Amahl and the Night Visitors / A Christmas Carol by Mills Publishing Inc.

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 2, 2023 MAINSTAGE | PG

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

alt Lake Community College and the Grand Theatre are proud to serve as the community’s home for compelling artistic experiences, including theatrical, musical and dance performances, captivating lectures, engaging screenings, and culturally-significant offerings. As the home of The Grand, the stunning Center for Arts and Media serves as a vital educational hub, combining the latest digital arts technology with the unique and varied talents of our remarkable faculty. Whether you are a community member enjoying a performance or a student embarking on a career, you are always welcome at this state-of-the-art facility. As Salt Lake Community College celebrates its 75th year in 2023, the Grand and Center for Arts and Media serve as prime examples of our dedication to truly engaging and celebrating our community. Enjoy the show! Deneece Huftalin, PhD

President, Salt Lake Community College

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

FROM THE DEAN’S DESK

he Grand Theatre seeks to engage, inspire and connect with our community through exceptional and accessible productions. Housed in Salt Lake Community College’s unique Center for Arts and Media, The Grand utilizes professional and local talent to create theatre that excites our audiences year after year. The Grand’s shows are just some of the many artistic and cultural events you’ll find here at the Center for the Arts and Media. Our talented students participate in a wide variety of offerings, including concerts and performances by our band, choir, and dance ensembles, engrossing art displays, screenings for thought-provoking films and documentaries, and powerful productions in our Black Box Theatre. You’ll also find professional exhibits in our Eccles Art Gallery, free screenings and discussions with our professors on classic films, and stimulating lectures and presentations. Art is “doing” and at the South City Campus we are “Doing”! I hope you can continue to join us throughout the 2023-2024 Season.

Richard Scott

Dean, School of Arts, Communication and Media Salt Lake Community College www.slcc.edu/arts-comm www.grandtheatrecompany.com

FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

hanks for visiting us here at the Grand Theatre. We pride ourselves on being the “Community’s Professional Theatre.” In which we are committing to the community to provide exceptional theatre filled with local artists at an affordable price. By working with local talent, we are able to celebrate our community and provide an exceptional theatrical experience for our audiences all while committing to presenting productions that will entertain and engage our audience in new dynamic ways. As you enjoy our productions, please remember to spread the word; it is because of amazing patrons like you that we exist as we continue to bring you the best our community has to offer. We look forward to seeing you soon! Seth Miller

Artistic and Executive Director The Grand Theatre GRAND THEATRE | grandtheatrecompany.com

A NOTE FROM THE

e are pleased to present our sixth “annual” appearance at the Grand Theatre for this exciting double bill of Menotti’s beloved Amahl and the Night Visitors with Leavitt and Buck’s Christmas Carol. We offer our sincere thanks to Seth Miller and all the folks at the Grand Theatre for this exciting opportunity to perform in this wonderful space. We are also excited to be performing with the Salt Lake Symphony again. Thanks to our wonderful maestro Robert Baldwin and to all the fine players for many years of collaboration.

We would also like to thank John Scheib, the Dean of the College of Fine Arts, and his staff at the University of Utah College of Fine Arts. Their backing and encouragement are greatly appreciated. We also thank our incredible School of Music Chairman, Kimberly Councill for her support. Special thanks to the Associate Director of Opera at the U, James Bobick, and our T.A., Michael Shoaf. Special thanks also to the fantastic University of Utah voice faculty whom the students rely upon for vocal guidance and inspiration. Once again, huge thanks to Seth Miller and the staff of the Grand Theatre. It feels so good to be on this stage and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the opportunity for us to be part of the season here. Thanks, buddy! Lastly, thanks to YOU for sharing your time with us! Inspired by these wonderful stories, may we all be touched in some way and find more peace in our lives. Dr. Robert Breault Artistic Director of U Opera

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

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Presents

Amahl & the Night Visitors Composed by Gian Carlo Menotti

Grand Theatre Producer Director of Opera, University of Utah Associate Director of Opera, University of Utah

SETH MILLER DR. ROBERT BREAULT JAMES BOBICK

Stage Director

DR. ROBERT BREAULT

Conductor

BRANDON HORROCKS

Choreographer Production Manager

MELISSA BOBICK JAMES BOBICK

Stage Manager

ADAM JASKULOSKI

Scenic Design

HALEE RASMUSSEN

Properties Design

ARIKA SCHOCKMEL

Lighting Design Sound Design Costume Coordinator Technical Director Assistant Stage Director Assistant Production Manager Assistant Stage Manager

SETH MILLER ADAM DAY ROBIN FARNSLEY-BECKER HALEE RASMUSSEN MICHAEL SHOAF PAYTON RHYAN WRIGHT HANNA RICHARDS

JOEL TOMPSON Opera Workshop Teaching Assistant

MICHAEL SHOAF

Production Mentor

AMBER BIELINSKI

Rehearsal Pianist

CONLAN MILLER

“Amahl & The Night Visitors” by Gian Carlo Menotti presented under license from G. Schirmer Inc. and Associated Music Publishers, copyright owners

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS PERFORMERS Amahl

SASHA SOUTHWICK NATHALIA ALVAREZ †

MARYBETH GROTH ††

The Mother

JACQUELYN MILLIGAN

CHELSEA ALEXANDRA †

JOURDAN ELTERMAN ††

King Kaspar

ALEX HARRELSON

SAM PLUMB † King Melchior

PORTER HIATT

King Balthazar

NELSON LEDUC

The Page

DILLAN BURNETT

Dancers

TESS ALBERT-STAUNING

WYATT JOHNSON

Ensemble: Isabel Cossa, Jourdan Elterman, MaryBeth Groth, Thia Marie Harris, Meg Johnson, Elissa Jones, Meeka Kruisman, Sage Madsen, Sarah Pierce, Anna Roelofs, Matthew Tang, Natalia Turchin-Champagne, Meggie Vincent, Dawn Marie Wells, Mackenzie Williams

† Friday & Saturday Evening Cast †† Cover

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

NOTES FROM THE STAGE DIRECTORS

mahl and the Night Visitors has been a beloved holiday classic since its first live performance on NBC television in 1951. Menotti, under commission, found himself lacking inspiration. He wrote:

“One November afternoon as I was walking rather gloomily through the rooms of the Metropolitan Museum (NYC), I chanced to stop in front of the Adoration of the Kings by Hieronymus Bosch, and as I was looking at it, suddenly I heard again, coming from the distant blue hills, the weird song of the Three Kings. I then realized they had come back to me and had brought me a gift….. This is an opera for children because it tries to recapture my own childhood. You see, when I was a child I lived in Italy, and in Italy we have no Santa Claus. I suppose that Santa Claus is much too busy with American children to be able to handle Italian children as well! Our gifts were brought to us by the Three Kings, instead.” As the director, I hope to illuminate Menotti’s fable through the eyes of Amahl, a child. Amahl sees beauty differently and he knows only pure love. His malady brings him no shame, and, seemingly does not even pain him. In fact, he eventually sees his crutch as an opportunity to say “thank you”. It is his story to tell and ours to enjoy and learn from. Dr. Robert Breault Stage Director, Amahl and the Night Visitors

ichael Leavitt and Anthony Buck’s opera, A Christmas Carol, is well on its way to becoming a holiday favorite. U Opera, its students, and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to share this wonderful piece with you this year. From the moment I first heard it, it became one of my all- time favorites.

The opera A Christmas Carol is a piece that is deeply rooted in the original 1843 work by Charles Dickens. Anthony Buck masterfully weaves Dickens’ original text and themes with those of his own creation to create a rich libretto filled with familiar characters that never cease to warm the heart and remind us of the original story and its many wonderful interpretations. Built on the strength of Buck’s narrative foundation, Michael Leavitt has managed to capture in his beautiful music the immense wonder of the season. Through moments of rhythmic complexity, harmonic adventure, and haunting simplicity, Leavitt has composed a score that you will remember throughout the holiday and for years to come. As director, I believe that it is my job to bring Dickens’ iconic characters and Leavitt’s rich music to life. For me, A Christmas Carol is not merely a 19th century ghost story, but a cautionary tale that seeks to remind us that we are each an important part of the incredibly diverse tapestry that is our community. As Scrooge promises, “I will live with Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.” I hope that our production will help each of you keep the meaning of Christmas in your heart all year long! Now, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy our new holiday classic, Leavitt and Buck’s A Christmas Carol. James Bobick Stage Director, A Christmas Carol GRAND THEATRE | grandtheatrecompany.com

Presents

Charles Dickens’

A Christmas Carol An Opera in One Act Music by

Michael G. Leavitt Grand Theatre Producer Director of Opera, University of Utah

Libretto adapted by

Anthony T. Buck SETH MILLER DR. ROBERT BREAULT

Associate Director of Opera, University of Utah

JAMES BOBICK

Stage Director

JAMES BOBICK

Conductor Choreographer

DR. ROBERT BALDWIN MELISSA BOBICK

Production Manager

JAMES BOBICK

Stage Manager

JOEL TOMPSON

Scenic Design

HALEE RASMUSSEN

Properties Design

ARIKA SCHOCKMEL

Lighting Design

SETH MILLER

Sound Design

ADAM DAY

Costume Coordinator Technical Director Assistant Stage Director Assistant Production Manager Assistant Stage Manager

ROBIN FARNSLEY-BECKER HALEE RASMUSSEN MICHAEL SHOAF PAYTON RHYAN WRIGHT ADAM JASKULOSKI

HANNAH RICHARDS Opera Workshop Teaching Assistant

MICHAEL SHOAF

Production Mentor

AMBER BIELINSKI

Rehearsal Pianist

CONLAN MILLER

Originally Staged by Anthony T. Buck

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

A CHRISTMAS CAROL PERFORMERS Ebenezer Scrooge JOHN KNIGHT ALLEN Jacob Marley ALEX HARRELSON SAM PLUMB † Past ISABEL COSSA JOURDAN ELTERMAN † Present PORTER HIATT Future NATALIA TURCHIN-CHAMPAGNE ELISSA JONES † ANNA ROELOFS †† Bob Cratchit DILLAN BURNETT Mrs. Cratchit CYNTHIA HARRIS MEG JOHNSON MEEKA KRUISMAN †† Cratchit Children MEGGIE VINCENT MATTHEW TANG MACKENZIE WILLIAMS † Fred SAM PLUMB ALEX HARRELSON † Fan MARYBETH GROTH SARAH PIERCE † Belle MACKENZIE WILLIAMS MEGGIE VINCENT † Char Woman MATTHEW TANG SAGE MADSEN † Old Joe NELSON LEDUC Mr. Fezziwig MATTHEW TANG Mrs. Fezziwig DAWN MARIE WELLS ANNA ROELOFS † Young Ebenezer ANNA ROELOFS DAWN MARIE WELLS † Ignorance DAWN MARIE WELLS ANNA ROELOFS † Want MEGGIE VINCENT MACKENZIE WILLIAMS Charity Woman 1 SASHA SOUTHWICK MARYBETH GROTH † Charity Woman 2 SARAH PIERCE Caroler #1 ANNA ROELOFS DAWN MARIE WELLS † Caroler #2 JOURDAN ELTERMAN ISABEL COSSA † Carol Boy MATTHEW TANG Boy Ebenezer ANNA ROELOFS † Friday & Saturday DAWN MARIE WELLS † Evening Cast Tiny Tim MARYBETH GROTH †† Cover GRAND THEATRE | grandtheatrecompany.com

SALT LAKE SYMPHONY

Founded in 1976, the Salt Lake Symphony is one of the area’s most highly respected volunteer driven orchestras. The Salt Lake Symphony is a non-profit organization dedicated to performing quality classical music concerts for the Wasatch Front community. The Symphony performs around 15 concerts per year. The approximately seventy-five hard-working musicians of the SLS volunteer roughly 10,000 hours annually to accomplish this goal. Although the members of the Salt Lake Symphony come from all walks of life and frequently work full-time in other professions, they hold one thing in common: They play for the love and passion of music. Their dedication as volunteers sets them apart and creates a unique bond. Conductor Dr. Robert Baldwin Assistant Conductor Brandon Horrocks Violin 1 Marian Florence Serenity Eyre Mason Lunceford Violin 2 Mary Anne Peterson JoAnn Larsen Ashley Wilkinson Viola Brianna Allen David Spencer

Cello Andrew Clement Charlotte Reese Bass Denson Angulo Flute Nancy Toone Oboe Hilary Coon Charlotte Bell Clarinet Cheryl Ann Blackley

Horn Jim Yehle Trumpet Howard Summers Percussion Eric Klein Harp Addison Line Piano & Celeste Conlan Miller

Bassoon Ryan Van Liere

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

ABOUT THE CAST Chelsea Alexandra is thrilled to be debuting at the Grand Theatre as The Mother in Amahl …. This April, Chelsea was featured in the University of Utah’s productions of Gianni Schichhi as Lauretta at Kingsbury Hall. She then spent this summer with the Utah Vocal Arts Academy where she sang in masterclasses with Frank Lopardo and Marina Costa-Jackson and was delighted to perform the title role of Massenet’s Cendrillon. Most recently, Chelsea starred as Mimì in the Lyrical Opera Theater’s production of La Bohème in September, a role that she studied and performed in the summer of 2022 in Novafeltria, Italy where she attended La Musica Lirica. Chelsea is currently studying under the tutelage of Kirstin Chávez, Artist in Residence, at the University of Utah, and graduates this December from the Master’s program in Vocal Performance. John Knight Allen, a product of musical parents, began his musical journey with the piano in Los Angeles at age 4. He continued his studies with the violin at Brigham Young University for his undergraduate career, and recently completed a Master’s degree in vocal performance with Robert Breault from the University of Utah, where he is now working on a DMA in voice and choral conducting with Kirstin Chávez and Barlow Bradford, respectively. Summer studies include work at the Chautauqua Institution in New York, the Aspen Music School, and abroad in Italy. Nathalia Alvarez is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, studying under Dr. Julie Wright Costa at the University of Utah. She is a member of the University’s Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Barlow Bradford, and performed in the chorus of Orff ’s Carmina Burana with the Utah Symphony this past year. She made her opera debut with U Opera last spring as Suor Dolcina and Guccio in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicci. Other credits include Edith in The Pirates of Penzance with U Opera, and Alice Murphy in Bright Star. This past Spring, Nathalia had the pleasure of serving as the Co-Composer in Salt Lake Community College’s production of Eurydice. Currently, she is preparing for her upcoming junior recital this Spring.

Dillan Burnett is grateful to work with the cast of U Opera in this production. Beginning his love for performing at a young age, Dillan honed his skills in middle and high school by performing in several musicals and receiving the honor of 2018 Vocal Performance Sterling Scholar at Bingham High School. He was in the choruses of U Opera’s Rigoletto (2021) and Sweeney Todd (2022), and was recently cast as Marco in Gianni Schicci, Counsel in Trial by Jury and Ralph in the finale of H.M.S. Pinafore. Dillan is a double-Major (BMus Vocal Performance/BA International Studies) and is minoring in Portuguese & Brazilian Studies. He is a member of the Chamber Choir under Dr. Barlow Bradford and studies voice with Dr. Lynn Maxfield, associate director of the National Center for Voice and Speech. Isabel Cossa is in the senior year of her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance studying with Ms. Julie Wright-Costa at the University of Utah. A native of West Valley City, she graduated as a valedictorian from Cyprus High School’s class of 2020. At the UofU, she is currently a Community Advisor, a member of the Black Student Union, the UofU Student Opera Guild, and the UofU Chamber Choir. She has played roles including: Jovie in Elf The Musical, Belle in Leavitt’s A Christmas Carol, and Suor Genovieffa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Most recently, she joined the company of Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre in Logan, Utah. This spring, she will play the role of Alice in A.L.I.C.E. Jourdan Elterman is a senior in the Vocal Performance program at the University of Utah School of Music. Her other performances with U Opera include Fan, Charity Woman and Young Ebenezer in A Christmas Carol; Angelina in Trial by Jury and Suor Dolcina in Suor Angelica. Most recently, Jourdan sang the role of Riccardo Albenori in Il trionfo dell’onore at Voci nel Montefeltro, a music festival which takes place in the province of Rimini, Italy. MaryBeth Groth is a 21-year-old soprano currently studying under Dr. Carol Ann Allred at the University of Utah. Originally from North Florida, she moved to SLC to focus on studying classical acting and theatre. MaryBeth stepped into the world of opera after being invited to sing in U Opera’s production of Sweeney Todd in 2022.

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ABOUT THE CAST Since then, she has had the honor of appearing in several operatic productions, singing roles such as Hebe (HMS Pinafore), La Novizia (Suor Angelica), and others. In January 2023, she appeared in Utah Symphony and Utah Opera’s production of Orff’s Carmina Burana. MaryBeth looks forward to appearing in Amy Scurria’s new opera, A.L.I.C.E., in 2024. Alex Harrelson is a 23-year-old tenor from Tryon, North Carolina. He is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, and studies with Dr. Robert Breault at the UofU. In 2019 and ’21, he attended La Musica Lirica summer program, performing Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi and Gastone in La Traviata. While pursuing his Masters of Music at the U, he performed as Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Anthony (Sweeney Todd), King Kaspar (Amahl…), Bob Cratchit (Christmas Carol), Edwin (Trial by Jury), and Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi). In 2022, he returned to La Musica Lirica to perform as Lindoro in a David Ronis production of L’Italiana in Algeri.He has also performed as the tenor soloist for Messiah with the Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra, Gherardo for Lyrical Opera Theater, sections of the Verdi Requiem with the Paradigm Chamber Orchestra, and with the Janice Opera Company at Brevard Music Center. Thia Marie Harris is an American mezzo-soprano based in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is a student of Kirstin Chávez at the University of Utah where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in vocal performance. Inspired by the voices of Marian Anderson, Jessye Norman and Shirley Verrett, Thia is proud to work towards continuing the legacy of so many other past and present African-American singers. Thia has sung the role of La Badessa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica and is preparing the role of The Duchess in Amy Scurria’s A.L.I.C.E: An Operatic Wonderland. Porter Hiatt is an undergraduate Vocal Performance major, studying under Seth Keeton. Porter has performed in a wide array of musicals operas and even straight plays. His past credits include The Pirates of Penzance, Dido & Aeneas, Les Misérables, Trial by Jury, Company, Fiddler on the Roof, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. In addition to performing in various forms of staged performances, Porter also performs many concert works. A few past per-

forming experiences include the baritone solo in Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana with the Utah Symphony, and the baritone solo for Mendelsohn’s Psalm 42. Meg Johnson, soprano, is ecstatic to be returning to the Grand with U Opera after dancing through the Holidays last year as Mrs. Fezziwig. This year, Meg will be nurturing the role of Mrs. Cratchit and is pleased to be singing in the ensemble for Amahl…. A senior at the U, Meg is looking forward to getting lost in the new opera A.L.I.C.E. by Amy Scurria as the title role. Meg has enjoyed singing as Mabel in scenes from The Pirates of Penzance, La Maestra Delle Novizie in Suor Angelica, and Pinellino in Gianni Schicchi. Over the summer, Meg was featured at Ohio Light Opera as Lady Catherine in Camelot, Mara in How to Succeed in Business… and in the ensembles of Kálmán’s Arizona Lady, Orpheus in the Underworld, and H.M.S. Pinafore. Meg is a proud student of Professor Julie Wright-Costa. Wyatt Johnson, originally from Sandy, Utah, trained with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School as a member of their Pre-Professional Program under the direction of Marjorie Grundvig, Dennis Marshall, and Janet Popeleski. While training with PBT, Wyatt performed alongside the professional company in many of their main stage productions, including The Nutcracker, Great Gatsby, and The Sleeping Beauty. Wyatt is currently a senior at the University of Utah in the School of Dance working towards his Ballet B.F.A. Elissa Jones, soprano, is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. She studies with Professor Julie Wright-Costa. Her most recent opera roles include Ciesca in Gianni Schicci, and Mrs. Crachit in A Christmas Carol with U Opera. Her past roles include Mrs. Gibbs (Our Town) with Idaho State University and Mrs. Nolan (The Medium) with Old Town Actor’s Studio in Idaho. She has also sung in the choruses of Choral Society of Durham (NC), Handel Society of Dartmouth College and ISU choirs. She received her Bachelor of Music in Choral Music Education from Utah State University. Meeka Kruisman is currently a student at the University of Utah, studying with Dr. Robert Breault. She was discovered singing by Dr.

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

ABOUT THE CAST Robert Breault. This is her first performance in her career. Nelson LeDuc has been involved with music his entire life. Since 1988 he has been a regular singer with Utah Opera Company, having now sung in close to 90 productions with that company. Nelson has also been a featured soloist in the Mozart Requiem, Messiah, Verdi Requiem, and has sung roles in several productions for Lyrical Opera Theater, including Baron Douphol in La Traviata and Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor. His most recent role was as the customs officer in Utah Opera Company’s production of La Bohème. Nelson has previously sung the roles of Balthazar in Amahl…, Old Joe in A Christmas Carol, and Simone in Gianni Schicchi with the University of Utah, where he is currently pursuing a degree in music composition. Sage Madsen is a passionate and dedicated opera student with an unwavering love for the art of singing. From a young age, she exhibited exceptional vocal talent, which blossomed into a lifelong pursuit of musical excellence. Guided by the desire to captivate audiences with her voice, she began singing musical theater, in choirs, and big band jazz, eventually beginning opera in college without previous classical experience. After honing her vocal prowess and embracing the challenges of the demanding discipline, Sage is making her debut with the University of Utah 2023-2024 Opera Season. Jacquelyn Milligan, a gifted soprano, has impressed with her clear and dramatic voice.

Notable recent roles include Maestra Della Novizie in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, Nella in Gianni Schicchi, and The Judge in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury at the University of Utah. She’s also been seen in various U Opera productions such as Rigoletto, Dialogues of the Carmelites, and Don Giovanni. Graduating with a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance in 2021, she is now pursuing a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy, looking forward to future roles. Sarah Pierce is a freshman at the University of Utah in the Vocal Performance Program after transferring from Brigham Young University. Sarah has performed with many ensembles, including BYU Women’s Chorus, BYU Combined Choirs, and University of Utah A Cappella Choir. She has performed in many televised programs like LDS General Conference and BYU Devotionals. This is Sarah’s first year at the University of Utah and is the first time Sarah has ever performed in an opera. Sam Plumb is glad to have his first opportunity to perform with the University of Utah. He is in his first semester of a Masters in Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. He is a member of the UofU Graduate Vocal Quartet. In addition to performing regularly, Sam teaches private lessons both at the University and at home. He grew up throughout the US as a child of Military Veterans. Before the U, Sam received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Utah Valley University, and completed a portion of his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan.

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ABOUT THE CAST Sasha Southwick, a soprano, is a first-year student at the UofU. Sasha started an enormous love of the arts by starting ballet at age 2 ½, and will be dancing as the Dewdrop Fairy this year in Nutcracker. Her love of singing started taking root at age 5, making her theater debut as small Alice in Alice in Wonderland; being homeschooled really allowed her the flexibility to act in overlapping plays for more than a decade. Sasha’s love of opera started around age 15 and for the two years since, she has immersed herself in this incredible art form. Sasha feels so fortunate to be coached by Beatrice Berger Gee and Dr. Robert Breault, valuing them so highly that she graduated a year early from high school to study under Dr. Breault full-time at the U. Tess Albert-Stauning is a Junior at the University of Utah, studying Ballet Performance and pursuing the Pre-Physician’s Assistant track. Beginning her ballet training at the age of 13, Tess has adored the art of dance ever since, making it a goal to dance in a professional ballet company after finishing her collegiate training. She has studied with University of Utah faculty Melissa Bobick, Jong-Hoon Kim, and Christopher Alloways-Ramsey. Matthew Tang, countertenor, is currently in his third year pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance under Dr. Maxfield at the UofU. This is also his third year with the UofU Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Bradford. Matthew is an active composer/arranger and is studying composition under K. Kavanaugh. His compositions and arrangements can be found on

sheetmusicplus.com, sheetmusicdirect.com and jwpepper.com. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” recently made its world-premiere with Choral Audacity. Past performances include Marco and Betto di Signa in Gianni Schicchi, The Sailors’ Chorus in Dido and Aeneas, The Page in Amahl…, Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol, and The Jury in Trial by Jury. This season, he will be singing the role of the March Hare in Amy Scurria’s A.L.I.C.E.. Career highlights include performing in Carnegie Hall, singing with the San Francisco and Utah Symphonies, and competing in the Golden State Choral Competition. Natalia Turchin-Champagne, a soprano originally from the Republic of Moldova, has performed in multiple countries around the world: Republic of Moldova, Romania, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Austria, Russian Federation, Italy and the United States of America. Natalia’s professional journey has already passed through The Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg Conservatory, Russia. In addition to the music degree she received there, Natalia begun her training in classical vocal technique. After auditioning for mezzo-soprano and professor Irina Bogacheva, she started her voice studies at Nina Arsentieva’s studio. Meggie Vincent, a Westminster College graduate, is currently a Master of Music candidate in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Utah. Meggie is not only a singer, but an accomplished violinist. She has toured Europe and various parts of the United States for performances in both voice and

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM violin. Meggie credits much of her success to Aubrey Adams-McMillan, her voice teacher at Westminster College. Today, she is pleased to be studying with Professor Julie Wright-Costa at the University of Utah. Dawn Marie Wells has a minor in music from BYU. Over the years, she has played violin in university and community orchestras; played organ and piano for various church and community groups; sung in community choirs in both Utah and Germany; and is currently a freshman pursuing a BM in vocal performance at the University of Utah. Mackenzie Williams is delighted to make her debut with the U Opera program. During her undergraduate years at Southern Utah University, Mackenzie participated in choirs, national competitions, and musical and opera theater. Highlights include Zelda(48) from The Ghosts of Gatsby, the Green Soloist in Naamah’s Ark, and the soprano soloist in Gustav Mahler’s Symphonie Nr. 2. While at SUU, Mackenzie served as assistant director to Gianni Schicchi, Suor Angelica, and talk opera. She has worked as a soloist in the Orchestra of Southern Utah’s Messiah as well as their R.L. Halverson Young Artist Competition. Mackenzie is currently a Masters Student at University of Utah’s Department of Music studying vocal performance and pedagogy. During the day she works as a Stage Manager Coordinator for the U’s school of music, as well as working as a voice and piano teacher for Sandy Music Academy.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM Robert Baldwin is in his 22nd year as Director of Orchestras and Professor of Conducting at the University of Utah, and 18th year as Music Director and Conductor for the Salt Lake Symphony. He is also the founding conductor for Sinfonia Salt Lake and an adjunct professor at Wuhan University Center for the Arts in China. International appearances include the Hunan Symphony, Wuhan University and Wuhan Conservatory in China, Busan Maru Music Festival in South Korea, Eutin Festspiele in Germany, Kuopio Academy in Finland, and the Hermitage Camerata in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

James Bobick has enjoyed a versatile performing career. From leading roles in the operatic works of Mozart, Donizetti, Bizet, and Verdi to the concert repertoire of Bach, Handel, Brahms, and Orff, Mr. Bobick has performed with companies including Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, New York City Opera, Portland Opera, Opera Colorado, Connecticut Opera, Opera Omaha, Opera Pacific, Opera Delaware, Opera Mississippi, Virginia Opera, Baltimore Opera, Wichita Grand Opera, Dayton Opera, Central City Opera, Fort Worth Opera, and the Bard Festival. A frequent concert soloist, Mr. Bobick has been heard across the United States, Europe, and South America. In New York City, he has bowed at Carnegie, David Geffen, and Alice Tully Halls, The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, the National Opera Center, and NYU’s Skirball Center. He can be seen on an Emmy-winning production of La Bohème on PBS’ “Live from Lincoln Center” and heard as Howard on the original cast recording of David T. Little’s Dog Days. Melissa Bobick is originally from Birmingham, AL and received her MFA degree in choreography from Purchase College Conservatory of Dance in New York. Melissa is also an ABT® Certified Teacher and earned the status of Affiliate Teacher. As a performer, Melissa was a featured dancer with The Eugene Ballet Company and Ballet Idaho. After moving to NYC, Melissa performed for the National Choreographers Initiative and was one of four dancers engaged by New York City Opera for their new production of Massenet’s Cendrillon. As a choreographer, Melissa was commissioned to choreograph three new works for Ballet Idaho, was named a Choreographic Development Resident at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and choreographed several original works for the Utah Ballet. Melissa was twice named a finalist for McCallum Theatre’s Choreography Festival. Melissa is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Utah School of Dance, where she also serves as Director of the Utah Ballet Choreographic Institute. Dr. Robert Breault has served as Director of Opera at the University of Utah since 1992. As a tenor, Robert has enjoyed an international career that features an extraordinary breadth of repertoire. His warm, flexible voice and superb

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ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM artistic sensibilities combine to make him a consummate singing actor. Breault’s concert career highlights include performances with major orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, Cleveland Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, London Philharmonia Orchestra, National Symphony of Taiwan, Jerusalem Symphony, to name but a few. Robert’s opera career features a wide array of repertoire and companies. With over 90 roles to his credit, highlights of his career include appearances with New York City Opera in Carmen, La Traviata, and Semele, for which he was awarded the company’s “Kolozsvar Award.” He has performed numerous times with Utah Opera, Opera Orchestra of New York, Atlanta Opera, and Arizona Opera. Robert was awarded the College of Fine Arts Distinguished Teaching Award in 2003. He serves as Governor of the National Opera Association’s Cal/Western region. Robert is extremely proud that the University of Utah has won national recognition from both the National Opera Association and The American Prize. For the second year in a row, Robert was awarded the second place Charles Nelson Reilly Director’s Award from The American Prize. Anthony T. Buck has over a hundred credits to his name as stage director, music director, actor, singer, stage manager and composer on stages in Utah, Ohio, New York and Italy. Favorite credits include Cosí fan tutte, The Magic Flute, Rigoletto, Faust, Don Giovanni, L’Elisir d’amore, Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Cabaret Girl, The Mikado, Ruddigore, The Pirates of Penzance, HMS Pinafore, Princess Ida, My Big Fat Utah Wedding, Not the Messiah, A Christmas Carol, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Into the Woods, Forever Plaid, Father of the Bride, and It’s a Wonderful Life. He sits on the board of Next Stage Productions and has been a contributing writer to their original pieces Epic: An Audience Participation Fantasy Adventure and Arabian Nights. Robin Farnsley-Becker is widely known for her meticulous attention to detail. Her costume creations are well-researched with accurate historical or modern creations. They are made with breath-taking opulence when called for or heart-breaking poverty or simplicity that

mirrors a composer or director’s vision. Being a singer and performer herself, she knows how to accomplish all of this with no-detail-too-small quality and the knowledge that comfort is “key” to singing that supports that adage, “You are (can be) what you wear”! Brandon Horrocks is thrilled to be returning to his singing roots, conducting Amahl and the Night Visitors for this year’s production. Brandon is in his final year as a doctoral student in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Utah and serves the Assistant Conductor for the Salt Lake Symphony and is an Assistant Graduate Conductor of the University of Utah Philharmonia and the Campus Symphony. Additionally, in the Salt Lake community, Brandon is the Music Director and Conductor of the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra and the Wasatch Symphony. Adam Nguyen Jaskuloski is a senior in the Department of Theatre, pursuing his Stage Management Certificate and a Computer Science Minor alongside his BA. Recently, he was Asst. Stage Manager for Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi (Kingsbury Hall) and last year’s Amahl… and A Christmas Carol (Grand Theatre). Adam is a recipient of the Horatio Alger State Scholarship, the Undergraduate FLAS Scholarship, and the University of Utah Department of Theatre’s Promising Playwright Award. Michael G. Leavitt is a doctoral student in Orchestral Conducting and graduate of the Collaborative Piano Masters at the University of Utah. He is a vocal coach, accompanist as well as musical director for opera, choral, and musical theater. Recently, Michael composed a new one-act opera setting of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol which premiered at the Grand Theatre performed by the University of Utah Lyric Opera Ensemble and Sinfonia Salt Lake. As associate conductor, Michael worked with Tony award winning soprano Audra McDonald for the Hale Center Theater Orem’s production of 110 In The Shade. In addition, Michael has been the pianist, music director, and/or conductor for many musical theater and opera productions including: Saturday’s Voyeur, First Date, Spamalot, Perdita, Candide, L’elisir D’amore, Trouble In Tahiti, Die Fledermaus, Amahl And The Night Visitors, and many more.

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

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ABOUT THE PRODUCTION TEAM Conlan Miller is a pianist, teacher, and collaborator from Utah. He currently serves on the piano faculty at the Gifted Music School Conservatory, and as pianist for U Opera. He completed his Doctor of Musical Arts at the USC Thornton School of Music in 2022 under the tutelage of Dr. Stewart Gordon. He earned his Master of Music degree at Yale where he studied with Boris Berman and Melvin Chen, and his Bachelor of Music degree at BYU with Dr. Irene Peery-Fox. Conlan has given concerto performances with numerous orchestras, including four appearances with the Utah Symphony. He has performed solo recitals across the US and in the Netherlands under the sponsorship of the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, National Chopin Foundation, International Holland Music Sessions, Frances Clarke Center for Keyboard Pedagogy, and the MTNA. Seth Miller started out working in the Local 99 stagehands union, after which he attended the University of Utah for a degree in theatrical design. In 1997 he began working at Lagoon Amusement Park in the Entertainment Department as the Staff Lighting Designer, before moving on to be the Technical Director at The Egyptian Theatre in Park City. He has worked as a freelance Lighting Designer for several local theatre companies and many events around the country, including Walt Disney World, Harley Davidson’s Annual National Dealer’s Convention, W5 Creative, and many others. For the past ten seasons, Seth has been the Artistic/Executive Director for the Grand Theatre in Salt Lake City. Halee Rasmussen received her BFA from the University of Utah’s Performing Arts and Design Program with a double emphasis in technical direction and set design. She is currently the Assistant Technical Director and Scenic Charge Artist for the UofU Department of Theatre, and a resident set designer for The Grand Theatre. Other design credits include UofU Opera Ensemble, Plan B Theatre Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, Salt Lake Shakespeare Company, Alligator Press Productions, and Lagoon Entertainment, with assistant design credits from Idaho Shakespeare Festival, Great Lakes Theatre Company, and Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival. Hanna Richards is delighted to be working as

an ASM on her first Opera! Hanna is a sophomore in the Stage Management BFA program at the UofU and has been loving her experience with the department! Some of her most recent work includes Matilda the Musical (PA), As You Like It (PA) and Town Hall (ASM). Arika Shockmel has worked extensively in props and costume crafts for theatre, television, and film. She is the resident Prop Manager for Plan B Theatre and the University of Utah Department of Theatre, where she teaches Prop Design and Construction and Scenography. Arika has propped, crafted, and designed throughout the West, including Pioneer Theatre Co., University Opera, Egyptian Theatre, Utah Festival Opera, Grand Teton Theatre, Dark Horse Company, Salt Lake Acting Company, Utah Contemporary, Lyric Repertory Co. and many more. Proud member of S.P.M., the Society of Prop Managers. Other projects include AEA stage management, emceeing, costume design, and the occasional acting gig. BFA Utah State. Michael Shoaf has been an Asst. Stage Manager, Asst. Chorus Master, Asst. Conductor, and helped with the concept design for Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. He also was Asst. Director and Asst. Conductor for W.A. Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Asst. Music Director for Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin. These productions were at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania during his time there for his Master of Arts degree in vocal performance. While at the U, Michael has had the privilege of being the Asst. Director to Sweeney Todd, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Leavitt’s A Christmas Carol, Gianni Schicchi, and Suor Angelica. Michael also had the opportunity to be an Asst. Stage Manager for Trentino Music Festival’s Le Nozze di Figaro. He has also directed and co-produced Siegmeister’s The Mermaid in Lock No.7, and directed Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury for U Opera’s “An Evening of Gilbert and Sullivan”. Joel Thompson is currently a Junior at the U pursuing a BFA with a concentration in Stage Management. His most recent involvements include Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicci (ASM, 2023), The Sweet Science of Bruising (2nd ASM, 2023), The Old Man and The Old Moon (Sound Designer, 2022), and Mermaid in Locke No. 7 (SM, 2022).

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GRAND THEATRE DONATIONS $50,000 - $80,000 SALT LAKE COUNTY’S ZAP FUND ALTERNATIVE VISIONS FUND $15,000 - $49,999 CULTURAL VISION FUND PEPSI LEGACY $2,500 - $9,999 UMBRELLA THEATRE COMPANY SALT LAKE ARTS COUNCIL SORENSON LEGACY FOUNDATION $1,000 - $2,499 ROCKY MOUNTAIN POWER PERRY FINE $500 - $999 LEE HOLLAR $250 - $499 RICHARD OSBORN $100 - $249 DUANE MILLARD • MARLENE FORTE MICHAEL DUCLAIR PHILLIP HOWLAND & GREGORY IRWIN $50 - $99 LYN SIMON • BARRY MOLDOVER JOHN FACKLER • VICKIE BALIS JULIA LAPINE • JENNIFER KING DENISE & BARRY BLACKETT

$1 - $49 JO ADAMS • CYNTHIA ANDERSON SILVIA ARAOZ • JENNIFER BAILEY BRYAN BERRETT • LEONE BIESINGER DAWN BRANDVOLD NAIN CHRISTOPHERSON KATIE CONNOLLY • ILSE DEKOEYER KAREN DIEHL • JENNIFER DOBNER CAROL DWYER CHRISTINA ECHEVERRIA LAUREN ERLACHER ARIANA ESCALANTE • FRANZ FEIERBACH MICHAEL FIELDS • JON FITCH STEVE GAGON • MAURENA GROSSMAN JENNIFER HAMILTON • RIC HAMMOND OLESYA HANKS • ELIZABETH HUNTER DONNA JACOBS • RACHEL JONES SUSAN KOHLER • ANN KRONAWITTER SUNSHINE LAIER • JILL LASALLE DOROTHY LINES • RYAN MALAVOLTA CHASE MCCLEARY • RONALD MCLEAN DAVE MOORE • CATHY MORTON TAMMERA MURILLO • PAULA NAFUS LEROY PETERSON • MARDI PEARSON TAMARA PINDER • CONNIE POPE REBECCA RAGAIN • BRYN RUMJOUE HAROLD SEARS • CAROLYN SHARETTE BRAD SLAUGH • GORDON STORRS BESSANN SWANSON • DAN TATE JOHN TAYLOR • JENNIFER WEILER MARY JANE WHISENANT KAYE WHITE • NICOLLE WILCHES FELICIA WOOD • JENNY XAYKOSY PAUL ZUCKERMAN

Though we make every effort to maintain an accurate list, if you find an error or would like to change your listing, please contact us at 801-957-3322 Donation list reflects gifts made February 23, 2023 through August 28, 2023 22

AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS | A CHRISTMAS CAROL

PRODUCTION STAFF Resident Staff Artistic and Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seth Miller Patron Service Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Natalie Trumbo Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ellie Otis Technical Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Day Associate Producer and Resident Stage Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caroline Cain Marketing Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trina Polta Photographer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephen Speckman Front of House Box Office Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elaia Echeverria, Luke Jensen, Morgan Melville Chief Usher Cheryl Gren, Peggy Sprouse Ushers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brenda Barnes, Richard Barnes, Lauren Heibel Dixie Letts, Haylee Markham, Teresa Nordstrom Running Crew Deck Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marci Piña, Kalista Vordos Audio Engineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adam Day Lightboard Operator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Mullaney Spot Operator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matilda Black, Megan Willis

Build Crew Carpenters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Porter Charlesworth, Adam Day Master Electrician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Mullaney Electrician. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matilda Black, Josie Maguna, Megan Willis

PHOTOGRAPHY, AUDIO, OR VIDEO RECORDING of any performance or the possession of any such device inside the theatre without written permission of management is prohibited. Offenders may be requested to leave and may be liable for damages and other lawful remedies. MILLS PUBLISHING, INC.

Dan Miller, President; Cynthia Bell Snow, Office Administrator; Jackie Medina, Art Director; Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer, Graphic Design; Paula Bell, Dan Miller, Advertising Representatives; Hudson Printing, Printer. Printed on “Recyclable” paper. PLEASE RECYCLE. The Grand Theatre playbill is published by Mills Publishing, Inc., 772 East 3300 South, Suite 200, Salt Lake City, Utah 84106 Phone: 801.467.8833 Email: advertising@millspub.com Website: millspub.com. Mills Publishing produces playbills for many performing arts groups. Advertisers do not necessarily agree or disagree with content or views expressed on stage. Please contact us for playbill advertising opportunities. Copyright 2023.

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