Our Mission

The Devil’s Rider, OLO 2019

For forty one seasons, The Ohio Light Opera has dedicated itself to the exploration and production of the best of traditional operetta and musical theater. Founded by James Stuart as a Gilbert and Sullivan repertory summer festival, the company has grown to encompass all forms in the light opera canon. This includes the complete Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, as well as the recognized treasures from the Viennese, French, Hungarian, German, British, and American repertoire. In recent years, the company has expanded its offerings to include traditional musical theater—rare musical gems as well as popular works that are nevertheless being produced less often today. Composers represented include Adler and Ross, Berlin, Bernstein, Bock and Harnick, Gershwin, Kern, Leigh, Lerner and Loewe, Loesser, Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Hart, Styne, Sondheim, and Willson. Along with this unique mission, the company also reconstructs and produces those rare operetta titles of artistic value that were popular in their own times but have long since been forgotten. The historical performance practices of each work premiered are delicately balanced with the resources of a state-of-the-art theater and engaging and entertaining performance values. Each summer, between seven and nine titles are presented in a revolving format of approximately 60 performances over an eight-week period. Nearly 20,000 patrons each season see productions in The College of Wooster’s intimate Freedlander Theatre. Over 120 company members from around the United States are selected each year to become a part of our residency program. The 40 performing artists who make up the vocal ensemble are chosen for their abilities to perform and work at the highest level in all disciplines demanded by the company’s specialized repertoire: singing, acting, and dancing. With 150 titles produced, over 300 productions, and over 750,000 patrons watching, The Ohio Light Opera has become the forerunner in promoting the lyric theater genre. The company’s contribution to the preservation and promotion of traditional lyric theater has received recognition in prominent national and international publications and its work is frequently cited by leading scholars of operetta and light opera. In residency on The College of Wooster campus, the summer festival offers a country setting with an inviting community that is proud of the unique service this company has given to its many patrons and to the art form.

The Ohio Light Opera produces historical titles in the spirit of being faithful to the original material. This tradition has successfully brought patrons to our festival for over 40 years. We make every effort to balance the artistic traditions of the past with the sensitivities expected from our present society. Although words may be omitted and stereotypes softened, OLO performance editions sometimes contain prejudices that were prevalent at the time of a work's creation. To completely ignore these prejudices, or change the creation entirely, would be the same as not acknowledging or recognizing that they existed. —Steven A. Daigle

Fair Trade home decor chocolate • coffee • personal accessories • musical instruments

13110 Emerson Rd., Kidron OH Mon - Sat 9:30-5 • worldcraftskidron.com

8 COMPLETE PERFORMANCES AVAILABLE ON DVD

Victor Herbert Dream City and the Magic Knight Mlle. Modiste Emmerich Kálmán The Duchess of Chicago The Little Dutch Girl The Little King A Soldier’s Promise Jerome Kern Have a Heart Franz Lehár Cloclo

DVDs are available in the lobby during the season and in finer book and music stores. Patrons may also call The Ohio Light Opera at 330-263-2345 to purchase.

German, Hungarian, & American Favorites

Schnitzel, Paprikash, Pasta, Stuffed Cabbage, Pizza, Pierogies, Deli Sandwiches, Fried Chicken ( Gerber’s Amish Farm) 244 S. Market St., Wooster 330-264-2226 www.thehenrystation.com

Best Western Wooster Hotel

243 E. Liberty St., Wooster, OH 44691 Reservations: 330-264-7750 Fax: 330-262-5840 www.bestwestern.com

Plain Good Coffee Plain Good Coffee Plain Good Coffee

Present this ad for 1 Free drip coffee or tea with purchase Present this ad for 1 Free drip coffee or tea with purchase Present this ad for 1 Free drip coffee or tea with purchase Mention this ad for 1 Free drip coffee or tea with purchase 140 S Walnut St 140 S Walnut St 140 S Walnut St Located in Local Roots

• In Downtown Wooster close to the College of Wooster, The Ohio Light Opera, and great restaurants & shopping • 100 Guest Rooms, Elevator & Handicapped Room • Free – Hot “Deluxe” Breakfast, Wi-Fi & Wall Street Journal • On site Fitness Center, Jodi’s Closet, & Ana’s Alterations • Lounge Open Monday through Saturday