’s Choir of the Old Town School of Folk Music. Derrick Colon (Core Ensemble) currently works for the Chicago Public Schools as a Student Advocate and is an alumnus of NEIU. He has been in previous Opera Workshop productions and hopes to continue that trend! He would like to thank his Family and Friends for supporting his every endeavor. “Enjoy the show everyone!” Kathy Cowan (Adelaide) is delighted to participate with her students and colleagues in this production. She is a member of the voice faculty at NEIU, on the faculty of the Old Town School of Folk Music and acts and sings from the pub to
the library to the stage all across the US, and has done so in Canada and Europe as well. Siobhan Cronin (Servant 2 & Core Ensemble) is a sophomore flute player majoring in Music Education at NEIU. This is her second production after being seen in last year’s production of Sweeney Todd. Wellington Da Silva (Brazilian Millionaire) is a student in NEIU’s Vocal Performance 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. He was last seen as The Beadle in Sweeney Todd, Sam Kaplan in Street Scene, the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol and Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden. Wellington is the winner of the Orvieto Musica Scholarship award and has just returned from Italy after spending three weeks there studying Italian language and chamber music. Zoe Dalton-Colley (Servant 1 & Core Ensemble) is a Music Education major at NEIU. She is a sophomore flute player, and this is her first time being involved in a musical production. She is thrilled to participate in this production of La Vie Parisienne. Anthony DeFrancisco (Prosper) is an instrumental music education major at NEIU. He is found more commonly in the pit rather than on the stage as he is first and foremost a trombone player but loves the stage no less than the pit. Anthony has played shows such as Gypsy, Ragtime, Urinetown, Cabaret, and The Music Man. Anthony was most recently seen at NEIU as a Leaf Coneybear in scenes from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Mr. Snow from Carousel in the Summer Opera Scenes. He had an absolute blast! He looks forward to being a part of as many productions as possible at NEIU and would like to thank La Vie Parisienne
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BIOGR APHIES
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his director, Sasha Gerritson, and private trombone instructor, Art Linsner, for being influential parts of his second year at NEIU.
of Dr. Sarah Hibbard and gives her thanks to her family, friends and partner in crime, Andrew. LVYA Mom!
Casey Diers (Master Electrician) Recent Chicago includes Stones in His Pockets (Northlight Theatre) and relighting Outgoing Tide (Northlight Theatre) at the Galway Arts Festival in Galway, Ireland. Other recent lighting design credits include Speaking in Tongues (MPAACT) [Black Theatre Alliance Award – Best Lighting Design], Pretty Ballet (Joffrey Ballet), What Once We Felt (About Face Theatre), Black Nativity (Congo Square Theatre) and Brothers of the Dust (Congo Square Theatre). Associate designs include Chesapeake Bay (Remy Bumppo), The Farnsworth Invention (Timeline) and War With the Newts (Next). Other credits include assistant and associate work for The Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Steppenwolf, the TV shows The Playboy Club, Mob Doctor, Chicago Fire, Chicago Code and others. For more information visit: www.CaseyDiers.com
Sasha Gerritson (Director) is extremely grateful to all the people who helped make La Vie Parisienne possible. A graduate of NEIU and DePaul, Sasha has been the NEIU Opera Director for seven years, in addition to teaching Music Theory. She is also the Recruitment and Scholarship Coordinator for the Department of Music, a job she loves! In her spare time she sings opera and musical theatre and serves as the Music Minister of the Park Ridge Community Church. Just recently Sasha started taking karate at the North Shore Dojo in Glenview. Such fun! Sasha lives in Glenview with her husband Eugene Jarvis and their sons, Nate and Josh.
Kristine Falck-Pedersen (Core Ensemble) is finishing up her MA in Learning/ Behavior at NEIU, and has her BA in Theatre/Music from Columbia. She relishes Sasha’s brilliance, which has enticed her re-emergence into theater. Kristine is delighted to be working on her third show with the fabulous staff, and students of NEIU’s Opera Ensemble. She enjoys her work as a fine Asian Art dealer, yoga teacher, free lance writer, ABE/ ESL teacher, political advocate and volunteer. Jessica Lauren Fisher (Metella, April 9 & 11) is thrilled to be performing in this production! She has performed throughout the Chicagoland and Indiana areas in both operatic and theater productions portraying many characters from mice to men. She is currently pursuing her second Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance at NEIU after completing her degree in theater from DePaul University. She is a proud student 18
Janelle Gianakopoulos (Clara) is thrilled to be in her eighth production at Northeastern Illinois University. She was most recently seen as Amy from the musical Little Women in the Fall Scenes Recital. She studies voice under Kathy Cowan and is majoring in Vocal Music Education. She wants to thank her family and fiancé for believing in her and supporting her. Shannon Gonzales (Stage Manager) is excited to be making her debut with NEIU’s opera program. A Texas native, Shannon has been working in professional theater in the Chicago area for the past 8 years. Recently, Shannon has stage managed for the Lyric Opera of Chicago (Madama Butterfly, Parsifal, Die Fledermaus,) Florentine Opera (Julius Caesar) in Milwaukee, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts (Il Viaggio a Reims). Tyrone Green (Night Club Manager & Core Ensemble) is an undergraduate student at NEIU, pursuing his music education degree. Tyrone is delighted to take part in this production and looks forward to growing musically and professionally here at NEIU.
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
La Vie Parisienne
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El Centro is one of Northeastern’s four campus locations in the Chicago area. At our new location, students and community members will have access to a higher education environment with modern facilities. Northeastern values access to opportunity for students and the community. With flexible day, evening, and weekend classes, students at El Centro can work on general education courses or obtaining their bachelor’s degree in:
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3390 North Avondale Avenue | Chicago, IL | (773) 442-4080 • www.neiu.edu Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
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Emily Guthrie (Props Designer) is an ensemble member and the Company Manager of Red Tape Theatre, the Properties Artisan at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. She has recently had the honor to work with Red Tape Theatre, Gift Theatre, A Red Orchid Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Strawdog, and Redtwist Theatre. Emily earned a BFA/Scene Design from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Michelle Guy (Gabrielle, April 10 & 12) is a graduating senior Music Performance and Biology major at Northeastern Illinois University. Michelle has received numerous scholarships from NEIU’s Music and Biology Departments, including the Orvieto Musica Young Artist Program Award and a Plant Ecology Internship with the Summer Research Program at NEIU. She currently teaches voice and piano and performs as a soprano at Queen of Angels Parish. She has previously performed in the NEIU Chamber Chorus as a soprano soloist and performed the role of Alice in The Secret Garden, Alice in A Christmas Carol, Rose in Street Scene, Louise in Louise, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, and Amy in Little Women. Michelle intends to pursue a PhD in Animal Behavior studying vocalization and communication. She is ecstatic to be playing Gabrielle in Offenbach’s La Vie Parisienne and thanks her family, friends, and NEIU’s music faculty 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: Sweeney Todd, Street Scene, The Secret Garden & La Bohème, NEIU; Redwoods Opera Workshop with Elizabeth Vrenios, Mendocino, California; conductor/ pianist, The Barber of Seville, Opera Fresca, Mendocino; Odetta & Robert Sims in Norfolk, Virginia; Simon, Sykes, & Sims with Robert Sims, Sony recording artist
Jubilant Sykes, and opera veteran Simon Estes. Composer: The Winter’s Tale, Equus, On Golden Pond, Tartuffe, Sadako and a Thousand Cranes, Alice in Wonderland, and The Emperor’s New Clothes. Theatre: A Lot of Living with Charles Strauss, New York. The Light in the Piazza, Goodman Theater; Jesus Christ Superstar, Drury Lane Theatre; Sweeney Todd, Ravinia. Christopher Hatcher (Urbain) is so pleased to be performing in his first full production with NEIU. You may have seen Chris’s performance in ACO’s Die Zauberflote as Papageno and in Don Giovanni as Masetto. Chris hails from beautiful Northern California and is incredibly homesick for some of that sweet, sweet California sun. Robert Heitzinger (Gontran), baritone, is an Assistant Professor of Voice at NEIU. Credits include performances at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and The Broadway Theater in New York. Allison Hennessy (Louise) is in her junior year at Northeastern Illinois University. She is working towards a degree in music education. She has traveled nationally and internationally with the St. Olaf Choir and the PRCC Choir. She is thrilled to be in her first full NEIU opera! Eugene Jarvis (Ensemble) has appeared in numerous operas and musicals at Northeastern 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. He is married to the director, hence his extensive solo roles… Neydi Jimenez (Leona) is a junior at NEIU, studying vocal performance and is taking private lessons with Dr. Robert Heitzinger. This is her 6th production at NEIU and she is so happy to work with such wonderful and extremely talented students and faculty. She was last seen as Jenny Hildebrand in Street Scene, La Vie Parisienne
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Young Violet in Violet, Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and Ayah in The Secret Garden. In her spare time she loves to watch Disney movies and read Calvin and Hobbes comics. Charles Johnson (Audio Recording Engineer) is NEIU’s resident recording engineer. Throughout his career he has worked in several Chicago-area studios, radio and audio publishing. In addition to recording all of the university’s music events, he’s a sought-after Mastering Engineer, singer/songwriter and N.A.R.A.S. member. Billy Jozwiak (Core Ensemble, Assistant Stage Manager) is an instrumental music education major at NEIU. This is his third year, and his primary instrument is the tuba. Previous credits include roles in Spelling Bee, Sweeney Todd and Don Giovanni.
Jane Kenas-Heller (Accompanist, Vocal Coach) served as the staff accompanist for the NEIU Music Department until her 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. Lucy Kennedy (Ensemble) by day a technical writer, Lucy Kennedy is a veteran of the Chicago community theater scene. She now expresses her creativity by singing with community choruses and the Park Ridge Community Church Chancel Choir, which, in addition to singing inspiring anthems on Sunday morning, travels to Europe to bring American choral music to international choral festivals—in the past, Vienna and Belgium, and next year Galway, Ireland.
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Kay Kim (Accompanist, Vocal Coach) An active collaborator, pianist Kay Kim 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 full-time staff pianist and as an instructor of piano accompanying at NEIU. 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) community listener, is tickled to return to NEIU for another Sasha experience, having sung in the choruses of La Bohème and A Christmas Carol. A member of the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Chorus, Carolyn enjoys the mental health break of acting out and singing during tax season! “Merci mille fois, Sasha, de nous avoir dans ce petit sejour a Paris.” Erik Kivi (Alphonse & Core Ensemble) is an alumnus of NEIU’s instrumental music education program. He currently teaches band, choir, and general music at Mary Lyon elementary school in Chicago. This is his fourth production at Northeastern, and he is extremely happy to be able to continue to work with an amazing group of performers. He would like to thank Sasha Gerritson for the opportunity and her continued support. Sienna Macedon-Kusek (Hair/Make-up Designer) was the Make-up/Hair Designer for last year’s productions of Sweeney Todd. She is a current artist in residence at Northbrook Theatre, and her designs
can be seen this season with Evanston’s Light Opera Works. She has worked in the Chicagoland area as a costumer and make-up artist for companies such as McDonald’s and Walgreens. She is very happy to be working with the NEIU family and the fabulous Ms. Sasha on another great project. Patricia Mehler (Madame QuimperKaradec) has studied voice and sung most of her life. Last fall seen in NEIU’s scene recital of the opera Little Women as Alma March, Pat is a member of NEIU’s College and Community Chorus, and has been a soloist. She also sings, solos and tours with the Chicago Bar Association Chorus. Internationally, Pat has sung with Berkshire Choral Festival in Austria and Sonoma, CA and with Bel Canto Chorus of Milwaukee, with whom she appeared at Carnegie Hall. Locally, she has sung with Lake Street Church Choir, Park Ridge Chorus, Waukegan Chorus, Hinsdale Opera Theatre, IBC Productions, Albright Theatre, and others. She also cantors (at churches). Pat studies voice with Dr. Ron Combs, to whom she is most grateful! Michael Melton (Conductor) A music instructor at Northeastern Illinois University, Michael has been active throughout his professional life as a conductor, singer, pianist and teacher. He was Director of Choral Activities at NEIU for 16 years, he has worked with the Chicago Children’s Choir, the Choral Institute Children’s Project of the Aspen Music Festival, and 25 years with church and community choirs. He has worked as score reader for the Ravinia Music Festival for the past 7 years. He has been a member of the chorus of the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, the Chicago Symphony Chorus, and the Chamber Choir of the Aspen Music Festival. His university teaching has included the University of Chicago, North Park University, and his present position teaching Basic and Choral Conducting and Diction for Singers at Northeastern. La Vie Parisienne
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Kay Lea Meyers (Production Manager/ Scenic Design) would like to thank this fantastic crew and design team for all their hard work. She sends big hugs to the Meyers siblings and to Miss Sasha Gerritson, in thanks for all their love, support and generosity. David Mitchell (Joseph) is happy to return to the NEIU stage under Sasha’s direction after appearing in Sweeney Todd (Tobias), The Secret Garden (Dickon), Street Scene, La Bohème and Into the Woods. National Tour: The Stinky Cheese Man. Chicago: Griffin Theatre, Light Opera Works, Awkward Pause Theatre, The Right Brain Project, Strawdog Theatre, Chicago Fusion Theatre, Wishbone Theatre Collective. Yleana Morales (Core Ensemble) is a music education major here at NEIU, currently studying voice with Dr. Sarah Hibbard. Every semester she looks forward to being a part of the Opera production under the direction of Sasha Gerritson. Yleana also enjoys learning/gaining new skills in acting and singing. Bill Morey (Costume Design) designed NEIU’s Sweeney Todd, Street Scene, The Secret Garden and A Christmas Carol. He is a two time Equity Jeff Award winner as well as the recipient of two After Dark Awards and a BroadwayWorld Chicago Award. For more info please visit www.billmorey.com Gabriel Muenzer (Customs Agent & Core Ensemble) is a Junior at Lincoln Park High School. He has recently started taking voice lessons with Dr. Ronald Combs and is part of a recruitment program here at NEIU. This is his third vocal performance, although he has performed as an actor several times at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He also studies violin and guitar. Zach Nelson (Core Ensemble) is in the 8th grade and is 12 years old. Zach has appeared in many shows at NEIU.
Omar Nunez (Ensemble) is pleased to be in his first opera. This is his first year attending NEIU and he studies dance and music. He is very excited to be here. Some of his most favorite roles have been Nikos Argitakos in Legally Blonde the Musical and Chino in West Side Story. His most recent shows include Sunset Boulevard, A Night in the City and the Nutty Nutcracker. Joseph Orr (Core Ensemble) a member of NEIU’s Dept of Music Recruitment Program and a high school sophomore, appeared recently as Van Helsing in his school’s production of Dracula. Having studied cello, jazz drums and currently voice under tenor Dr. Robert Holst, recent honors include the 2013 IMEA Junior/ Senior Jazz and Senior Chorus Festivals, 2013 Honors Solo/Ensemble Competition, and selection as a 2013 Summer K-8 Youth Choral Camp Leader with his high school. He is a member of Madrigal Singers, A Capella Club and Mixed Chorus, and has performed in the Bluegrass Band as pianist, composer and soloist, and as a percussionist with the Marching, Jazz, and Concert Bands and Brass Impact Pep Band. Joseph is also an Honors Student, NJHS member and Peer Leadership member and looks forward to pursuing a BA in Music Education after graduation. Melissa Orr (Swedish Baroness, April 9 & 11) is currently pursuing a BA in Vocal Performance at NEIU’s School of Music, studying under Dr. Robert Heitzinger as an Honors Scholar with the university. Her nearly 20 years of performing have contributed to a wide array of accomplishments. She has also studied Vocal Performance under scholarship with Concordia University-Chicago and DePaul University’s School of Music. Performing as a professional soloist and often featured as a soloist with various choral and small ensemble groups throughout her studies, Ms. Orr is equally at home in the theater having taken the stage in roles from Children’s Theater to Shakespeare. Ms. Orr has also enjoyed teaching children’s classes La Vie Parisienne
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in art, music, theater and dance, directing children’s Christmas programming and performing as soloist in concert and for special services, benefits and festivals for congregations in the Chicagoland area. Cathy Parrilli (Ensemble) is pleased to be in her second show with Northeastern and her first opera! After such a wonderful experience being back on the stage in the production of Sweeney Todd last season, what better way to expand her repertoire with what has turned out to be a great opera by the most talented Sasha Gerritson, who has worked her magic once again to put on this comedic gem. Cathy wishes to thank all her family and friends for their love and support. Aldo Perrelli (Frick) is thrilled to be a part of Opera Workshop at NEIU again! He is back studying with Dr. Phyllis Hurt, in the Vocal Pedagogy program. Aldo recently completed his Master’s degree in Opera Performance from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, under the direction of William Farlow. During his time in Madison, Aldo performed the role Rodolfo in Puccini’s La Bohème (also performed at NEIU where he received his undergraduate degree). He most recently sang the tenor solo in the Verdi Requiem at the Overture Center in Madison, WI. Other roles performed include Gaisone in Cherubini’s Medea and Fritz Cobus in Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz. Aldo has been a finalist in numerous vocal competitions, including NATS and the Bel Canto foundation (Chicago). Aldo has also been a member of the Opera Training Institute of Chicago for 2 years. Lilian Pilto (Core Ensemble) is a junior at NEIU and this is her fourth performance in an actual Opera. She is a Vocal Music Education major and comes from Gordon Technical High school, where she took part in theater each year of her high school career, as well as All-City High School Choir.
She hopes with this experience she will be able to play more prominent roles later on, but is delighted to take part in this opera. Philip Platakis (Lead Waiter & Core Ensemble) is happy to be a part of this production of La Vie Parisienne. Phil is an NEIU Music alum and has appeared in numerous productions here, most recently in Sweeney Todd, Street Scene and as Major Holmes in the Secret Garden. Special thanks to Sasha and a ridiculously talented cast and crew for a wonderful experience. Phil would also like to thank his friends and family for their continued encouragement and support. Evelyn P. Priebe (Core Ensemble) has a long history of performing. She has a particular affinity for the musical stage, having performed in many operas, operettas and Broadway-style musicals. She again returns to the NEIU stage as a Community Listener in Musical Theatre. Brennan Roach (Barton Gandermack) is a graduate student in the NEIU Vocal Pedagogy program, where he studies with Dr. Heitzinger. Brennan has been seen performing leading roles in Sweeney Todd, Street Scene, A Christmas Carol and The Secret Garden at NEIU. He has spent time performing and directing regionally around Chicago as well as in the Greater Boston Area with such theatres as Fox Valley Repertory, The Artistic Home, Light Opera Works, Seanachai Theatre Company, Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Terra Mysterium and Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston. Graduate of The Boston Conservatory. Many thanks to my family and friends for their love and support! Erica Sauder (Swedish Baroness, April 10 & 12) is a vocal performance major at NEIU, studying with Dr. Sarah Hibbard. She has performed in Sweeney Todd (Core Ensemble), Street Scene (Mrs. Olsen), and A Christmas Carol (Chorus). She has been featured in Opera Workshop Recitals as La Vie Parisienne
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Mimi in La Bohème, Cio Cio San in Madama Butterfly, Konstanza in Abduction from the Seraglio, Fiordiligi in Cosi Fan Tutte, and Mercedes in Carmen. She has recently been awarded the Orvieto Musica scholarship, and will be representing NEIU as she studies chamber music in Orvieto, Italy this summer. She was a winner of the 2014 NEIU Concerto Competition and will be performing “Dove Sono” from Le Nozze di Figaro, with the NEIU Orchestra later this month as a featured soloist. Outside of school she works as an administrative assistant for Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theatre and leads Patchwork, a folk rock band through Park Community Church in Chicago. “Thank you Sasha, for this wonderful and fun opportunity, and thanks to my family, friends, and fellow cast mates for your love and friendship. Break legs! Oh wait, this is opera, toi toi!!!”
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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. Gretchen Sheirok (Ensemble/Props Mistress) is thrilled to be in another show at NEIU. This makes her 23rd appearance singing and being the prop mistress. She also enjoys singing in local choir groups around the city and suburbs. Fred Sivils (Train Conductor & Ensemble) is a Community Listener who is appearing in his eighth production under Sasha’s direction. “I wish to thank Sasha, and all of the wonderful singers and actors for this
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
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chance to appear with them again. As usual, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself through all of the hard work and learning that makes Sasha’s productions so magical.” Brian Starai (Security) returns to the production team for the fifth time after working on Sweeney Todd, Street Scene, The Secret Garden and A Christmas Carol. In addition to this work at NEIU, Brian is an avid trumpet player, having studied at DePaul University School of Music. Ray Vergara (Ensemble) is very excited to be performing in his first production at Northeastern. He is a vocal music education major, and is a fanatic of musicals. Ray has been a part of many musicals throughout high school including Guys and Dolls, and Bye Bye Birdie. This will be Ray’s first performance in an opera, and he hopes there will be more to come. Emma Wagner (Core Ensemble) is a sophomore at Maine South High School. She is excited to return to NEIU for her fifth opera. She is a member of her school choir and the Angeli Choir at PRCC. In her spare time she enjoys reading, badminton and softball. Caroline Wattelle (Ensemble) was last seen as a Maid Servant in Madama Butterfly and Nanetta in Falstaff. She is a junior at NEIU double majoring in Music Performance and Psychology. While part of the Chicago Opera Theater Apprenticeship Program, she played Mabel in Pirates of Penzance. She is thrilled for tonight’s performance and hopes for many more to come! Andrew Waters (Choreographer) is thrilled to collaborate with Ms. Gerritson on another performance together! Other memorable shows include Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods, The Secret Garden, Susannah and Street Scene. Most recently he choreographed Barnum for The Mercury
Theater and assistant choreographed Smokey Joe’s Café playing at the Royal George. He is a freelance choreographer and has choreographed over fifty productions in the Chicagoland area. Last year he worked on T-Mobile’s national TV commercial, Home for the Holidays and The Christmas Schooner for The Mercury Theater. Andrew would like to thank you for supporting live theater at NEIU. Christopher Zeglin (Bobinet) is delighted to be appearing in his second theatrical performance at NEIU. Chris is currently a junior studying music education and hopes to minor in theatre. He has appeared in a number of other productions throughout high school and in community college as well. Angela Zúñiga (Gabrielle, 4/9 & 4/11) will be graduating from NEIU with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education K-12 in May. She has been studying voice for five years with Kathy Cowan and Dr. Phyllis Hurt and piano for two (out of thirteen) years with Dr. Susan Tang. She is a soprano section leader at Saints Faith, Hope, and Charity Parish in Winnetka and teaches piano and voice lessons at Rico Music and Dance Studio in Chicago. At NEIU, Angela has been seen in performances by the Jazz Combos, Jazz Lab Band, and Varsity Big Band as a pianist, and University Chorus, Chamber Singers, and Opera as a vocalist. As Claire in The Secret Garden, Vendor #3 in A Christmas Carol, Jennie Hildebrand in Street Scene, Susanna in Scenes from Le Nozze di Figaro, Core in Sweeney Todd, and Blonde in Scenes from Abduction from the Seraglio, Angela is excited to perform the role of Gabrielle in her final semester at NEIU. “Thank you to all NEIU professors who I have had the privilege of learning from. I am looking forward to new opportunities that you have helped prepared me for as an educator and performer.” Enjoy the show!
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Congratulations to
SASHA GERRITSON and the CAST AND CREW OF "LA VIE PARISIENNE."
Thank you for bringing the City of Light to the stage. Break-a-leg, Carla Knorowski and the Paris Project 30
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music
A B O U T T H E O P E R A / M U S I C A L T H E AT R E P R O G R A M AT N E I U In order to give our students a variety of experiences, as they go forward with their performing and teaching careers, an intentional four year repertoire rotation was established in 2007. In between major productions we supplement the student learning experience with scene recitals drawn from all types of repertoire. YEAR ONE: Modern opera, sung in English YEAR TWO: Modern musical theater YEAR THREE: Standard repertoire opera/operetta YEAR FOUR: Standard/”legit” style musical theater 2007- 2008 (Year one) Susannah by Carlisle Floyd The Medium by Gian Carlo Menotti 2008-2009 (Year two) Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim 2009-2010 (Year three) La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini (sung in original Italian) 2010-2011 (Year four) The Secret Garden by Lucy Simon 2011-2012 (Year one) A Christmas Carol by Ronald Combs Street Scene by Kurt Weill 2012-2013 (Year two) Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim 2013-2014 (Year three) La Vie Parisienne by Jacques Offenbach The Worst One Ever by Gary D. Belshaw
NEIU Class of '80 GE Antares Capital
Antares David K. Swanson Managing Director
T 312 697 3955 david.swanson@geantares.com www.geantares.com 500 W. Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60661 La Vie Parisienne
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38 th Anniversary N SE BLE SPA N O L
center for spanish dance & music
In residence at Northeastern Illinois University Chicago
&Music Festival
American Spanish Dance With guest artists from Spain
June 11- 22, 2014 (773) 442-5916 www. EnsembleEspanol.org 32
Northeastern Illinois University Department of Music