NOV 4–12, 2023 Kauffman Center kcopera.org | (816) 471-7344
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A NOTE FROM DEBORAH SANDLER KEMPER
Welcome to the second show of the 2023-2024 season; Lyric Opera is indeed alive with the sounds of music! In September, I had the pleasure of seeing our good friend Andy Einhorn conduct a concert with Audra McDonald and the Kansas City Symphony. Of course, Audra, Andy, and the symphony were fabulous, but what was breathtaking was hearing selections from the American Songbook and Broadway standards accompanied by a live symphony orchestra. We present this production of The Sound of Music on a grander scale, which only an opera company can achieve without the reduced pit orchestrations or the programmed electronic keyboards that have become all too common in Broadway productions. The results speak for themselves; this production is visually and musically impactful, showcasing the full richness and depth of the original score. Besides being a cherished cultural icon and a beloved Broadway classic, The Sound of Music also boasts a fascinating connection to Kansas City. In the realm of Broadway, composers and lyricists collaborate closely to craft the music, while orchestrators play a pivotal role in shaping the show’s orchestral sound. During the mid-twentieth century, one name stood out as the go-to orchestrator for such services: Robert Russell Bennett, a native of Kansas City. Bennett’s masterful orchestration work extended to legendary productions like Anything Goes, Oklahoma!, Annie Get Your Gun, South Pacific, and many others. He defined what is often referred to as ‘the Broadway sound’ of that era. Beyond his orchestration prowess, Bennett was a prolific composer in his own right with nearly one-hundred compositions, including four operas! The next production in our 2023-24 season is Gounod’s epic retelling of Shakespeare’s most famous play, Roméo et Juliette. It is a sumptuous set with beautiful costumes, the music is cathedral-like and stunning. Enjoy your performance and we look forward to seeing you again in the new year!
Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director and CEO
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: 2023–2024 OFFICERS Anthony Durone, President Richard English, Vice President Scott Blakesley, Secretary Mark Benedict, Treasurer BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Ivan Batlle Alicia Beck Richard P. Bruening Tom Butch Dr. Melinda Estes Michael D. Fields Kenneth V. Hager
Mary Leonida Mira Mdivani Edward P. Milbank Thomas E. Nanney Andrew Robb Jug Stanovcic Steve Taylor
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Carmen Sabates | President, Lyric Opera Circle Sharon Barry | 2024 Ball Chair, Lyric Opera Circle Deanna Diebolt | 2024 Ball Chair, Lyric Opera Circle Drewbie Price | Chair, Orpheus KC LEGAL COUNSEL, EX-OFFICIO MEMBER Wade Kerrigan, Husch Blackwell, LLP, General Counsel
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kcindependent.com Lyric Opera of Kansas City program guides are a publication of the Performing Arts Division of The Independent magazine. Information in this publication was carefully compiled to ensure accuracy. However, the publisher does not assume responsibility for accuracy. Editorial program content was provided by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Copyright by The Independent magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND THE COMMUNITY STUDENT DRESS REHEARSAL Groups of students and their teachers are invited to attend final dress rehearsals at the Kauffman Center where they will experience the sweeping music and thrilling drama of the opera. Teachers receive access to curricular resources to amplify learning already occurring in the classroom. OPERA UNLOCKED Opera Unlocked is our new comprehensive in-school educational initiative focusing on students in grades K-12. Prioritizing socialemotional learning and curricular alignment, a wide variety of gradespecific interactive programs are available to area schools. COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS Community Conversations uses opera to discover our shared humanity, on and off the stage. We invite the culturally curious to explore the “here and now” implications of our productions in a series of events featuring live music and stimulating conversation. No prior opera knowledge needed! OPERA DIVES DEEP This free series provides fresh insights from regional scholars and industry professionals to enrich appreciation and understanding of the operas in our season. Both established operagoers and curious newcomers alike are sure to make interesting discoveries. PRE-OPERA TALKS Do you have tickets to see an opera at the Kauffman Center? Come one hour early to learn about the who, what, where, when, and why of the production you’re about to see.
Visit kcopera.org/learning to view our entire menu of programs, learn more, and register.
RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM
Continued on page 21.
Resident Artists are chosen by national audition. The program bridges graduate training to professional careers by providing performance opportunities, coaching, and career training.
KELLI VAN METER (Soprano)
Soprano Kelli Van Meter’s (they/she) recent engagements include the Charlotte Street Foundation’s New Music Compositions concert which showcased original scores exploring queer themes, soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Kansas City Symphony, and featured soloist with the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory Orchestra and Hastings Symphony Orchestra. Notable roles include the title role in Suor Angelica, Judith (Bluebeard’s Castle), Alice Ford (Falstaff), Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus ), Arminda (La finta giardiniera ), Gretel (Hansel and Gretel ), Elle (La voix humaine ), and Violetta (La traviata ). Awards include first place in the UMKC Chancellor’s Competition and Naftzger Young Artist Competition. Van Meter received their degrees in voice performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and University of Kansas under the mentorship of Maria Kanyova.
CHRISTINE BODDICKER (Mezzo-Soprano)
Mezzo-soprano Christine Boddicker made her professional debut in 2022 with Indianapolis Opera as a fall Resident Artist. Boddicker has been a Young Artist with Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center, Opera Steamboat, Miami Music Festival, and Chicago Summer Opera. Notable roles include Sesto (La clemenza di Tito ), Angelina (Cinderella ), Sesto (Giulio Cesare ), and Mercédès (Carmen ). Boddicker’s competition accolades include finalist in the 2022 San Antonio Tuesday Musical Club Young Artist Competition, semi-finalist in the 2022 and 2023 Saengerbund Awards, and the first-place award in the 2021 MIOpera Vocal Competition. She received her master’s degree in performance from the University of Houston and her bachelor’s degree in performance from Michigan State University.
BENJAMIN RUIZ (Tenor)
Tenor Benjamin Ruiz made his European debut with Mittelsächsisches Theater as Polizist (Brundibár) and Profesor Würchem (Der Vogelhändler). Notable roles include L’Italien (Angélique ), John Styx (Orpheus in the Underworld ), Aeneas (Dido and Aeneas ), Witch (Hansel and Gretel ), Peter Quint (Turn of the Screw ), and Young LBJ in the world premiere of Lady Bird: First Lady of the Land . Ruiz was named a first prize winner of the Inaugural Duncan Williams International Voice Competition, an Encouragement Award Winner of the 2023 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition, and an award winner of the 2023 Alan M. and Joan Taub Ades Vocal Competition. Ruiz was recipient of the Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation Scholarship in Voice at Manhattan School of Music from 2021–2023. Ruiz holds a master’s degree in voice performance from the Manhattan School of Music.
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AIZURI QUARTET Sep. 23 | 1900 Building
APOLLON MUSAGÈTE QUARTET Feb. 2 | The Folly Theater
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LE CONSORT Mar. 1 | Grace & Holy Trinity
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RESIDENT ARTIST PROGRAM CONT. JOSE OLIVARES (Bass-Baritone)
Bass-baritone Jose Olivares’ recent roles include Simone (Gianni Schicchi), Horace Vandergelder (Hello, Dolly!), Pandolfe (Cinderella), and Holborn Gaines (The Manchurian Candidate) with Seagle Festival, and Dulcamara (The Elixir of Love) and Colline (La bohème) with Opera Magnifico. Other roles include Dr. Gregg (Gallantry), Kapo (The Path to Heaven), Germano (La scala di seta), Olin Blitch (Susannah), soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Dubois’ Seven Last Words, and Hayes’ Requiem. Olivares holds a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma.
JIMIN SEO (Coach-Accompanist)
Performer, conductor, vocal coach, and collaborative pianist Jimin Seo joined Indianapolis Opera as a resident artist in 2018. In 2015, she was a finalist in the American Choral Directors Association Student Conducting Competition. Seo earned her Bachelor of Music in conducting with minors in organ and voice from Yonsei University. She holds a Master of Music in choral conducting, collaborative piano, and orchestral conducting from the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in orchestral conducting and collaborative piano at the University of North Texas.
Carmen photo by Don Ipock for Lyric Opera of Kansas City
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THE SOUND OF MUSIC Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse Suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” The Sound of Music is presented by an arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of the Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.com
PRINCIPAL CAST
* Lyric Opera Debut @ Past Apprentice ^ Lyric Opera Resident Artist
Maria Rainer (Soprano) Captain Georg von Trapp (Baritone) The Mother Abbess (Mezzo-Soprano) Liesl (Soprano) Friedrich (Treble) Louisa (Treble) Kurt (Treble) Brigitta (Treble) Marta (Treble) Gretl (Treble) Max Detweiler (Bass-Baritone) Elsa Schraeder (Soprano) Rolf Gruber/Man’s Voice (Tenor) Sister Margaretta (Soprano) Sister Berthe/Chant Leader (Mezzo-Soprano) Sister Sophia (Mezzo-Soprano) Frau Schmidt (Spoken) Franz/S.S. Lieutenant’s voice (Spoken) Herr Zeller (Spoken) Admiral von Schreiber (Spoken) Frau Zeller (Spoken) Baroness Elberfeld (Spoken) Baron Elberfeld (Spoken)
Mikaela Bennett* Edward Watts* Alexandra Loutsion* McKenna Sanford* Arlo Good Addison Allen* Luke Pyron* Evelyn Reese Hale Ceci Sellers* Hailey Kenyon* Peter Morgan@ Alyson Cambridge Matt Leisy* Kelli Van Meter^ Christine Boddicker^ Madison Hertel* Charlotte Gilman John Rensenhouse* Brian Sussman Tytus Abrahamson Catherine Dowling Rebecca Allen Daniel J. Loganbill
The Sound of Music was first performed on Broadway, 1959 Presented in English with English titles Running Time: Two hours, 45 min. with one intermission SEASON SPONSORS: This performance is made possible by a generous grant from the Theater League. This project is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund. Additional support for this presentation was provided by the Thomas and Sally Wood Foundation. With public support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.
The scenery, props, and costumes for this production of The Sound of Music are co-produced by Houston Grand Opera and The Glimmerglass Festival. Sound Design by Joel T. Morain originally for The Glimmerglass Festival. Stage crew provided by IATSE Local 31 Wardrobe crew provided by the Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 810
CREATIVE TEAM Conductor
James Lowe*
Stage Director
Francesca Zambello
Co-Stage Director & Dance Choreographer Associate Stage Director Set Designer
Eric Sean Fogel Ian Silverman* Peter J. Davison
Costume Designer
Aleš Valášek*
Lighting Designer
Mark McCullough
Revival Lighting Designer Sound Designer Wig and Make-up Designer Chorus Master Rehearsal Accompanists Music Librarian Props Supervisor Lighting Supervisor Costume Coordinator Wig and Make-up Assistant
Sarah Riffle* Andrew Harper David Zimmerman Piotr Wiśniewski Piotr Wiśniewski, Jimin Seo Elena Lence-Talley Erik Palmquist Selena Gonzalez-Lopez Nancy Robinson Blaine Shepherd, Court Winterborne*
Titles Operator
Sarah Zsohar
Dance Captain
Madison Hertel*
Stage Manager
Alayna Powell
Assistant Stage Managers
Caroline Jackson, Jess Tibboles
Child Coordinators
Jeninne Coleman, Holly Ladage
Scenic Artist Production Carpenter
Bethany Elliot Melvin McClenahan
Head Propsman
Steve Cochran
Head Electrician
Joshua Topping
Head Flyman
Evan Suellentrop
Head Sound Engineer
Eric Webster
Wardrobe Supervisor
Desiree Baird Story
Wardrobe Assistant
Amanda McCarty
* Lyric Debut
CHORUS SOPRANO Meghann Ashey* Catherine Dowling Melissa Faltermeier LaTeesha M. Jackson Anna Mans Aimee McCormack@ Alexis Merry~ Kristin Newbegin Mary Lou Pagano
MEZZO-SOPRANO Rebecca Allen Ashley Beth Burnett Deanna Ray Eberhart+ Jennifer Forman Lindsay James Kelly Morel@ Julia Scozzafava@ Jennifer Weiman Emma WitbolsFeugen
TENOR Tytus Abrahamson@ Hunter Eisenmenger Daniel J. Loganbill Brian Sussman
BASS/BARITONE Powell Brumm Matthew Scrivner
~ UMKC Apprentice * Lyric Debut
+ KU Apprentice
^ Lyric Opera Resident Artist
# William Jewell Apprentice
@ Past Apprentice
KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY MICHAEL STERN, Music Director FIRST VIOLINS Jun Iwasaki,
Concertmaster, Miller Nichols Chair Stirling Trent, Associate Concertmaster Sunho Kim, Assistant Concertmaster
Anne-Marie Brown Michael Brown Betty Chen Anthony DeMarco Susan Goldenberg* Tomoko Iguchi Chiafei Lin Dorris Dai Janssen Filip Lazovski + Vladimir Rykov Alex Shum*
SECOND VIOLINS
Tamamo Someya Gibbs, Principal
Kristin Velicer, Acting Associate Principal
Minhye Helena Choi,
Acting Assistant Principal
Arianna Brusubardis # Mary Garcia Grant Kazato Inouye Rena Ishii Paul Kim # Stephanie Larsen Jinyou Lee # Sodam Lim James Zabawa-Martinez +
VIOLAS
MingYu Hsu #, Principal Duncan Steele #, Associate Principal
Jessica Nance, Assistant Principal
Kent Brauninger Sean Brumble Marvin Gruenbaum Jenifer Houck Duke Lee Jesse Yukimura
CELLOS
Mark Gibbs, Principal, Robert A. Kipp Chair
Susie Yang, Associate
Principal, Richard Hill Chair
Alexander East, Assistant Principal
Matt Beckmann + Maria Crosby John Eadie
Lawrence Figg Meredith McCook Allen Probus
DOUBLE BASSES
Evan Halloin, Acting Principal
Richard Ryan, Acting Associate Principal
Nils Aardahl Lena Goodson + Joseph Nunez Keith Wymer + Caleb Quillen ^
FLUTES
Michael Gordon, Principal, Marylou and John Dodds Turner Chair
Shannon Finney,
Associate Principal
Kayla Burggraf
PICCOLO
HORNS
David Sullivan, Acting Principal, Landon and Sarah Rowland Chair
Alberto Suarez ^, Principal Elizabeth Gray Acting Associate Principal
David Gamble Stephen Multer, Associate Principal Emeritus
Benjamin Bacni +
TRUMPETS
Julian Kaplan, Principal,
James B. and Annabel Nutter Chair
George Goad Acting Associate Principal
Steven Franklin ^, Associate Principal
Shea Kelsay +
TROMBONES
Evelyn Carlson #, Principal Porter Wyatt Henderson, Associate Principal
Kayla Burggraf
Jahleel Smith +
OBOES
BASS TROMBONE
Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair Alison Chung, Associate Principal
TUBA
Kristina Fulton, Principal,
Matthew Lengas
ENGLISH HORN Matthew Lengas
CLARINETS
Raymond Santos, Principal, Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair Silvio Guitian, Associate Principal
John Klinghammer
E-FLAT CLARINET Silvio Guitian
BASS CLARINET
John Klinghammer
Jahleel Smith +
Joe LeFevre, Principal Frank Byrne Chair
TIMPANI
Timothy Jepson, Principal,
Michael and Susan Newburger Chair
PERCUSSION
David Yoon, Acting principal Justin Ochoa +,Acting Associate Principal
HARP
Katie Ventura +, Acting Principal
LIBRARIANS
Elena Lence Talley, Principal Fabrice Curtis
BASSOONS
Ann Bilderback, Principal,
Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair Thomas DeWitt, Associate Principal
Maxwell Pipinich
CONTRABASSOON Thomas DeWitt
Justin White, Director of Orchestra Personnel
Kirsten Loynachan, Assistant Personnel Manager
Tyler Miller, Stage Manager * Non-Rotating Musician # New Member + One-Year Member ^ On Leave of Absence
Presented by
December 15 - December 23
114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO
LyceumTheatre.org
|
660-837-3311
DIRECTOR’S NOTES by Francesca Zambello
Whenever I direct, I want to ensure I am not veering from the core intentions of the piece’s creators. You may change periods or settings but must stay with the story. But what about when you are working on a musical that is familiar to the audience, primarily through a film, and set in a very specific time and place? With a piece like The Sound of Music, I must respect the setting, but I also try to present it in a way that makes the story feel fresh and relevant. As I revisit The Sound of Music , finding ways to shadow the proceedings with the looming political situation is dramatically important. The action takes place in Austria in 1938 just before Hitler’s invasion. The Nazi takeover was called the Anschluss, ironically meaning union. This forced union of Austria to Germany is the constant underlying tension to our story. When Hitler invades Austria in the middle of Act One this becomes the fulcrum that catapults the drama forward. Just as the world is broken apart in this moment of history, so is the von Trapp family thrown into chaos. The other important thing that drives the plot is love. The composer Richard Rodgers said there is no musical without a love story; an improbable one is the best kind. Love is the crucial component for the evolution of the characters in this piece, and the characters make the story. This love between the Captain and Maria is unexpected; it is almost irrational. It is important to realize that neither the Captain nor Maria have known love like this before. This is the triumph of love, which can unite two very different people with very different stories. It is not idealized. It is a mature love. Captain von Trapp is old enough to have seven children. Maria had a difficult childhood and has gone to the abbey to retreat from the world. Their improbable love, set against a backdrop of political turmoil, was my starting place as a director. The magnificent score helps propel the romance, of course, but what really differentiates The Sound of Music from so many musicals is the complexity and thoughtfulness of the book scenes (the spoken scenes between the songs). Many musicals nowadays tend to have very short book scenes, but in this case, the book is very complex. It does a masterful job of introducing a large cast of characters, each with their own stake in the unfolding love story and the evolving political situation. I hope you enjoy our show!
CONDUCTOR’S NOTES by James Lowe
“The minute you say Vienna, everybody thinks of chorus boys in short pants, and the minute you have a waltz, you’re sunk.” This is how Howard Lindsay, the book writer for The Sound of Music , described the dilemma facing Richard Rodgers as he set out to compose the score for what would become one of the most beloved and iconic musicals in history. In order for the show to work, Rodgers knew that the score had to focus on the characters, the story, and of course, Maria’s favorite mountains. But one aspect of the piece gave Rodgers pause. Rodgers famously avoided research before writing a show, instead trusting his incredible instincts for musical styles. And his instincts weren’t bad. This born and bred New Yorker had captured the spirit of the state of Oklahoma so well that in 1953, the title song of his musical was officially named the state song! But for a piece in which the Catholic Church and nuns play such a central role, Rodgers was worried about giving offense if the liturgical music was not composed appropriately. So, he did some uncharacteristic research, meeting with church musicians and visiting an abbey to ensure that his musical treatment was authentic. That he succeeded is evident in the beautiful first notes of the score, in which the nuns sing a cappella in Latin. It truly sets the stage for one of the central conflicts of the story, that of Maria’s conflict between her devotion to God and her desire for love and family. The highlights of this score are almost too numerous to count. When Maria needs spiritual guidance from Mother Abbess, Rodgers gives us “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” a masterclass in composing an inspirational melody that simply rises and rises (literally climbing a mountain). When the children are learning the rudiments of music, Maria teaches them how to sing with an ingenious melody that constantly develops and never loses our interest even while, with only a couple of exceptions, sticking to the notes of the major scale (Do Re Mi). When Liesl and Rolf, the flirting teenagers, sing “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” Rodgers evokes a bit of jazz, using a syncopated rhythm that gives us the sense that they are perhaps slightly more “with it” than the rest of the characters, although still a bit tentative and nervous. Then, of course, there is “Edelweiss.” During the first production’s Boston tryout, Rodgers thought Captain von Trapp needed another song, and since the concert scene was already there, it was easy to insert it. The actor Theodore Bikel was also a folk singer and guitarist, and Rodgers wrote a song for him to play and sing.
CONDUCTOR’S NOTES cont. Hammerstein wrote the lyrics for “Edelweiss” in six days, and it was added to the show. The song perfectly expresses the Captain’s pride in being Austrian in the face of the German Anschluss; it is his farewell to his homeland. It is so ‘Austrian’ in character that many people wrongly assume that it is an actual Austrian folk song or even the Austrian National Anthem! But the sentiment of the song at that moment in the show is exactly what the piece needed, and it demonstrates how Rodgers and Hammerstein truly had no equal when it came to creating songs that fit a theatrical moment. It was the last song written for the stage production and the last song Hammerstein would ever write. He died of stomach cancer in August of 1960, nine months after the premiere. The song, the show, and of course, the film live on in our cultural consciousness in ways that Rodgers and Hammerstein probably never imagined. The Sound of Music photo by Karli Cadel for The Glimmerglass Festival
Musical Numbers ACT I Preludium
The Nuns of the Nonnberg Abbey
The Sound of Music Maria
Maria
Sisters Berthe, Sophia, Margaretta and Mother Abbess
My Favorite Things
Maria and Mother Abbess
I Have Confidence
Maria
Do-Re-Mi Sixteen Going On Seventeen The Lonely Goatherd How Can Love Survive? Reprise: The Sound of Music
Maria and the von Trapp Children Rolf and Liesl Maria and the Children Max, Elsa and Capt. von Trapp The Children and Capt. von Trapp
Grand Waltz
Orchestra
Ländler
Orchestra
So Long, Farewell Climb Ev’ry Mountain
The Children Mother Abbess and the Nuns
Musical Numbers ACT II The Children and Maria
Reprise: My Favorite Things No Way To Stop It
Elsa, Max and Capt. von Trapp
Something Good
Maria and Capt. von Trapp
Change of Scene (Gaudeamus Domino)
The Nuns
Processional
The Nuns
Canticle (Confitemini Domino)
The Nuns
Reprise: Sixteen Going On Seventeen
Maria and Liesl
Reprise: Do-Re-Mi
Maria, Capt. von Trapp and the Children
The Concert
Maria, Capt. von Trapp and the Children
Edelweiss
Capt. von Trapp, Maria and the Children
Reprise: So Long, Farewell
Maria, the Children and Capt. von Trapp
Finale Ultimo (Climb Ev’ry Mountain)
The Company
Music and Lyrics for “I Have Confidence” and “Something Good” by Richard Rodgers.
ARTISTS: THE SOUND OF MUSIC MIKAELA BENNETT MARIA RAINER (Soprano) Recent Soloist, Zodiac Suite, Oakland Symphony Soloist, Broadway Romance, San Diego Symphony Soloist, Holiday Concerts, The Cleveland Orchestra Upcoming Sarah Brown, Guys and Dolls, Opera Saratoga Soloist, Broadway Blockbuster, Toronto Symphony Orchestra Rosasharn, The Grapes of Wrath, Master Voices
EDWARD WATTS CAPTAIN GEORG VON TRAPP (Baritone) Recent Professor Callahan, Legally Blonde, Starlight Theatre Kansas City Joe, The Most Happy Fella, New York City Opera Performer, Black No More, Off-Broadway
ALEXANDRA LOUTSION THE MOTHER ABBESS (Mezzo-Soprano) Recent Brünnhilde, The Valkyrie, Virginia Opera Leonora, Il trovatore, Pittsburgh Opera Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Opera Idaho Upcoming Overseer, Elektra, The Dallas Opera Brünnhilde, Siegfried, Virginia Opera
MCKENNA SANFORD LIESL (Soprano) Recent Elle Woods, Legally Blonde, Gladstone Theatre in the Park Mary Robert, Sister Act, Gladstone Theatre in the Park Fantine, Les Misérables, Next Stage Company
ARLO GOOD FRIEDRICH (Treble) Recent Children’s Chorus, Pagliacci, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Turkey Boy, A Christmas Carol, Kansas City Repertory Theatre Fletcher, Freaky Friday, New Theatre & Restaurant
ARTISTS: THE SOUND OF MUSIC ADDISON ALLEN LOUISA (Treble) Recent Dragon, Shrek Jr., Curtain Call Ensemble, Curtains, River City Community Players Theatre Lead Troll, Little Women, River City Community Players Theatre Upcoming Newt, Matilda Jr., River City Community Players Theatre Flounder, The Little Mermaid, Leavenworth High School Theater
LUKE PYRON KURT (Treble) Recent Randolph, Bye Bye Birdie, Music Theatre Kansas City Chip, Beauty and the Beast, Music Theatre Kansas City Fletcher, Freaky Friday, Theatre in the Park
EVELYN REESE HALE BRIGITTA (Treble) Recent Children’s Chorus, Pagliacci, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Rhoda Penmark, The Bad Seed, Bell Road Barn Players Youth Cast Swing, A Christmas Carol, Kansas City Repertory Theatre
CECI SELLERS MARTA (Treble) Recent Young Elsa, Frozen: The Broadway Musical, Olathe Public Schools Les, Newsies, Olathe East Theatre Annie, Annie, First Act Theatre Arts Upcoming Junie B. Jones, First Act Theatre Arts Matilda, First Act Theatre Arts
HAILEY KENYON GRETL (Treble) Recent Lavender, Matilda, The Culture House Maureen, Honk Jr., The Culture House Tessie, Annie, First Act Theater Arts
ARTISTS: THE SOUND OF MUSIC PETER MORGAN MAX DETWEILER (Bass-Baritone) Recent Speaker, The Magic Flute , Arizona Opera Count Monterone, Rigoletto, Intermountain Opera Bozeman Truffaldino, Ariadne auf Naxos, Arizona Opera Upcoming Chiron, Jason and the Argonauts , Lyric Opera of Chicago Schaunard, La bohème , Intermountain Opera Bozeman
ALYSON CAMBRIDGE ELSA SCHRADER (Soprano) Recent Mary Cardwell Dawson, The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson , Washington National Opera Tosca, Tosca , Opera Carolina Hanna Glawari, The Merry Widow , Toledo Opera
MATT LEISY ROLF GRUBER (Tenor) Recent Raoul, The Phantom of the Opera , World Tour Ensemble, The Light in the Piazza , New York City Center Encores Ensemble, Carousel , New York Philharmonic
KELLI VAN METER SISTER MARGARETTA (Soprano) Recent Judith, Bluebeard’s Castle , Independent Production Lady Billows, Albert Herring , UMKC Conservatory Opera Suor Angelica, Suor Angelica , Heartland Opera Theatre Upcoming Mom, Sketchbook for Ollie , Lyric Opera of Kansas City Queen, The Haberdasher Prince , Lyric Opera of Kansas City.
CHRISTINE BODDICKER SISTER BERTHE (Mezzo-Soprano) Recent Lola, Cavalleria rusticana , Lyric Opera of Kansas City Nerone, L’incoronazione di Poppea , Miami Music Festival Mercédès, Carmen , Brevard Music Festival Upcoming Stéphano, Roméo et Juliette , Lyric Opera of Kansas City
ARTISTS: THE SOUND OF MUSIC MADISON HERTEL SISTER SOPHIA/DANCE CAPTAIN (Mezzo-Soprano) Recent Dance Captain/Paquette Cover, Candide, The Glimmerglass Festival Anybodys, West Side Story, Teatro Lirico di Cagliari Principal Dancer, Carmen, Portland Opera
CHARLOTTE GILMAN FRAU SCHMIDT (Spoken) Recent Director, Is He Dead?, Olathe Civic Theatre Association Supernumerary, La traviata, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Charlotte, Cinderella, Theatre in the Park Upcoming Lady Capulet, Roméo et Juliette, Lyric Opera of Kansas City
JOHN RESENHOUSE FRANZ/S.S. LIEUTENANT’S VOICE (Spoken) Recent Scar, The Lion King, Broadway National Tour Bernard, Don’t Dress for Dinner, The New Theatre & Restaurant Inspector Lord, Spider’s Web, Kansas City Actors Theatre Upcoming Ghost of Jacob Marley, A Christmas Carol, Kansas City Repertory Theatre Rough, Gaslight (Angel Street), Kansas City Actors Theatre
CREATIVE TEAM JAMES LOWE CONDUCTOR Recent Conductor, West Side Story, Lyric Opera of Chicago Conductor, The Magic Flute, Arizona Opera Conductor, Candide, Atlanta Opera Upcoming Conductor, El Milagro del Recuerdo, San Diego Opera Conductor, Songbird, Washington National Opera Conductor, The Pirates of Penzance, OPERA San Antonio
FRANCESCA ZAMBELLO DIRECTOR Recent Director, The Odyssey, Klangwolke Festival Director, Idomeneo, The Aspen Music Festival Director, West Side Story, Lyric Opera of Chicago Upcoming Director, Turandot, Washington National Opera Director, Aida, Lyric Opera of Chicago Director, The Nose, Chicago Opera Theater
ERIC SEAN FOGEL CO-DIRECTOR AND CHOREOGRAPHER Recent Director, Candide, The Glimmerglass Festival Revival Director, Norma, The Metropolitan Opera Choreographer, Klangwolken, Brucknerhaus Linz Upcoming Director/Choreographer, Song Bird, The Kennedy Center Director, The Barber of Seville, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Associate Director, West Side Story, Sydney Opera House
IAN SILVERMAN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Recent Director, Don Pasquale, Lakes Area Music Festival Assistant Director, Tosca, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Assistant Director, La bohème, Utah Opera Upcoming Assistant Director, The Sound of Music, Houston Grand Opera Assistant Director, Galileo Galilei, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Assistant Director, Tales of Hoffmann, Palm Beach Opera
PETER J. DAVISON SET DESIGNER Recent Set Designer, Rebecca, Musical Vienna Set Designer, West Side Story, Lyric Opera of Chicago Set Designer, La traviata, Seattle Opera Upcoming Set Designer, Rebecca, Musical Vienna Set Designer, The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson, Pittsburg Opera, The Glimmerglass Festival
CREATIVE TEAM ALEŠ VALÁŠEK COSTUME DESIGNER Recent Set and Costume Designer, Carmen, National Theatre Brno Set and Costume Designer, Don Quijote, Teatr Wielki Opera Narodowa Costume Designer, Dällebach Kari, Thunerseespiele Upcoming Costume Designer, Singin’ in the Rain, Salzburger Landestheater Costume Designer, Pippin, Staatsoperette Dresden
MARK MCCULLOUGH LIGHTING DESIGNER Recent Lighting Designer, La traviata, Bolshoi Theatre Lighting Designer, Rebecca, Musical Vienna Lighting Designer, Candide, The Glimmerglass Festival Upcoming Lighting Designer, Aida, Lyric Opera of Chicago Lighting Designer, Aida, San Francisco Opera Lighting Designer, Aida, Washington National Opera
SARAH RIFFLE REVIVAL LIGHTING DESIGNER Recent Lighting Designer, Cat’s Cradle, Lifeline Theatre Associate Lighting Designer, The Sound of Music, Arizona Opera Lighting Designer, Little Women, First Folio Theatre Upcoming Assistant Lighting Designer, Jenůfa, Lyric Opera of Chicago Assistant Lighting Designer, Champion, Lyric Opera of Chicago Assistant Lighting Designer, Aida, Lyric Opera of Chicago
ANDREW HARPER SOUND DESIGNER Recent Sound Designer, Sweeney Todd, Theatre Under The Stars Sound Designer, Rent, Theatre Under The Stars Sound Designer, Written in Stone, Washington National Opera Upcoming Sound Designer, The Sound of Music, Houston Grand Opera
DAVID ZIMMERMAN WIG AND MAKEUP DESIGNER Recent Wig & Makeup Designer, Cavalleria rusticana | Pagliacci, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Wig & Makeup Designer, Tosca, The Dallas Opera Wig & Makeup Designer, Orfeo, Santa Fe Opera Upcoming Wig & Makeup Designer, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The Dallas Opera Wig & Makeup Designer, Elektra, The Dallas Opera
CREATIVE TEAM PIOTR WIŚNIEWSKI CHORUS MASTER AND REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST Recent Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor, Cavalleria rusticana | Pagliacci, Sondheim on Sondheim,The Shining, Lyric Opera of Kansas City Upcoming Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor, Roméo et Juliette, Journey to Valhalla, Lyric Opera of Kansas City The Sound of Music photo by Karli Cadel for The Glimmerglass Festival
INDIVIDUAL GIVING Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to the individual contributors who help support the Company’s productions and programs. We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between Sep 1, 2022—Sep 1, 2023. *Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball +Includes giving to the Special Gifts Campaign
RICHARD J. STERN SOCIETY ($50,000+) Drs. Ivan & Karla Batlle*+ Ken & Marilyn Hager*+ Joan Horan* Ingram Family Foundation* Walter & Gayle Richardson Mr. J. Michael Sigler*+ Mrs. Carol Tinsman+
MAESTRO'S CIRCLE ($25,000 - $49,999)
Ann Baum Matt & Kate Beem+ Mr. & Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer Virginia & Charles Clark Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris+ Mrs. H.D. Hale+ Innes & John Hale Mr. Edward P. Milbank* Mr. & Mrs. T.E. McCullough+ Paul & Elizabeth Uhlmann+
Randy & Edie Downing* Marilyn A.W. and Norman E. Gaar, Esq.* Donald J. Hall* Yong Y. Han, M.D. Estate of Carolyn Kay McDill Jill Ingram Reynolds* Niles & Lindsay Jager* Dana Koehn* Tom & Kathy Nanney Jeff & Tonya Poe+ Andrew & Brittany Robb Mr. & Mrs. Charles Schellhorn* Juliette Singer & Ian Spinks* Jug & Rachel Stanovcic H. Wayne & Melanie Thompson Ms. Connie Walker* Lynne & Carl Weilert*
LYRIC OPERA ANGEL ($2,500 - $4,999)
Andy & Kathy Anderson* Andrew & Peggy Beal* Gary & Suzy Bennett Bruce & Cathy Cavitt Dr. Robert L. Claassen BEL CANTO Phyllis Cohen ($10,000 - $24,999) Andrew & Victoria Flower Mrs. Raymond Backstrom Mark T. Benedict & Dr. Kim Mongeau+ Trudy & Jack Gabriel* Dr. & Mrs. James K. Gentry* Thomas & Mary Beth Butch+ Kurt & Linnell Gretzinger* Ann Dickinson Richard Gutknecht Anthony & Meredith Durone*+ Barnett & Shirley Bush Helzberg* Caleb Richard & Lauren English+ & Julia Jackson Craig & Dawn Evans*+ Mary Lou James & James Taylor Michael D. Fields+ Dr. Robert E. & Dr. Rebecca Johnson Joyce G. Holland* Jerry Katlin & Dan DeLeon* Robert & Ann Regnier+ Judy Kirk Steve & Linda Taylor*+ Michael Klein Mr. Michael Waterford Mr. & Mrs. William Kort* Mary Leonida* IMPRESARIO Mira Mdivani* ($5,000 - $9,999) George & Suzy Pagels Scott & Joyce Blakesley* Dr. Ronald & Donna Patton* Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bruening* Don & Pamela Raffurty Ms. Lucinda Rice-Petrie* Nan Chapman* Michelle & Chuck Ritter Blake & Melissa Cooper* Deborah Sandler Kemper & Mrs. Una Creditor* Crosby Kemper
Dennis & Palle Rilinger Gigi & Gary Rose* Stephen & Dolores Schroff Linda Singer* Joseph & Carol Suhor* Megan Toal Fr. Paul Turner Dr. Linda E. Voigts & Mr. Gene Voigts Dr. Edward A. Wortham, Jr. Dr. Michael J. & Cindy S. Wurm* Dr. & Mrs. John Yungmeyer*
ARIA SOCIETY ($1,500 - $2,499)
Sharon Barry* Robert & Pamela Bruce* Gerard & Judy Bukowski James & Diana Cusser* Jo Anne & Bill Dondlinger* Rev. & Mrs. William J. Fasel* Mr. Andrew Garton & Mr. Levi Tobias Ellen & John Goheen Bruce & Kathy Gordon Sue Camberlain Klein Julia & Greg Malter* Graham & Helen Marcott Lee & Carl McCaffree Patricia E. Cleary Miller, PhD Debra & Allen Parmet Wesley Sandness* Clarence Simmons Rebekah Snyder Bonde* Charlene Thompson Amanda Toomey Howard & Irene Weiner
VIRTUOUSO ($1,000 - $1,499)
Anonymous Donna Bennett Joan and Bert Berkley, Blue Heron Foundation Harvey S. Bodker Peter & Lynne Brown* Richard & Nicole Browne* Kenneth & Norma Buchwach* Jeffrey & Diane Buczkowski Arden & Mary Ann Carr Ms. Joyce Castle Drs. Richard & Donna Childs Vince & Julie Clark* Mr. and Mrs. Paul Copaken* Dr. Suzanne C. Crandall Tim & Deanna Diebolt* Mr. and Mrs. Terrence P. Dunn+ Melanie Elfrink Chuck & Joni Etherington*
Ellen Feldhausen Darold & Melinda Frenzen* Alexandra Fontana Gregory & Catherine Fox* George and Frances Gerritz* Donna Gould Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Winston Grantham John & Bernice Hamra Foundation* George Helmkamp Lisa Merrill Hickok* Robert & Cynthia Hisle* Gary & Liddell Hobin Paul & Amy Holewinski* Ms. Robin L. Huff Helena & Steven Jonassen* Steve Joss Kansas City Ballet* Craig Kemp Mr. Michael C. Kirk Barbara Loots & William J. Dickinson Amy Martin Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Mayer Mrs. Julie A. McClure Andrew McDonald Mr. & Mrs. John Middelkamp* Donald & Linda Milligan John & Susan Newsam* Drs. Margaret & Barry Nickell Edward & Chris Null Joseph & Kelly Privitera* Ms. Lisa Flynn Pruch* Ms. Carmen M. Sabates* Dr. & Mrs. Nelson R. Sabates* Lora Smith* Joshua & Jane Sosland John & Angela Walker* Clyde & Katie Wendel George & Beverley Wilson
COMPRIMARIO ($500 - $999)
Robert & Ruth Abbott David Actenberg & H. Alice Jacks Ms. Ida B. Anderson Joe & Skylar Bellinger Ms. Ann Bender* John Bennett & Janet Gatz-Bennett Dara & George Bock* Ronald & Kathleen Bremer
Stephen & Susan Bubb* Maria Chastain-Brand Mr. C. L. Cocke Mr. H. Hurst Coffman Christopher & Emily Collins Mrs. Julie B. Collins James Cook James & Ellen Copaken* Joanne Copeland Dr. Patricia Mary Cox Mr. Barry D. Culbreath II Pat & Liz Daniels Dr. Michael De Priest & Ms. Barbara Braznell Steven & Carolyn Faenger* Karen Florio John & Hilary Fried* Chris & Martha Gabel Mark & Nancy Gilman Steven Goldfarb* Michael & Judy Graf Carol Grantham Joan Hall* Samantha Herdman Mrs. Diana Ice Dr. & Mrs. Roger Jackson* Harold & Vicki James Bradford & Ann Johnson Judith L. King* Robert & Georgia Kingsley* Jolle Kirpensteijn Mouhammed Kyasa Mary Lewis Bev Leonard* Mr. Robert Lunn Mr. & Mrs. Lynd K. Mische* JoZach Miller & Peter Bali* Jack & Camille Moodie Katherine E. Myers* Barbara Nelson* Mr. Richard E. Owens Bill Palluca Stephen Platt* Vernon & Trish Podlasek* Mr. Hal Douglas Quinn* Gisele Roy Mr. Ronald Sayer Bruce & Nancy Schall* Jon Scheinman & Anita Toby Grow Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Schrader Jim Schraeder Lynn Schweig* Mrs. Patricia Scott* Karen Seaberg Suzanne Shank* Patrick & Mary Shaw Edward M. Sien Greg & Ann Smith
Barbara Spilker* Deirdre Squires Ms. Linda S. Stevens Dr. Jessica Stone & Mr. Benjamin Stone* Ursula Terrasi & Jim Miller* Ms. Beverly Thomas Maarten van Swaay Dr. Charles W. & Gail E. Van Way* Mrs. Sandra Vogel Jeff & Alisha Walker Bryan & Jennifer Wampler* Thomas Whalen Brian Wieth & Michele Hamlett-Weith* Jean Wise
CHORUS ($250 - $499)
Mr. & Mrs. Gary L. Adams Ellen & John Aisenbrey Mr. Simon Atkinson Roger Bond & Victoria Hermes-Bond Aaron Boorem Christopher & Sharon Bradford Mr. & Mrs. Forrest Chumley Dr. Kathleen Cita Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clark Ms. Ellen Cooley Ms. Rita Cortes & Ms. Mary E. McLean Dr. & Mrs. Steve Crouch Doug & Terri Curran Cathy Daicoff Allen & Jane Davis Dr. & Mrs. John M. Davis Rita Davis Thomas Dow Carol R. Ducak Mr. Kenneth Eiler Ms. Stacie Eliades-Becker Mr. Byron Fry Amy Garcia Richard & Winifred Gill Charles & Barbara Gorodetzky Dr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Hall III Mr. and Mrs. George E. Handley Susan & Zack Hangauer Zachary Hausner Roger Hiatt & Patricia Haegelin-Hiatt Dr. Stephanie A. Henry Dr. & Mrs. Edward Higgins Mr. and Mrs. William Hirsch Belinda Holmes Bill & Margo Humenczuk Mrs. Kelly Johnson Dr. and Mrs. Paul Johnson Lynn Jones Mark & Linda Kapfer Jon D. Kowing Mr. Larry Kucinick
Rodney & Margaret LaMothe Jane Lee Judith A. Lindquist Mr. Matthew J. Maggi Mrs. Nicole Marshall-Ebersole Kevin and Kristi Martinez P. Alan McDermott Mr. Alvin Meyer Kathy & Bill Migneron Richard & Anne Morse Andrea Norris & Tom Beisecker Mark & Lynne O’Connell Dr. & Mrs. Jorge Paradelo Kathy Peters Ms. Maggie Presson Michael & Usha Rafferty
Edward & Charlotte Ronan Charles F. & Rose M. Schwankl Kelton W. H. Smith Egon Stammler Brian & Dian Steele Christopher L. Sweeney James H. Taylor Mr. Robert D. Trapp Daniel L. Turner & Carol Dziadik Turner Sandra Vogel Robert Wilshire & Anne McDonald Collin M. Woroniak Mrs. Barbara Weary Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Yarnevich Julian & Tasha Zugazagoitia
For more information about giving to Lyric Opera, please contact Michael Breeden at mbreeden@kcopera.org. Thank you for your generosity to Lyric Opera of Kansas City!
CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE Program Advertising for the 2023-2024 Season FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Christin Painter christin@kcindependent.com 816-471-2800x218
kcopera.org
INSITUTIONAL GIVING Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to the foundations, corporations, organizations, and government entities that help support the Company’s productions and programs. We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between Sep 1, 2022—Sep 1, 2023. *Includes contributions to Lyric Opera Ball +Includes giving to the Special Gifts Campaign
OPERA PRESENTING SPONSORS:
*+
LYRIC OPERA UNDERWRITERS ($100,000+)
BEL CANTO ($10,000 - $24,999)
RICHARD J. STERN SOCIETY ($50,000 - $99,999)
IMPRESARIO ($5,000 - $9,999)
Hall Family Foundation Muriel I. Kauffman Fund for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City Lyric Opera Circle Lyric Opera of Kansas City Endowment Fund Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation Sherman Family Foundation The Sunderland Foundation
Victor E. and Caroline E. Schutte Foundation Missouri Arts Council Theater League
MAESTRO’S CIRCLE ($25,000 - $49,999)
Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee E. Kemper Carter & Ann Curry Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee Francis Family Foundation Hallmark Corporate Foundation J.B. Reynolds Foundation* John W. and Effie E. Speas Memorial Trust Lyric Opera of Kansas City - William Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund National Endowment for the Arts Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation William T. Kemper Foundation Commerce Bank Trust
*+
City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund Cyr Family Charitable Remainder Trust EPR Properties+ H & R Block Foundation Merriman Foundation* Saint Luke’s Health System The Sosland Foundation Jack F. & Glenna Y. Wylie Charitable Foundation - Midwest Trust*
Anonymous* Craig Associates Elsberry Family Foundation* Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation* Halls Kansas City* Lyric Opera of Kansas City Foundation Polsky Fund Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm Thomas and Sally Wood Family Foundation
CORPORATE & COMMUNITY COUNCIL ($2,500 - $4,999)
Commerce Bank, n.a.* DeBruce Foundation* JE Dunn Construction Company* High Touch Inc* Husch Blackwell LLP* R.A. Long Foundation The Mader Foundation McCownGordon Construction* Merrill Charitable Foundation, Inc. RubinBrown LLP* Strauss Peyton Photography*
A Kansas City tradition since 1899 Contact Laura Gabriel at 816.471.2800 or Laura@kcindependent.com to purchase a gift subscription today. 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 210 • Prairie Village, KS 66208
Celebrating 60 years of transformative theatre with a season featuring an exciting mix of crowd-pleasing and riveting new plays and musicals. By Edmond Rostand Freely Adapted by Martin Crimp Directed by Associate Artistic Director Nelson T. Eusebio III
SEP 5 - SEP 24 Spencer TheaTre Lead Sponsor:
Written by Heidi Schreck Directed by Amy Anders Corcoran
OCT 24 -NOV 12 copaken STage Written by Christina Ham Directed by Malkia Stampley Co-Produced with Milwaukee Repertory Theatre
FEB 13 - MAR 3 copaken STage Lead Sponsor:
Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman Music by Alan Menken Directed by Artistic Director Stuart Carden
APR 30 - MAY 19 Spencer TheaTre
Come CELEBRATE with us! For tickets, play descriptions, and more, visit KCRep.org or call our Box Office at 816.235.2700. KCRep is the professional theatre in residence at UMKC
KCRep is the professional theatre in residence at UMKC 28
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SPECIAL EXHIBITION:
NOW through JAN 13, 2024
8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS • JCPRD.org/Museum • 913-826-2787
ESTABLISHED 1899 | KANSAS CITY’S JOURNAL OF SOCIETY
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THE CENTER OF IT ALL ENJOY THE BEST OF KANSAS CITY PERFORMING ARTS
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Plan your visit at kauffmancenter.org
with a live, improvised Jazz score
TICKETS: mthkc.com 816.221.6987
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August 1 – 25
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Working behind the scenes to support your greatest performance.
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APPRENTICE ARTIST PROGRAM Lyric Opera’s Apprentice Artist Program gives university vocal students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and training on their way to becoming professional opera singers. Throughout the season, our Apprentice Artists gain practical career experience working alongside the industry’s most notable singers, conductors, and directors. Learn more about our artist development programs at kcopera.org/learning.
ALEXIS MERRY (Soprano) University of Missouri-Kansas City
Alexis Merry returns as a second-year Lyric Opera of Kansas City Artist Apprentice. Recent roles include Anna Maurrant (Street Scene) and Countess Almaviva (The Marriage of Figaro) at Varna International, Mrs. Zegner (Proving Up) and Galatea (Handel’s Acis and Galatea) with University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus) and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni) with Pepperdine University. Merry has participated in masterclasses with Jake Heggie, William Bolcom, and Stephanie Blythe. Merry holds a bachelor’s degree in music performance from Pepperdine University and a master’s degree from University of Missouri-Kansas City. Merry is currently seeking an artist certificate at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
DEANNA RAY EBERHART (Mezzo-Soprano) University of Kansas
Mezzo-soprano Deanna Ray Eberhart is a second-year Lyric Opera of Kansas City Apprentice Artist. Previous roles include Alidora (Cinderella), Little Buttercup (H.M.S. Pinafore), La Zia Principessa (Suor Angelica), Clorinda (Il combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda), and Arsamene (Serse). Upcoming roles include Gertrude (Roméo et Juliette). Eberhart is a native of Kansas City, Missouri and received her bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Northern Iowa where she studied with Dr. Jean McDonald. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Voice Performance at The University of Kansas under the direction of Joyce Castle and Dr. Genaro Mendez.
ANGELO SILVA (Tenor)
University of Missouri-Kansas City Tenor Angelo Silva’s recent engagements include Miles in Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up and the Conservatory Singers Choir Ensemble at University of Missouri-Kansas City. Upcoming roles include Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi) with Amarillo Opera in 2024. Silva holds a bachelor’s degree in applied voice from Pepperdine University and is currently seeking a master’s degree in voice performance at University of Missouri-Kansas City.
RILEY FINDLEY (Baritone) William Jewell College
Baritone Riley Findley’s recent roles include Gianni Schicchi (Gianni Schicchi) with Opera Lucca, James Mills (The House Without a Christmas Tree) and Albert (Werther) with William Jewell College. Notable roles include Sam (Trouble in Tahiti), Peter Quince (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), and Melisso (Alcina). Findley holds a bachelor’s degree in music from William Jewell College where he is currently obtaining an artist performance certificate. Findley plans to continue graduate study in voice performance at Indiana University.
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The KANSAS CITY ROSE SOCIETY offers: A FREE, World-Class Rose Garden in Loose Park Affordable Memberships • A Network of Gardening Enthusiasts • Rose Care & Tips Annual Rose Show • Seasonal Garden Parties
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WORLD-CHANGING CREATIVITY
We invite you to experience the transformative power of dance, music and theatre at the UMKC Conservatory.
Photo: Brandon Parigo. UMKC
conservatory.umkc.edu
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LYRIC OPERA PATRON SERVICES Phone: (816) 471-7344 Email: patronservices@kcopera.org Mail: Lyric Opera Patron Services, 1725 Holmes St., KCMO 64108 Regular Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Weekend Performance Day Hours (mainstage only): For performance weekend hours, please visit kcopera.org. Ticketing & Patron Services representatives are available at the Kauffman Center box office beginning 90 minutes before every performance and through the first intermission.
GROUP TICKETS BRING A GROUP TO THE OPERA! Group orders of 10 or more seats receive up to a 25% off discount, subject to standard facility fees. To book your group today and learn about options to amplify the experience, call Ticketing & Patron Services at (816) 471-7344 or visit kcopera.org/groups.
OPEN YOUR WORLD.
Emergency Evacuation Procedures The Kauffman Center is equipped with advanced life-safety early alert systems. Each performance hall is designed with emergency exits in case of an evacuation. In the event of severe weather, shelter in place inside the hall, not in a lobby area, and await further instructions.
In the event of an emergency, the performance will be interrupted. Horns and strobes will sound. Emergency instructions will be delivered from the stage.
Please remain seated as staff use an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of the alarm.* Should an evacuation be necessary, lighted red (Muriel Kauffman Theatre) and green (Helzberg Hall) exit signs will lead patrons to one of eight emergency exit paths.
Patrons with mobility limitations and/or those who are not able to navigate stairs should remain in the venue near one of the marked “Emergency Evacuation Assistance” areas. First responders will evacuate those requiring assistance immediately upon their arrival.
Elevators, primary entrances and the Brandmeyer Great Hall staircase are NOT used in the case of an emergency evacuation.
For more information on emergency evacuation procedures, visit kauffmancenter.org/policies
*Kauffman Center’s emergency egress plan, which includes an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of an alarm, was developed with the assistance of the Kansas City, MO Fire Marshall’s Office.
PARK
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
CENTER
FOR
MUSIC
When Stanislav loudenitch first started the Park International Center for Music, he began with a simple concept. Find exceptional music teachers, and give them the time, tools, focus, and dedication needed to transform exceptional students into masters themselves. An internationally-recognized Van Cliburn gold medalist, Ioudenitch assembled a team that shared his world-class skills and his passion for teaching. Other outstanding programs have great master instructors. But no other American conservatory lets those masters devote the time to their students like they do at Park ICM. Not even storied programs like Juilliard, Curtis, or Eastman.
Come experience the birth of our international stars. Visit ICM.PARK.EDU for our concert schedule today.
“These featured soloists from Park University’s International Center for Music represent not only the quality of performance in Kansas City, but the future of it, too.” – T H E K A N S A S C I T Y S TA R
Discover nature with us. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Nature Centers
Open SaturdayS
Burr Oak Woods Nature Center
1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs 816-228-3766 www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods
Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center
4750 Troost Aveue, Kansas City 816-759-7300 www.mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter
M i s s o u r i D e p a r t M e n t o f C o n s e r v at i o n
INSITUTIONAL GIVING CONT. CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SPONSORS ($250 - $2,499)
RC Williams Company* Sanofi-Aventis* Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Baird Foundation, Inc. Foundation Butterfly Fine Jewelry & Accessories* The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Vernon & Trish Podlasek, Cuorebella Enrichment Fund The Independent* The Trudy Foundation Kansas City Ballet* TruPay Kitchens by Klewono* JoAnn Meierhoff Charitable Foundation Young Women on the Move Orpheus KC
THE SHINING RECORDING Lyric Opera is proud to have created the first-ever recording of Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s The Shining. We gratefully acknowledge the individuals and foundations that have contributed to this project as of Sept. 1, 2023.
$10,000+
Adelphi University Thomas & Mary Beth Butch
ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS
Dr. & Mrs. Ivan Batlle Alicia & John Beck Mark T. Benedict & Dr. Kim Mongeau Randy & Edie Downing Tony & Meredith Durone Richard & Lauren English Michael D. Fields Ms. Lisa Flynn Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette J. Ford III Marilyn A.W. & Norman E Gaar, Esq. Trudy & Jack Gabriel Kurt & Linnell Gretzinger Ms. Lisa Merrill Hickok John & Sharon Hoffman Niles & Lindsay Jager Mr. & Mrs. William Kort
R.C. Kemper, Jr Charitable Trust and Foundation, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts Julia & Greg Malter Ms. Lisa Merrill Hickok Paul Moravec Martin & Lucy Murray Michael Phillips Dr. & Mrs. Tim Pluard Michelle & Chuck Ritter Deborah Sandler Kemper & Crosby Kemper Ms. Elizabeth A. Schellhorn Linda S. Stevens Shruti Tejwani Ty Trieu Ms. Connie Walker Jeffrey & Alisha Walker Doug P. Wells Marian Wood
You can still contribute to this groundbreaking project! Contributors of $500 or more will be invited to a recording release party. Please contact Michael Breeden, Senior Manager of Individual Giving and Partnerships, at mbreeden@kcopera.org or (816) 802-6061 if you have questions or would like to make a gift. The Shining ©ken howard/Lyric Opera of Kansas City
MEMORIAL GIFTS
Gifts made Sep 1, 2022 – Sep 1, 2023
In Memory of Stan Brand Jeffrey Kahane In Memory of Marge Hubbard Lyric Opera Guild In Memory of Mary Ellen Purucker Jill Ingram Reynolds Lyric Opera Circle Jeannette & Scott Redick In Memory of Dr. Wes Sandness Saddle & Sirloin Club In Memory of Jean Van Stallings Lyric Opera Guild In Honor of Steve and Linda Taylor Michael & Julia Kirk
ENCORE SOCIETY The Lyric Opera planned giving program allows you to share the gift of opera with future audiences and create a legacy of your own. Through the Encore Society, you support programs you are passionate about and receive tax benefits for yourself and your estate.
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Mrs. Madeline Benoit* Mrs. Jacqueline Coen* Mr. & Mrs. Bernard D. Craig Dr. Morton C. Creditor* & Mrs. Una Creditor Mr. & Mrs. Don Dagenais Mrs. Carolyn Dayani Mrs. Ann K. Dickinson Dr. Fred D. Fowler* Mrs. Caroline French Mr. & Mrs. Keith Gard Mr. & Mrs. Joe A. Harter Mr. & Mrs. Stephen H. Hill Joyce G. Holland Mrs. Beth Ingram Mr. & Mrs. H. Elvin Knight, Jr. Dr. Revis Lewis* Mr. Jack May & Dr. Rosalie Pompushko Mr. & Mrs. Joe Miller Mrs. Vivian Menees Nelson* Mr. & Mrs. L. Joshua Sosland Mrs. Alice Statland & Dr. Harry Statland* Mrs. Carol Tinsman & Mr. C. Humbert Tinsman* Ms. Julie Holmquist Mr. Hal vonBohnhoff Dwight Youngman
CHARTER MEMBERS
Mr. Bob Baughman* Mrs. Carolyn Gordanier Mr. & Mrs. John Grow Gary D. Harms John Kander Elizabeth Liftin* Virginia M. Long Ann T. Reed Mr. & Mrs. Jack Rosenfield Lisa Sicola Mr. J. Michael Sigler Mr. John J. Strandberg* Mr. Thomas Sotham* Dr. Wilma B. Wilcox Ms. Paula Winans Mr. & Mrs. Jonah Wright
LEGACY MEMBERS
Carolyn Banta Matt & Kate Beem Jerry & Meghan Carpenter Craig & Dawn Evans Dr. Michael Frost Hilda Gibbs Trust Fund – Rae Ann DeVargas Trustee* Ken & Marilyn Hager Mr. Richard Hill* Lothar P. Kraus* Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris Mr. & Mrs. Doyle Patterson* Robert M. Suhre Foundation Steve & Linda Taylor Thomas & Loren Whittaker Annie Zinn* *Deceased
For more information contact Edward Sien, Chief Development Officer, at (816) 802-6058 or visit kcopera.org/planned-giving.
‘TIL DEATH DO YOU TOGETHER. Get tickets to Roméo et Juliette today! Scan the QR code, visit kcopera.org, or call us at (816) 471-7344 to purchase.
LYRIC OPERA STAFF LEADERSHIP
Deborah Sandler Kemper, General Director and CEO
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Jeffrey Walker, Chief Financial Officer Danny Boteler, Controller Amy Tungol, HR & Payroll Specialist Melissa Roberts, Executive Assistant & Board Liaison Michal McIntyre, Staff Accountant
ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION
Brad Trexell, Director of Artistic Administration Piotr Wiśniewski, Head of Music Staff & Chorus Master
LEARNING
Neal Long, Director of Learning Emily Bridges, Manager of Learning
PRODUCTION
Tracy Davis-Singh, Director of Production Brad Kanouse, Technical Director Sarah Zsohar, Artist Services Manager Rafael Toribio, Assistant Technical Director
DEVELOPMENT
Edward Sien, Chief Development Officer Michael Breeden, Senior Manager of Individual Giving & Partnerships Rebecca Ballinger Clark, Manager of Institutional Giving Laurie Eck, Manager of Development Operations & Donor Research Will Brubaker, Development Concierge
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Gregory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Communications Amanda Schuster, Senior Manager of Ticketing & Patron Services Beth Wamsley, Marketing Operations & Social Media Manager Enrique Zabala, Graphic Design Specialist Emily Stott, Assistant Manager of Ticketing and Patron Services Ellen McDonald, Publicity Consultant Ticketing & Patron Services Representatives: Madeline Cain, Catherine Cone, Aimee McCormack, Josephine Meyers, Jonathon Moldovan, Dennis Pearson, Brianna Volkmann
LEGAL COUNSEL
Wade Kerrigan, Husch Blackwell, LLP, General Counsel
Supporting our community’s students is one of our favorite things. Congratulations to the cast and crew on another successful production!
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Every day my team and I try to give hope, and sometimes life itself, to patients and their families. It’s an amazing privilege. But it comes with the feeling of wondering if we could do even more. Then a card comes. Those few kind words remind us of the difference we’re making. There’s no better feeling than that. To schedule an appointment, call 913-588-1227 or visit KansasHealthSystem.com/Appointments.