U Opera: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

you’re a good man,

CHARLIE BROWN

U

OPERA PRESENTS

you’re

a good man, CHARLIE BROWN

BY CLARK GESNER

MARCH 27 & 28, 2026

Libby Gardner Concert Hall | 7:30 p.m.

Series of vignettes and song from the Broadway production based on the "Peanuts" comic strip.

CONTENT ADVISORY:

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown contains simulated war sounds in the first number of Act II. Sirens, machine gun fire, airplane engines, and mortars, may be heard.

DIRECTOR NOTES

Good evening, and welcome to Clark Gesner’s You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, the final production of the 2025/2026 U Opera season. It my pleasure to invite you into the deeply earnest, surprisingly philosophical, and completely hilarious world of Charles M. Schulz’s beloved comic strip, Peanuts.

Clark Gesner first began work on this musical in 1967 almost by accident. As a fan of the comic strip, Gesner spent some of his free time writing songs inspired by the strip as a creative outlet. So, he never imagined that they would one day coalesce into one of the most recognizable works of American musical theatre.

Interestingly, the original, off-Broadway production was a much different show than you will see tonight. It featured a cast of six singing actors who played their own instruments throughout the show. Also, the original production featured the character of Patty, not Sally. The show was so loved by audiences, that the original production went on to enjoy a run of nearly four-years, due in large part to ‘its charming, simple staging and faithful capturing of the Peanuts comic strip’s innocence, humor, and heart.’ (NYTimes) Over the years, the musical has won two Obie Awards, two Tony awards, three Drama Desk Awards, and an Outer Critics Circle Award.

For me, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown is the perfect production to close a U Opera season that has featured the strength and courage that children often call upon in the face of adversity. Of course, tonight’s show is not The Tender Land or Hansel and Gretel, but it is just as powerful. The strength of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown lies in the quiet triumph children often enjoy through the courage of persistence. Charlie Brown’s greatest victory

isn’t winning a baseball game, successfully kicking a football, or receiving a Valentine. His triumph is found in the simple, courageous act of showing up, believing in himself, and continuing to try. That is quite something for an eight-year-old. Working with this cast has been a tremendous joy. From blocking rehearsals to table reads to ensemble work to iconic musical numbers, every one of these performers has taken every opportunity to display their unending professionalism and artistic skill. For that, I am grateful.

Thank you for coming tonight. It is my hope that you leave the theatre tonight with the reminder that being ‘a good man’ often only takes being authentically yourself.

Enjoy the show.

James Bobick Stage Director

PRODUCTION TEAM

Music Director and Pianist

Stage Director

Assistant Director of Opera

Graduate Teaching Assistant (Opera)

Stage Manager

Musical Preparation

Rehearsal Pianist

Rehearsal Prompter

Scenic and Properties Design

1st Assistant Stage Manager

2nd Assistant

Stage Manager

Costume Designer

Sound Designer

Set Crew

Set Crew

Set Crew

Seth Crew

Set Crew

Set Crew

Set Crew

Set Crew

Set Crew

PEARCE NITTA

JAMES BOBICK

AUBREY ADAMS-MCMILLAN

ALEX HARRELSON

SIERRA LOERTSCHER

CAROL ANDERSON

MIRIAM MEDLEY

DAVID SILVANO

JAMES BOBICK

TARA GONTKOVIC

EZ MCCORMICK

ROBIN FARNSLEY-BECKER

JACOB MARTINEZ

RICARDO CORNEJO

DORIAN DILLON

CALEB GORDON

TABI HALL

ALEX HARRELSON

R. PORTER HIATT

EMILY HUBERT

GIOVANNI NUVAN

ABBY PAYNE

SPECIAL THANKS

KIM COUNCILL

Director of the School of Music

KELLY DEHAAN

Mountain Ridge High School

DWIGHT WESTERN

Sandy Arts Guild

CAST

Charlie Brown

Lucy Van Pelt

Linus Van Pelt

Snoopy

Sally Brown Schroeder

CALEB BOOTH

NATHALIA ALVAREZ

DORIAN DILLON

CALEB GORDON

GRACE MEADOWS

RICKY CORNEJO

COVER CAST

Charlie Brown

Lucy Van Pelt

Linus Van Pelt

Snoopy

Sally Brown Schroeder

PORTER HIATT

ABBY PAYNE

AKSHAY GHIYA

DAVID SILVANO

KAYLEY BRINKERHOFF

ALEX HARRELSON

INSTRUMENTALISTS

PEARCE NITTA , piano/conductor

DREW HOLLAND, woodwinds

SARAH FRANCIS, violin/viola

ADELINE HIEMSTRA , bass

JORDAN MCMILLAN, percussion

EVELYN WILLIAMS, percussion

CAST & INSTRUMENTALISTS BIOS

Nathalia Alvarez is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, studying under Professor Julie Wright-Costa at the University of Utah. In recent years, she has had the pleasure of performing with U Opera as Adele in Die Fledermaus, an Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Other credits include Guccio in Puccini’s Gianna Schicci, and Suor Dolcina in Puccini’s Suor Angelica. Nathalia also had the honor of touring with the University of Utah’s Chamber Choir in Italy this past summer, as well as singing in the chorus of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony at Grand Teton Music Festival in July. Outside of opera, Nathalia enjoys art, dancing, and playing the piano.

Caleb Booth, baritone, is a third-year Choral Education and Mandarin Chinese double major, singing in his third and fourth shows at the U this season. At just 21 years old, Booth has exceptional vocal and instrumental abilities, with credit to his mother, Jennette Booth, for instilling his training in both facets. He studies as a classical baritone under Aubrey Adams-McMillan. Across his 15+ years of piano training, Caleb has served as a pianist for his former high school choir, as well as for Voci Altissime. His repertoire extends from Ragtime to intricate Romantic works. Booth is currently the recipient of the Ellen Nelson Barnes Endowed Choir Scholarship and the Mariani Voice Scholarship. As a bonus, Caleb is bilingual in English and Mandarin Chinese and has sung with the Salt Lake Chinese Choir, the University of Utah Chamber Choir, and the choirs at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. He would like to thank his friends and family for supporting his musical journey.

Kayley Brinkerhoff soprano, is currently a sophomore in the University of Utah’s Vocal Performance program. She has the pleasure of studying under Professor Kirsten Chávez. Kayley is also a member of the University of Utah’s Chamber Choir and a recipient of the generous Ellen Nelson Barnes Endowed Choir Scholarship. After six years of classical voice training Kayley has developed an extensive repertoire spanning many different styles. She is thrilled to be working with so many talented performers in her first operas. Kayley is immensely thankful for all the people in her life supporting her and the joy music and collaboration brings.

Ricky Cornejo is a sophomore tenor pursuing a BM in Vocal performance at the University of Utah. Studying with Professor James Bobick, he was involved in his first opera as a chorus member for the University of Utah’s production of Die Fledermaus. Ricky is also involved in the Michie Undergraduate Quartet as well as the Barbershop Quartet, which he formed at the U. In addition, he has also performed Carmina Burana at Abravanel Hall as a member of the A Cappella choir.

Dorian Dillon (she/her) is a Junior at the U. She is ecstatic to perform for another season with U Opera. Most recently, Dorian performed as the CustomsHouse Officer in U Opera’s production of La bohème (2025) and Ivan in U Opera’s production of Die Fledermaus (2025). Other notable roles include the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera (OGC 2023) and Rolf in The Sound of Music (OGC 2021). Dorian currently studies voice with Professor Julie Wright-Costa, as well as classical trombone under Dr. Donn Schaefer and The Utah Symphony’s Sam Elliot. She also plays classical, jazz, and rock bass. Additionally, Dorian is an accomplished dancer, winning third place in Waltz at the Utah Classic Ballroom Competition and performing in various roles, such as the Mouse Prince, in Ballet West’s The Nutcracker. Despite a performing arts life, Dorian manages to find time for gaming, cats, and all things Star Wars (she got her start in acting as an “Andwok” in Off Broadway Theatre’s Star Ward at the age of five). Many thanks to parents, siblings, and pets for the encouragement to start and continue performing and making music, including all the emotional support along the way!

Sarah Francis is a dedicated musician, educator, and ensemble leader from Utah whose musical life began early, starting with piano at four, violin at five, voice at eight, and other string instruments in middle school. Her curiosity for instruments grew into a deep commitment to music-making and teaching. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education and a minor in Statistics from Brigham Young University, where she developed both artistic and analytical strengths. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Violin Performance and Pedagogy at the University of Utah under Dr. Hasse Borup. During her graduate

studies, Sarah has been an active chamber musician, first as a member of the O.C. Tanner Honors Quartet and now as a violinist in the Michie Graduate String Quartet. She also serves as concertmaster of the University of Utah Philharmonia and recently held the position of concertmaster with the Utah Philharmonic Orchestra for the 2024–25 season. As a performer, Sarah is known for her versatility, leadership, and commitment to collaborative music-making. As an educator, she is passionate about fostering curiosity, resilience, and expressive freedom in her students. Outside of music, she is an avid photographer who loves capturing both the beauty of the world and the authenticity of the people in it.

Akshay Ghiya is a lyric baritone pursuing a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Utah. With a warm and captivating voice, he has brought many roles to life on stage, including Gianni Schicchi in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Marcello in Puccini’s La bohème, Sergeant Belcore in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore, and many more. Akshay currently serves as the Baritone Teaching Assistant at the U, performing with the Graduate Vocal Quartet and teaching voice lessons, and he is currently a student of Professor James Bobick.

Caleb Gordon is excited to be a part of the Opera season at the University of Utah School of Music for his second year! Last season, he was seen as The Page in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Chorus in Die Fledermaus, and The Sergeant in La bohème. Other favorite credits include Bass Caroler in A Christmas Carol in 2022 and 2025 (HCTO/The Ruth), Count Leopold in Anastasia: The Musical (Draper Historic Theatre), Ensemble in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (The Grand Theatre), and a Swing in The Drowsy Chaperone (The Grand Theatre).

Originally from North Carolina, tenor Alex Harrelson is pursuing a DMA at the University of Utah. Recent operatic roles at the U include Rodolfo in La bohème, Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Ferrando in scenes from Cosi fan tutte, and leading roles in new operas A.L.I.C.E. by Amy Scurria and A Christmas Carol by Leavitt and Buck. With Lyrical Opera Theater he has performed as Fenton in Falstaff, El Remendado in Carmen, and as Count Almaviva in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Alex’s recent non-operatic performances include Messiah with Nebo Holiday Chorus and Orchestra and several ambitious recitals featuring Wolf’s Italienisches Liederbuch and Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin. Alex recently directed a production of Vaughan Williams’ opera Riders to the Sea. He regularly teaches classes on vocal classical music with Osher Lifelong Learning and sings with the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

R. Porter Hiatt, baritone, is thrilled to be singing for U Opera this year. Porter is working towards a BA in vocal performance at the University of Utah, studying under Dr. Seth Keeton and Professor James Bobick. He has performed professionally in various operas, musicals, operettas, and straight plays. Some of his favorite past credits include The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance, The Usher in Trial By Jury, King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Sir John Tremayne in Me and My Girl, and Schaunard in La Bohème. In addition to performing his work on the stage, Porter also loves performing concert works. A few past experiences include the Baritone Solo in Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and Bass Solist in Handel's Messiah.

Adeline Hiemstra is a sophomore at the University of Utah, double majoring in Double Bass Performance and Physics. She has been playing the bass since she was ten. In addition to playing music, she enjoys hiking, biking, and skiing.

Drew Holland is a music educator and woodwind doubler in the Salt Lake Valley. His academic journey began at Southern Utah University, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication by double majoring in Instrumental Music Education and Saxophone Performance. Currently, Drew is finalizing his Masters of Music at the University of Utah, specializing in multiple woodwind performance. Drew serves as a faculty member at Riverton High School where he teaches band, jazz band, guitar and music theory. Beyond the high school classroom, Drew balances the roles of a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Utah and a mentor to the next generation of musicians through his private studio. Whether he is conducting on the podium, performing in a pit orchestra, giving masterclasses or teaching a one-on-one lesson, Drew Holland exemplifies the modern educator-performer.

Grace Meadows is an accomplished and passionate young vocalist whose musical journey began at the age of seven with voice lessons. Hailing from Jackson, Wyoming, she has cultivated her artistry through numerous competitions, summer intensives, concerts, and theatrical productions. Grace attended the prestigious Interlochen Voice and Opera summer program and was honored to be part of the global cast of Rent at the Trentino Music Festival. Most recently, she captivated audiences as Mary Magdalene in Lamb of God at the Salt Lake University Institute of Religion. In 2024, Grace was awarded Second Prize in the highly competitive Donald Runnicles Musical Arts Scholarship Competition, presented by the Grand Teton Music Festival. She is privileged to study under the esteemed University of Utah Opera Director, James Bobick, whose mentorship continues to shape her expressive and refined vocal technique. Grace extends heartfelt gratitude to her family for their unwavering support and encouragement, inspiring her to sing with profound heart and soul.

Pearce Nitta is a well-rounded music educator and conductor who has extensive experience with many ensembles across the country. He has studied conducting under Jason Missal, Kevin Michael Holzman, Don Peterson, and Kirt Saville; piano with David Skouson, Lisa Purcell, and Karen Miskell; and music direction for musicals with Nicole D’Angelo, Ian Axeness, and Aik Khai Pung. With these teachers, he has directed over a dozen musicals and been a pit pianist in many more. Professionally, Nitta has taught high school and middle school band in Payson, UT and at The Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps. Additionally, he continues to clinic and adjudicate with high school and middle school programs each year. Nitta is currently finishing his Doctoral degree in Instrumental Conducting at the University of Utah. He received his Master’s degree in Wind Conducting at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music, and his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Brigham Young University. During his time at each of these universities, Nitta had the opportunity to work with all ensembles, producing recordings for CDs, premiering new works, and conducting in concerts and musical theater.

Abby Payne is thrilled to be in this production. Most recently, Abby has performed as Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Charlotte in Cinderella, Miss Watson in Big River, Humpty Dumpty in Shrek, the Minstrel in Once Upon a Mattress, Lily Craven in Secret Garden, and Cosette in Les Misérables. When not at the university, Abby performs with the Utah Symphony Chorus and the Utah Chamber Artists. Abby is so grateful for those who've supported her, especially her loving husband Kraig, the production team, and her parents.

David Silvano is a Peruvian-American tenor with a powerful, yet vibrant and flexible voice and anatural talent for acting. Mr. Silvano recently made his role debut as The Duke in Verdi’s Rigoletto with Mobile Opera and has performed for a variety of events with Park City Opera in Utah. Mr. Silvano has performed in roles such as Don José in Carmen, Martin in Copland's The Tender Land, Ferrando in Così fan tutte, and excerpts as Rodolfo in La bohème, and Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly. In the Summer of 2022, he sang the role of Theodore Billings in the staged premiere of Clint Borzoni's The Copper Queen with Marble City Opera where he was praised byArts Knoxville for bringing "a deliciously romantic lyrical side" to the character. In addition, hehas performed as a soloist in various concert works. During the 2023 season, Mr. Silvano was a Resident Artist at Indianapolis Opera, where hecovered the role of Don José and sang the role of El Remendado in Carmen. Mr. Silvano holds a BM from Colorado Mesa University, a MM from Colorado State University,and is pursuing a DMA at the University of Utah.

Evelyn Williams is a sophomore at the University of Utah studying music education. She has participated in musical theatre both in the pit orchestra and on stage, and is thrilled to be back helping bring this production to life.

Aubrey Adams-McMillan serves as the Assistant Director of Opera and Associate Instructor of Voice at the University of Utah, where she is thrilled to bring her creative vision, technical expertise, and passion for mentoring artists. A distinguished mezzo-soprano, she has captivated audiences in roles ranging from the searing Madame de Croissy in Dialogues des Carmélites to the comedic Bertha in Il barbiere di Siviglia, with performances at Utah Opera, Central City Opera, and the Spoleto Festival USA. Her concert work—including Verdi’s Requiem, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, and Dvořák’s Stabat Mater—showcases her artistry across both grand and intimate musical settings.

Dr. Carol Anderson brings over two decades of distinguished experience in opera and vocal coaching to the University of Utah, following 22 seasons as Principal Coach with Utah Symphony | Utah Opera (USUO). Since 2002, she has also been an integral member of the music staff at The Santa Fe Opera, widely regarded as the nation’s leading summer opera festival. Renowned for her work as a master teacher and clinician, Dr. Anderson has led master classes across the country—both in person and virtually—and has served as a featured panelist for Opera America, contributing to national conversations on audition preparation and institutional best practices. Her passion for audience engagement is evident in her ongoing roles as the presenter of Utah Opera’s acclaimed Prelude talks and as a lecturer for The Santa Fe Opera’s Prelude Dinners. Prior to her tenure with Utah Opera, Dr. Anderson served as Chorus Master and Music Administrator at Orlando Opera, where she also conducted performances of Amahl and the Night Visitors. She has held music staff positions with leading institutions including Houston Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, Sarasota Opera, Brevard Music Center, Nashville Opera, and Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. In addition, she completed two seasons as an apprentice coach with both the Houston Grand Opera Studio and the Aspen Opera Theater Center. An active performer and advocate for underrepresented composers, Dr. Anderson recently collaborated with mezzo-soprano Katharine Goeldner in Silenced Voices: Music by Female Composers of the Holocaust, performed at the American Gothic Festival and for the Wagner Society of Santa Fe. Originally from Houston, Texas, Dr. Anderson holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Keyboard Collaborative Arts from the University of Southern California, Master of Music in Accompanying and Chamber Music from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Bachelor of Music in Church Music, Piano Emphasis, from Baylor University.

Baritone James Bobick has enjoyed a versatile career, from leading operatic roles in the works of Donizetti, Verdi, Bizet, and Mozart to those in the operas of contemporary composers including Jake Heggie, Mark Adamo, John Eaton, and David T. Little. Mr. Bobick was seen in over twenty roles at New York City Opera including a Primetime Emmy-winning broadcast of La Bohème. He has also appeared with companies including Los Angeles Opera, Seattle Opera, Portland Opera, Opera Colorado, Connecticut Opera, Opera Mississippi, Opera Omaha, Opera Pacific, Opera Delaware, Virginia Opera, Baltimore Opera, Wichita Grand Opera, Dayton Opera, Central City Opera, Fort Worth Opera, and the Bard Festival. James can also be heard as Howard on the on the Grammy-nominated original cast recording of David T. Little’s Dog Days. In addition to his work in the standard operatic repertoire, Mr. Bobick has extensive experience performing the new works of contemporary composers. He has bowed as Bendrix in Heggie’s End of the Affair, Kinesias in Adamo’s Lysistrata, Dr. Bloom in Eaton’s micro-tonal opera Pumped Fiction, Donald Giovanni in Schickele’s The Abduction of Figaro, and as Howard in David T. Little’s critically acclaimed Dog Days. Mr. Bobick has also performed contemporary works while in concert and on recording. These works have included leading roles in Manno’s Dylan and Caitlin, Aldrich’s Elmer Gantry, Eaton’s The Rev. Jim Jones, Garfein’s Rosenkrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, Geller’s Where Silence Reigns, Colantti's The Selfish Giant, Patterson’s A Child Possessed, Marks’ Bluetooth Islands, Cervetti’s Elegy for a Prince and Yum!, Dellaira's The Death of Webern, Little’s Soldier Songs, and Ted Hearne’s Katrina Ballads. James Bobick is also a frequent concert soloist. At Carnegie Hall, he has been heard in Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mendelssohn’s Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass. He has performed at Avery Fisher (David Geffen) Hall in Carmina Burana, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Haydn’s Creation and Paukenmesse, Bach's Mass in B minor, and Handel’s Messiah. Internationally, he has performed as a soloist in Messiah in Prague with the Prague Symphony; Carmina Burana and Messiah in San José, Costa Rica with the National Symphony; Fauré’s Requiem in Paris, Reims, and Chartres with the Orchestre Pasdeloup; and Fauré’s Tu es Petrus during Mass in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris. Around the United States, Mr. Bobick’s performances have included Carmina Burana, Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s Magnificat and Mass in B minor, Handel’s Israel in Egypt, Messiah, and Saul, Haydn’s Die Schöpfung and Lord Nelson Mass, Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle, Vaughan Williams’ Dona Nobis Pacem, Fantasia on Christmas Carols, Five Mystical Songs, and Songs of Travel, Prokofiev’s Lieutenant Kijé, Mahler’s Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen, and Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio.

Costume designer 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 breathtaking opulence when called for or heartbreaking 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 the adage, “You are (can be) what you wear”!

Tara Gontkovic is currently in her second year of getting her BFA in Stage Management at the U. She is very excited to work with everyone on You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and can’t wait to see what we will create! Some past ASM credits include Ride the Cyclone & Our Dear Dead Drug Lord (Webster Conservatory), R.U.R. (UofU Studio Series), New Works Dance Concert (Webster Dance). *Insert Peanuts dance here.*

Sierra Loertscher (Spotlight Operator)

Sierra is a recent Theatre BFA graduate from the University of Utah. Notable stage management and crew credits include Fidelio (Utah Opera), Gift of the Magi (Park City Opera), Legally Blonde (UofU), La Boheme (UofU), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (UofU), Xanadu (UofU), and Joseph…Dreamcoat and The Scarlet Pimpernel (Sandbox Theatre Company). She has also ushered at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater on 52 concerts.

Ez McCormick (they/them) is a Stage Manager based in Salt Lake City. Of the productions they've stage managed, their favorites have been The Crucible with Center street Theatre and R.U.R. with the University Department of Theatre. They are so thrilled to have been Assistant Stage Manager for this production and are excited to share it with you.

Miriam Medley is a multi-instrumentalist whose collaborative journey has been shaped by a proclivity for open exploration, voracious curiosity, and omnidimensional creativity. With an abiding affinity for music, she began her multi-faceted journey as a young artist, engaging in solo and ensemble performing from an early age. During her undergraduate program in piano performance, Miriam embraced collaboration by participating in myriad opportunities: period ensembles, chamber groups, pit orchestras, the university symphony, experimental music organizations, and interdisciplinary projects. In the years since, Miriam has enjoyed performing with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists across Utah and Wyoming. She has taken pride in opportunities that involve the education of young musicians and the augmentation of their musical experiences. Life has deepened her appreciation for education and enhanced her collaborative spirit. Today, Miriam is pursuing a graduate degree in collaborative piano, powered by her belief in music’s power to unite, dissolve boundaries, and create collectively transcendent experiences.