July 8-18, 2021
Val Underwood Artistic Director
ExecutiveFrom Directorthe
Dear Friends: to offer a world-class training and performance program, to improve Throughout education, and to elevate the spirit of history, global all who participate. pandemics have shaped society, We are delighted to begin our season culture, and with Stars of Tomorrow, featuring institutions. As many successful young alumni of our we find ourselves Young Singer Program—including exiting the Becca Barrett, Stacee Firestone, and COVID-19 crisis, one pandemic and many others. Under the direction subsequent recovery that comes to of both Beth Dunnington and Val mind is the bubonic plague—or Black Underwood, this performance will Death—which devastated Europe and celebrate the art of storytelling in its Asia in the 14th century. There was a most simple and elegant state. The silver lining, however, as it’s believed season also includes performances that the socio-economic impacts of by many of our very own, long- the Plague on European society— time Festival favorites, and two of particularly in Italy—helped create Broadway’s finest, including HPAF the conditions necessary for what is Alumna and 1st Place Winner of arguably the greatest post-pandemic the 2020 HPAF Musical Theatre recovery of all time—the Renaissance. Competition, Nyla Watson (Wicked, The Color Purple). Though our 2021 Summer Festival is not what was initially envisioned, As we enter the recovery phase and we are thrilled to return to in-person many of us eagerly await a return to programming for the first time in 24 “normal,” let’s remember one thing: we months. For the first time ever, all in- are not normal—we are extraordinary. person performances will be broadcast This is our time, our recovery—this is live via Kahilu.TV. The Journey Back our Renaissance. celebrates HPAF’s gradual and long- awaited return. Though each of With aloha, our challenges are not yet distant memories, we at HPAF are committed to upholding our mission: to promote the appreciation and advancement of Justin John Moniz, classical music and musical theatre, Executive Director
2021 Summer Festival: | 3 the journey back About Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival
ow preparing for its 17th During the fall, winter, and season on the Big Island, spring months, HPAF offers N Hawai‘i Performing Arts special performances to help Festival brings some of the most support scholarships for aspiring talented young musicians from young artists to attend the Hawaii, the U.S., Canada, Australia, festival each summer. The Asia, Africa, the Middle East, recent 2021 High Season Series South America, and Europe to included The Music of the Night the Big Island each summer for with Bronson Norris Murphy, intensive study and performance IDEAs: A Musical Celebration and training, affording young artists Roundtable Discussion, and the opportunity perform with Home for the Holidays. professional musicians under the guidance of some of the world’s most established teachers and mentors. The Mission results are astonishing. Statement
During the 2019 Summer Festival, HPAF is a non-profit more than 20 concerts and staged organization whose performances were presented, mission is to promote giving HPAF participants invaluable the appreciation and experience and the privilege of advancement of classical appearing on stage with with top music and musical theater, musical artists in their field. All to offer a world-class music performances were produced at training and performance various venues around the Big program in the inspirational Island. The 2020 Virtual Summer setting of Hawaii, and to Festival featured 14 free concerts, improve the education and masterclasses, and special events, elevate the spirit of all who featuring a world-class roster participate, especially the of artists, attended by over local community. 3,000 viewers, both locally and internationally.
2021 Summer Festival: | 4 the journey back Goodbye walls. Hello bliss.
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67 Support The Arts
awai‘i Performing Arts Festival has recently revamped its giving programs so that donors can not only feel part of a H dedicated family of supporters but can come closer to the world-class music they help to create!
We invite you to join our loyal ohana of HPAF supporters today.
Give the gift of music and Find Your Aloha with us this season in paradise.
2021 Summer Festival: | 6 the journey back Mahalo
HPAF would not be possible without the continued support, loyalty, and enthusiasm of so many contributors and partners. This season, we are especially grateful for the overwhelming support of the following:
GOLD SEASON SPONSOR ($20,000-$49,999) Margareta & Staffan Encrantz
SILVER SEASON SPONSOR ($10,000-$19,999) Carol & Clive Davies Deviants from the Norm
BRONZE SEASON SPONSOR ($5,000-$9,999) The Lematta Foundation Laura Benz
2021 Summer Festival: | 7 the journey back Mahalo HPAF MEMBER ($1,500-$4,999) Lynne Schneider & Dick Fusch
HPAF SUPPORTER ($100-$1,499) Marilyn & Carl Bernhardt Carol Brown Natalia Bychkova Michael Cromwell Paul & Charlene Dahlquist Duncan Dempster Robert Donigan Betty Eavis & Jim Monk Genevieve Firestone Steve Kaplan Karla Miller Sheldon Meier Justin John Moniz William Stull Michael Thompson Joanne & David Turner Val Underwood
*Gifts received by 6/15 in support of our 2021 Summer Festival have been acknowledged above. All others will be acknowledged via our website.
PRODUCING PARTNER HOUSING DONORS Kahilu Theatre Foundation Andy Czajkowski Paul & Charlene Dahlquist MEDIA PARTNERS Duncan Dempster Hawaii Public Radio The Kent-Meschke Ohana A very special mahalo to Big Island Music Magazine Ramona Naone for keeping our donated accommodations clean!
2021 Summer Festival: | 8 the journey back INSTRUMENTALISTS
Daniel Davidson, Bass Daniel Davidson is a double bass player from Plano, Texas studying Music Education at the University of North Texas. He is studying under the direction of Gudrun Raschen, as well as receiving masterclasses and instruction from Jeff Bradetich and Lynn Seaton. Absolutely thrilled to be playing here, he would like to thank Dr. Raschen for giving him this opportunity and his parents for making it happen. Jeffry Eckels, Electric Bass Bassist, composer, teacher and recording artist Jeffry Eckels has been playing since the age of 12. Since that time, he has performed professionally in a multitude of styles with well-know artists from around the globe. He’s been involved in recordings that feature rock to jazz and everything in between. He was the bassist on the Oscar winning “El Otra Lado del Rio” from the movie Motorcycle Diaries. He has taught privately, on the college level and presented masterclasses to all ages. For 16 years he played live jazz on Public Radio Internationals’ most popular show, “Whad Ya Know, with Michael Feldman.” As a longtime member of the International Society of Bassists, Jeffry has been honored with the invitation to offer workshops at their prestigious convention. As well as studying privately with a host of internationally recognized artists, he is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Boston; University of Wisconsin, Madison and currently ABD from the University of North Texas, Denton. Jeffry performs as the pops bassist for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and is a sought-after free lance musician on both electric and acoustic bass. Jeffry states that, “my love of teaching is an extension of my passion for performance!”
24 The HPAF Legacy
or the past 17 years, Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival has continued to provide Fworld-class training and performance opportunities to aspiring young artists, both from Hawai‘i Island and worldwide.
Following their time at HPAF, our esteemed alumni have gone on to grace some of the world’s greatest stages, most notably The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, English National Opera, Royal Opera House, Florida Grand Opera, Los Angeles Opera, and have appeared in film and television, on Broadway, National Tours, and regionally.
2021 Summer Festival: | 10 the journey back inAlumni Action
HPAF is proud to share some of the recent achievements of our many wonderful alumni. Please join us in celebrating these remarkable artists — many of whom got their start at HPAF.
Derrell Acon (Professional Fellow Alumnus) has been appointed Associate Artistic Director & Chief Impact Officer of Long Beach Opera. During his time at HPAF, Derrell sang the role of Leporello in Mozart’s Don Giovanni.
2021 Summer Festival: | 11 the journey back inAlumni Action
Matthew Greenberg (Stage Directing Fellow Alumnus) was recently appointed Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre at West Virginia University. He will teach four courses and direct the program’s mainstage musical this fall. During his time at HPAF, Matt served as Assistant Director of Stephen Sondheim’s Company.
Cecilia Violetta Lopez (Developing Singer) recently reprised the role of Violetta in Verdi’s La traviata with the Pacific Symphony. During her time at HPAF, Cecilia sang the title role in Monteverdi’s L’Incoronazione di Poppea.
Makeda Hampton (Developing Singer) recently earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kentucky. During her time at HPAF, Makeda performed in opera scenes and various concerts across the Big Island.
2021 Summer Festival: | 12 the journey back inAlumni Action
Jesse Mashburn (Developing Singer Alumna) joins the apprentice program at Merola Opera this summer. During her time at HPAF, Jesse sang the role of Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina.
Ethan Burck (Developing Singer Alumnus) joins the apprentice program at Santa Fe Opera this summer. During his two seasons at HPAF, Ethan sang the roles of Don José in The Tragedy of Carmen and Nanki-Poo in The Mikado.
Emily Treigle Sheets (Developing Singer Alumna) was recently named a Grand Prize Winner in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. During her time at HPAF, Emily sang the role of Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina.
2021 Summer Festival: | 13 the journey back inAlumni Action
Stacee Firestone (Young Singer Alumna) recently completed her first year of study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. During her time at HPAF, Stacee appeared in countless concerts and productions including Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro and the HPAF Young Singer Showcase.
Robert Cardwell (Professional Fellow Alumnus) recently earned the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas and began an appointment as Assistant Professor of Voice at Northwestern State University. During his time at HPAF, Robert sang the role of Frederich Bhaer in Mark Adamo’s Little Women.
Logan Tanner (Professional Fellow Alumnus) recently won first place in The New Opera Stars Vocal Competition (Germany), The 2021 Ise-Shima International Singing Competition (Japan), and The 6th Annual Vano Visioli Opera Competition. During his time at HPAF, Logan sang the role of Ruggerio in Handel’s Alcina.
2021 Summer Festival: | 14 the journey back
STARS OF TOMORROW
A special co-presentation with
THURSDAY, JULY 8, 2021 | 7PM | KAHILU THEATRE
Beth Dunnington Val Underwood STAGE DIRECTOR MUSIC DIRECTOR
THE COMPANY: Becca Barrett, Stacee Firestone, Eric Gee, Daniel Gregg, Noelani Loughery-Kawaihoa, Benito Mercia, Patanjali Raul, and Grace Todd
This evening’s performance is sponsored by Marilyn & Carl Bernhardt, Robert Donigan, and Kahilu Theatre.
The 2021 Summer Festival is sponsored by: Margareta & Staffan Encrantz (Gold Season Sponsor), Carol & Clive Davies (Silver Season Sponsor), Deviants from the Norm (Silver Season Sponsor), The Lematta Foundation (Bronze Season Sponsor), and Laura Benz (Bronze Season Sponsor).
2021 Summer Festival: | 16 the journey back STARS OF TOMORROW The Program
The New World, from Songs for a Gaston, from Beauty and the Beast New World (Jason Robert Brown) (Alan Menken) Full Company Eric Gee and Patanjali Raul
Tonight at Eight, from She Loves Me The Glamorous Life, from A Little (Jerry Bock) Night Music (Stephen Sondheim) Becca Barrett Daniel Gregg
Almost Like Being In Love A Boy Like That / I Have A Love, (Frederick Loewe) from West Side Story (Leonard Stacee Firestone and Daniel Gregg Bernstein) Becca Barrett and Grace Todd Unworthy Of Your Love, from Assassins (Stephen Sondheim) The Light in the Piazza, from The Noelani Loughery-Kawaihoa and Light in the Piazza (Adam Guettel) Benito Mercia Stacee Firestone What More Do I Need, from I Wish I May, from The Witches of Saturday Night (Stephen Sondheim) Eastwick (Dana Rowe) Grace Todd Becca Barrett, Stacee Firestone, Grace Todd Giants in the Sky, from Into the Woods (Stephen Sondeim) Benito Mercia Luck Be A Lady, from Guys and Dolls (Frank Loesser) Eric Gee, Daniel Gregg, Benito Mercia, Mama Who Bore Me, from Spring Patanjali Raul Awakening (Duncan Sheik) Stacee Firestone with Becca Barrett, Noelani Loughery-Kawaihoa, Mira, from Carnival (Bob Merrill) Grace Todd Noelani Loughery-Kawaihoa Children Will Listen, from Into the I Feel Pretty, from West Side Story Woods (Stephen Sondheim) (Leonard Bernstein) Beth Dunnington and Full Company Grace Todd, Becca Barrett, Stacee Firestone, Songs of Purple Summer, from Noelani Loughery-Kawaihoa Spring Awakening (Duncan Sheik) Full Company
2021 Summer Festival: | 17 the journey back SONGS OF HOPE
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2021 | 7PM | KAHILU THEATRE
Rachel Copeland Val Underwood SOPRANO PIANO
This evening’s performance is sponsored by Lynne Schneider & Dick Fusch, Michael Thompson, Betty Eavis & Jim Monk, and Kahilu Theatre..
The 2021 Summer Festival is sponsored by: Margareta & Staffan Encrantz (Gold Season Sponsor), Carol & Clive Davies (Silver Season Sponsor), Deviants from the Norm (Silver Season Sponsor), The Lematta Foundation (Bronze Season Sponsor), and Laura Benz (Bronze Season Sponsor).
2021 Summer Festival: | 18 the journey back SONGS OF HOPE The Program
The Year’s at the Spring - Amy Beach (1867-1944) If I - Lori Laitman (1955) A Horse With Wings - Ricky Ian Gordon (1956)
An die Musik - Franz Schubert (1797-1828) Morgen! - Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Piano solo (to be announced)
Ain’t it a Pretty Night (Susannah) - Carlysle Floyd (1926)
Nocturne - Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849)
Chanson d’amour - Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) L’heure exquise - Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947)
Piano solo (to be announced)
I Wish It So - Marc Blitzstein (1905-1964) You’ll Never Walk Alone (Carousel) - Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960)
2021 Summer Festival: | 19 the journey back ALONG THE WAY
FRIDAY, JULY 16, 2021 | 7PM | KAHILU THEATRE
Justin John Moniz Phil Kadet VOCALS PIANO
This evening’s performance is sponsored by Hawaii Public Radio, Steve Kaplan, and Kahilu Theatre.
The 2021 Summer Festival is made possible thanks to the generous support of: Margareta & Staffan Encrantz (Gold Season Sponsor), Carol & Clive Davies (Silver Season Sponsor), Deviants from the Norm (Silver Season Sponsor), The Lematta Foundation (Bronze Season Sponsor), and Laura Benz (Bronze Season Sponsor).
2021 Summer Festival: | 20 the journey back ALONG THE WAY The Program
*She Cries, Songs for a New World (Jason Robert Brown)
I. A DREAM
*Go the Distance, from Hercules (Alan Menken) *Blue Skies (Irving Berlin)
II. NEW LOVE
*Night and Day (Cole Porter) Almost Like Being In Love (Frederick Loewe) *Embraceable You (George Gershwin)
III. BEGINNING OF THE END
*I’d Rather Be Sailing, from A New Brain (William Finn) Written In The Stars, from Aida (Elton John) *Flight (Craig Carnelia)
IV. ISOLATION
*No One Is Alone, from Into the Woods (Stephen Sondheim) *Not A Day Goes By, from Merrily We Roll Along (Stephen Sondheim) I’d Give It All For You, from Songs for a New World (Jason Robert Brown)
V. SIMPLE JOYS
*Bring Him Home, from Les Misérables (C.M. Schoenberg) Special Announcement *My Favorite Things (Richard Rodgers)
*From the album, Along the Way. FULL ALBUM
2021 Summer Festival: | 21 the journey back RISE UP!
SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2021 | 4PM | KAHILU THEATRE
Nyla Watson Ana Flavia Zuim VOCALS PIANO
This evening’s performance is sponsored by Paul & Charlene Dahlquist, Duncan Dempster, and Kahilu Theatre.
The 2021 Summer Festival is sponsored by: Margareta & Staffan Encrantz (Gold Season Sponsor), Carol & Clive Davies (Silver Season Sponsor), Deviants from the Norm (Silver Season Sponsor), The Lematta Foundation (Bronze Season Sponsor), and Laura Benz (Bronze Season Sponsor).
2021 Summer Festival: | 22 the journey back RISE UP! The Program
Precious Lord (Mahalia Jackson) Anything Goes, from Anything Goes (Cole Porter) Burn, from Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda) By The Sea, from Sweeney Todd (Stephen Sondheim) Don’t Rain on My Parade, from Funny Girl (Jule Styne) Strange Fruit (Billie Holiday) Everything’s Coming Up Roses, from Gypsy (Jule Styne) June Is Bustin’ Out All Over, from Carousel (Richard Rodgers) Being Alive, from Company (Stephen Sondheim) Born to Boogie, from Billy Elliot (Elton John) I’m Here, from The Color Purple (Marsha Norman) Wizard and I, from Wicked (Stephen Schwartz)
2021 Summer Festival: | 23 the journey back FACULTY
Paulina Villarreal, Vocal Faculty Mexican mezzo-soprano Paulina Villarreal is an active recitalist, cabaret, operatic, and musical theater singer around the United States and Mexico. She was recently named one of the Top Prize winners at the prestigious international Lotte Lenya Competition in New York, and at the Comic Opera Guild Competition in Michigan. Ms. Villarreal, a graduate of the Cincinnati College- Conservatory of Music, has been a soloist and invited artist in important companies and orchestras around the United States like Opera Saratoga, Cincinnati Opera, Opera Fusion: New Works, the prestigious Tanglewood Music Center, the Boston Pops, the Princeton Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, Appalachian Symphony Orchestra and the Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra. In the entrepreneurship world, Ms. Villarreal is the founder and artistic director of the annual concert series Cantos para Hermanar al Mundo (Songs to Unite the World) devoted to the promotion of classical vocal genres hosted in Torreon, Mexico. She currently currently serves as the Chair of vocal studies, and Opera director at the Hurley School of Music/Centenary College of Louisiana.
15
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22 Administration
Justin John Moniz*, Executive Director Featured Artist, Along the Way
Dr. Justin John Moniz is recognized as one of the preeminent voice teachers of classical, commercial, and musical theatre voice in the United States. He currently serves as Associate Director of Vocal Pedagogy and Music Assistant Professor of Vocal Performance at New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School where he leads the graduate vocal pedagogy program, teaches courses in pedagogical theory and practice, applied voice, and directs the NYU Pop/Rock Ensemble. Prior to joining the NYU faculty, Dr. Moniz served as Chair of Vocal Studies at Millikin University and Visiting Instructor at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Under his leadership as Executive Director of HPAF, the festival has earned international acclaim and multiple awards for his productions of The Mikado and Sweeney Todd. This season, HPAF is a four-time finalist in The 2021 American Prize Competitions in Opera Performance, Musical Theatre Performance, Arts Education, and Arts Marketing (competition ongoing). A three-time winner of The American Prize in Vocal Performance, Moniz’s “superb high tenor” (South Florida Classical Review) and “commanding stage presence” (TalkinBroadway.com) has been thrilling audiences in opera houses, theaters, and concert halls across the nation, having sung over 90 roles to date with companies including Opera Grand Rapids, Utah Festival Opera & Musical Theatre, Sarasota Opera, and Florida Grand Opera. A two- time HPAF alumnus, Moniz holds the D.M. in Voice Performance from Florida State University, a M.M. in Vocal Performance from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the Crane School of Music, and a B.A. in Speech Communication and Rhetoric from SUNY Potsdam. In addition, he earned the Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership from Duke University and the HBX Certificate in Sustainable Business Strategy from Harvard Business School. Dr. Moniz has received young alumni awards from all three of his alma maters, having most recently been named one of Florida State University’s Notable Noles and University of Miami’s 30 Under 30. In addition, he was awarded SUNY Potsdam’s Rising Star Award. He is a proud member of the American Guild of Musical Artists, Actors’ Equity Association, National Association for Teachers of Singing, and the National Opera Association. More information: www.justinjohnmoniz.com
* denotes HPAF Alumni
2021 Summer Festival: | 25 the journey back Administration
Val Underwood, Artistic Director Music Director/Featured Artist, Stars of Tomorrow Featured Artist, Songs of Hope
Val Underwood is Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival. He is distinctive for his equal skill as a pianist (the LA Times described his playing as“exquisite”) and as a voice teacher. He has trained a number of successful concert pianists, as well as singers who appear with numerous companies world-wide.He has collaborated with principle players of the New York and Los Angeles Philharmonics and with such artists as Mitchell Lurie, Eudice Shapiro, Glenn Dicterow, Ofra Harnoy, Gary Gray, Jeannine Altmeyer, Jennifer McGregor, Ricky Ian Gordon, Juliana Gondek, Yehuda and Kimaree Gilad and Iggy Jang. His film and television performances include the award winning documentary F. Chopin and the Masterpiece production of Willa Cather’s The Song of the Lark. His teaching career has taken him regularly to Los Angeles, New York and London and he guest lectures and conducts Masterclasses at schools throughout the country. He studied piano with Rita Hutcherson, Reginald Stewart, and at Manhattan School of Music with Dora Zaslavsky. He worked for many years with Arminda Canteros (student of Vincenzo Scaramuzza) and is considered one of the direct links to the Scaramuzza school of piano. He trained in voice with Ernest St. John (Jack) Metz and Martial Singher and accompanied in the studios of some of the great singers/teachers of the century: Lotte Lehmann, George London, Rose Bampton and Martial Singher. After directing programs in The Strawberry Creek Festival and The Adriatic Chamber Music Festival, he co-founded Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival in 2004 with his close friend Genette Freeman. Since then, Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival has become a leading summer study and performance program, has impacted the musical education of hundreds of young musicians and annually brings esteemed professional performers to audiences in the pristine setting of the Big Island of Hawaii. He is honored that a number of his colleagues and former students have become esteemed faculty members and staff of Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival.
2021 Summer Festival: | 26 the journey back Administration
Scott Skiba, Assistant Artistic Director
Award-winning Stage Director Scott Skiba has led more than 70 new productions, earning recognition for his imaginative stage direction and dynamic physical approach to storytelling that is “masterful… ingenious…first-rate...vivid and emotionally charged.” Scott serves as Executive Artistic Director of Cleveland Opera Theater where his recent production of La Traviata was named “the best professional opera production Cleveland has seen in years,” and is the Production Director for Opera Western Reserve. Scott has made multiple company debuts in recent years including Indianapolis Opera, Pensacola Opera, Opera Tampa, Toledo Opera, Natchez Festival of Music, Opera Grand Rapids, and Mobile Opera. A proponent of new opera, Scott launched {NOW} Fest, Cleveland Opera Theater’s annual festival to create, develop, and produce new opera, and he serves on the Chamber Opera Composition Committee for the National Opera Association. A pioneer in exploring contemporary approaches to producing opera, Scott’s work includes directing and producing interdisciplinary collaborations in alternative and site-specific venues to promote civic engagement and gateways to develop new audiences. An advocate of arts education, Scott serves as Director of Opera Studies for Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, Assistant Artistic Director for Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival, and Movement / Acting Instructor for Music Across The Pond. He is a frequent master class and workshop teacher throughout the United States and in Europe. Previous appointments include: Executive Director, Oberlin in Italy; Instructor of Voice and Opera Theater, Interlochen Arts Academy; and Associate Instructor of Voice, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Scott devised and directed the following projects to continue collaboration amidst the impact of COVID-19: “Opera ON DEMAND” for the Curtis Institute of Music, incorporating green screen, video, and audio technology and remote collaboration; “A Taste of Traviata” a cinematic on-site production adaptation of La Traviata for Opera Western Reserve; and the “Operas in Place” project in collaboration with Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, Cleveland Opera Theater, and On Site Opera in NYC working with world-renowned composers and librettists set to premiere in a virtual festival in August, 2021. Upcoming engagements include Don Giovanni with Indianapolis Opera, and the World-premiere production of La Casa de Bernarda Alba in Feb. 2022. More info: www.ScottSkiba.com
2021 Summer Festival: | 27 the journey back Administration
Rachel E. Copeland, General Manager Featured Artist, Songs of Hope
Rachel E. Copeland continues to receive acclaim as a “revelation with her coloratura soprano leaping easily to impossible heights!” She is a sought after artist combining her crystalline voice with her compelling and energetic stage presence. Ms. Copeland recently debuted at Avery Fisher Hall as the soprano soloist in Mozart’s Coronation Mass to rave reviews as well as performances with the Brussels Chamber Orchestra in a concert of arias and duets. Other career highlights include the Contessa in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro with Cleveland Opera Theater, Frasquita in Bizet’s Carmen with San Diego Opera, Micaela in Peter Brook’s Le tragédie de Carmen with Indianapolis Opera, and Woglinde in Wagner’s Das Rheingold and first nymph in Dvorak’s Rusalka with North Carolina Opera. She returned to Apollo’s Fire, the Cleveland Baroque Orchestra in 2013 to great acclaim as the Queen of the Night in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, including a national broadcast and her debut at Severance Hall, the prestigious home to the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. Other considerable performances include Ms. Copeland’s appearances as Zdenka in Strauss’s Arabella, Musetta and Mimì in La bohème, Lauretta in Puccini’s beloved Gianni Schicchi, Lucia in Donizett’s Lucia di Lammermoor, Juliette in Gounod’s Romèo et Juliette, Adele in J. Strauss’ Die Fledermaus, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and Papagena in The Magic Flute. Internationally, Ms. Copeland has performed the roles of Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Adina in Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. Dr. Copeland is frequently sought after as a master class technician both nationally and abroad and has been on the faculty of the Cornish American Song Institute in Falmouth, England since 2016. During the summers of 2011 and 2012, Dr. Copeland was a faculty member of Musica nelle Marche in Urbania, Italy. Administratively, Dr. Copeland serves as General Manager for the Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival and has previously served in the positions of Program Director and Operations Manager for Oberlin in Italy in Arezzo, Italy. She also serves as Assistant Professor of Voice at Penn State School of Music. Dr. Copeland holds the Doctor of Music degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in Music History from Indiana University; the Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from Baylor University; and the Bachelor of Music Education degree in Choral Conducting from Baylor University.
2021 Summer Festival: | 28 the journey back Administration
Shayna Leahy, Artistic Administrator
Shayna Leahy currently serves as the Artistic Administrator for HPAF after spending two summers as the Director of Production. She most recently was the stage director for Wichita Grand Opera’s 2019 production of Carmen, having previously directed productions of Madama Butterfly, Turandot, Otello, Il Trovatore, and Aida for them. She made her directing debut with New York City Opera in September 2018, with a production of Il Barbiere di Siviglia in Bryant Park. Her productions are hailed as being “deeply felt, and deeply moving” with emphasis on “fine acting as well as strong singing” (Wichita Eagle). Her work has been featured on Kansas Public TV. She has also served as Assistant Director of Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance Program in New York, was faculty for the Opera Academy of the Midwest, and is currently the Director of Vocal Studies at Highland Community College, where she has led a nationally-recognized opera education initiative in collaboration with Wichita Grand Opera. Her productions at HCC have been Region V finalists in KCACTF, and she received the Region V KCACTF Outstanding Music Director award for her work on Rent. In addition, she has coached and music directed multiple students who have received national KCACTF awards for Distinguished Performance in a Musical.
Irma Singer, Director of Finance
Irma Singer is a native of California, originally hailing from Culver City in Los Angeles County, where she began her career as a bookkeeper working for an independent jewelry manufacturer. In 1985, Irma relocated to Santa Barbara, CA, where she continued her bookkeeping occupation working for a developer of AI programming languages. Irma progressed into providing personalized bookkeeping for private individuals, as well as maintaining a full-time position as Accounting Manager at a Four Diamond hotel in Santa Barbara, where she has been employed for the last 27 years. Irma joined the Board of Directors of Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival as a Treasurer. She continues to provide support to HPAF as it begins its 17th season.
2021 Summer Festival: | 29 the journey back Guest Artists
Beth Dunnington, Stage Director, Stars of Tomorrow
Beth Dunnington (AEA/SAG/AFTRA) is a performer/ director from NYC. She and her family relocated to the Big Island in 2007. Beth is a stage director and acting teacher for HPAF and she served as the director of the HPAF Preteen Singers program for six seasons. She directed HPAF’s productions of The Last Five Years, Big Island Broadway, and Company, and a number of the Young Artist and Cabaret concerts. Beth played the role of Madame Armfeldt in HPAF’s A Little Night Music and The Witch in HPAF’s Into The Woods. She’s the acting/musical theater teacher for the Kahilu Theatre and the director of the Kahilu Youth Troupe. She directed the Kahilu productions of Spelling Bee, Godspell, Grease, 13-The Musical, Spring Awakening, West Side Story, and the “Broadway in Hawaii” concert series. Beth starred in Que Sueñes Con Las Angelitas, which toured the Hawaiian Islands and then went on to Jazz at Lincoln Center. A few favorite roles include Papagena in Broadway director Tom O’Horgan’s The Magic Flute at Connecticut Grand Opera and Susan B. Anthony in The Mother of us All in Boston, directed by Anthony Tommasini. In August, Beth will play the role of Miss Trunchbull in the Kahilu’s production of Matilda The Musical. Both of her children, Marena and Sean, are alums of HPAF.
Phil Kadet, Featured Artist, Along the Way
Phil Kadet is a multi-talented musician based in New York City. He is an entertainer, composer, arranger, music director, producer, conductor, and accompanist, working in many diverse genres of music, from jazz to opera. Since 2013, he has been a collaborative pianist and guest artist with the Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival, and also locally with the Kahilu Theatre, recently music directing 2019’s production of West Side Story. He is a member of rock group Escaper, whose new album, Apotheosis, comes out June 19. He is a staff accompanist at NYU Steinhardt.
2021 Summer Festival: | 30 the journey back Guest Artists
Nyla Watson*, Featured Artist, Rise Up!
Giving all glory to God, Nyla Watson is so excited and thankful to be making her HPAF debut! Watson is a dedicated performer in the New York City community and a recent graduate of New York University (NYU) Steinhardt’s Music Theater Voice graduate program. She is also a proud graduate of Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music (BW). Notable performances include Showboat: Live at Lincoln Center with Norm Lewis, Vanessa Williams, and Fred Willard, Gigantic the Musical with Leslie Kritzer, Bonnie Mulligan and Ryan Redmond (where she actually played a character named Vanessa Williams), the touring companies of Wicked and The Color Purple (revival), Mama Rose in Gypsy at NYU, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes at NYU, and the regional premiere of Murder Ballad with BW. She attributes her success to her faith, her parents, her education and her professional and personal influences. Special thanks to HPAF Executive Director, Justin John Moniz, for this extraordinary opportunity. Acts 4:7-12
Ana Flavia Zuim, Featured Artist, Rise Up!
Ana Flavia is an award-winning musical director and an accomplished conductor, pianist, singing health specialist, and electric bassist. She currently serves as Director of Vocal Performance and Music Assistant Professor of Vocal Performance at New York University’s Steinhardt School. A native of Brazil, she moved to the USA in 2003 after completing her bachelor’s in music at State University of Londrina (UEL). She now holds a master’s in piano performance (Lynn University, 2006), a doctorate - Ph.D. in Fine and Performing Arts (Florida Atlantic University, 2012) - and a Vocology certification (University of Utah, 2015). Among her credits are the Broadway musical Hamilton (Rehearsal Pianist), the Broadway Across America tours of Billy Elliot (Associate Conductor/Vocal Coach), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Keys), Matilda (Keys), Kinky Boots (Keys), The Wizard of Oz (Keys), Annie (Keys), and The Sound of Music (Keys). She has also music directed Billy Elliot at The Ogunquit Playhouse (2014), for which she received an IRNE Award for best musical direction in 2015, and at the Maltz Jupiter Theater (2015), for which she was nominated for a Carbonell Award (2016).
* denotes HPAF Alumni
2021 Summer Festival: | 31 the journey back 11 Stars Of Tomorrow Cast
Becca Barrett*
Becca Barrett is a multidisciplinary theatre artist with a passion for the human voice. Recent credits include Mel (Ha’a Ha’a, Creative Lab Hawaii), Dawn (The King of Maricopa County, Playwright’s Arena), and Evelyn Nesbit (Ragtime, Village Light Opera Group). She is a producer and co-host of the internet radio show Flop! Hit Songs From Musical Misfires, as well as an adjunct professor of theatre at Wagner College. Raised in Kamuela, Becca was a student of HPAF from 2010-2015 and is proud to be an original member of Kahilu’s Youth Troupe. She has a BA in Theatre Performance from Wagner College and an MA in Musical Theatre from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She will be returning to the UK in the fall to earn her MFA in Voice Studies from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. www.becca-barrett.com
Stacee Firestone*
Stacee Firestone has been studying opera hoping to inspire everyone who listens. Her dedication to the craft has resulted in the attendance of the Curtis and Baldwin Wallace summer programs and numerous seasons at Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival. She was awarded 3rd place in the 2019 Vocal Artists Management Young Vocalists Competition and has placed in the finals of other national competitions. She has studied for 5 years with Val Underwood. Other teachers have included Jennifer McGregor and Jeannine Altmeyer. She currently attends San Francisco Conservatory of Music on scholarship where she studies with Susanne Mentzer. She is happy to be back in Hawaii for the summer performing live for Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival.
* denotes HPAF Alumni
2021 Summer Festival: | 33 the journey back Stars Of Tomorrow Cast
Eric Gee*
Eric Gee has been doing musical theatre since he was 3 years old. He was born in Waimea and is currently a freshman at Kealakehe High School. Some of his past musical theatre experience is 13 The Musical, West Side Story, South Pacific, Best of Broadway, and Kahilu Gold concerts. He enjoys doing activities such as Chinese Lion Dance, Gaming, and Student Government. He trains personally with Beth Dunnington and Val Underwood. He would like to thank his family for always supporting him and being his biggest fans.
Daniel Gregg*
Daniel is a founding member of the Kahilu Youth troupe, and has performed many shows locally off and on throughout the past twelve years. Recent pre-Covid performances at the Kahilu you may remember are Action from West Side Story and Moritz from Spring Awakening. Throughout many of the performances, Daniel has had the mentorship of Val Underwood and other members of HPAF. He’s glad to be here performing for you today, especially in person!
* denotes HPAF Alumni
2021 Summer Festival: | 34 the journey back Stars Of Tomorrow Cast
Noelani Loughery-Kawaihoa*
Noelani is an accomplished dancer, performer, singer and student at Parker School, Hawaii. Her vocal training includes the Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival Young Singers Program and vocal coach Val Underwood. Noelani is a member of the Kahilu Youth Troupe at Kahilu Theatre, worked as a Production Assistant in West Side Story and studies acting with Beth Dunnington. Community theatre performances include the Aloha Performing Arts Company at Aloha Theatre in the productions A KidSummer Night’s Dream, Christmas on Broadway, The Miracle Worker and Once On This Island. Her dance credits include Break the Floor Production’s Jump Tour, 24/7 Tour and the Nuvo Dance Competition in Orlando, where she won a High Silver medal for her solo. Her dance training includes the SLIDE tap intensives where she performed at the Terrace Theatre Long Beach Convention Center and NYC’s Broadway Dance Center. At home in Hawaii, she has danced with the Hawaii Dance Project, Dancing Tree Studio, West Hawaii Dance Academy, Prince Dance Institute and was a student of Hula for many years with H‘lau Kala’akeakauikawekiu. Noelani enjoys traveling, cooking, painting, playing ukulele and sunsets at the beach.
Benito Mercia*
Benito Mercia is a 17 year old aspiring singer, actor, and performer here to expand his knowledge in the arts. He has been a part of the theatre and performing community since he was 12 years old, and has always loved what he performed and learned over the years! This is his 4th year in a row doing HPAF, and he is happy to be here even if things are not the same as they used ro be! He was born in Hawai’i and lives in Kea’au. He recently graduated from Kea’au High School in May of 2021, and is ecstatic to start his new journey as a young adult! He has studied voice with Val Underwood and acting with Beth Dunnigton. He plans to continue work on developing his talents at the college level.
* denotes HPAF Alumni
2021 Summer Festival: | 35 the journey back Stars Of Tomorrow Cast
Pantanjali Raul*
Patanjali Raul is 16 years old and currently attends Hawaii Preparatory Academy and will be a Senior in the fall. Patanjali is part of the Kaihilu Theatre’s Youth Troupe, led by Beth Dunnington, who also directed him in West Side Story as a Shark. When he was a Freshman, Patanjali had the role of the Jack of Spades in Alice, A Wonderland Musical, an original. Since the age of 9, Patanjali danced with Lava Roots Performing Arts for 5 years, and Prince Dance Institute for 3 years. Recently, he was the teacher assistant for Mana Ho’pai, the hip hop and breakdance teacher for PDI. With Lava Roots Performing Arts, Patanjali had a lead role in a community show called Mystique Du Plastique at the Kohala Hub.
Grace Todd*
Grace Todd, 17, lives on the Big Island of Hawaii. She was in Kahilu Theater’s productions of Grease (2016), 13 (2017), Best of Broadway (2018), Spring Awakening (2018), South Pacific (2018), and West Side Story (2019). She was also in the Hawai‘i Performing Arts Festival’s Preteen Singer Program from 2014 through 2016 and the Young Singer Program in both 2017 and 2018. She trains under Val Underwood and Beth Dunnington. Grace is beyond grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a supportive cast!
* denotes HPAF Alumni
2021 Summer Festival: | 36 the journey back ADMINISTRATION
Irma Singer, Director of Finance
Irma Singer is a native Californian, originally hailing from Culver City in Los Angeles County, where she began her career as a bookkeeper working for an independent jewelry manufacturer. In 1985, Irma relocated to Santa Barbara, CA where she continued her bookkeeping occupation working for a developer of AI programming languages. Irma progressed into providing personalized bookkeeping for private individuals, as well as maintaining a full-time position as Accounting Manager at a Four Diamond hotel in Santa Barbara where she has been employed for the last 27 years. In 2005, Irma joined the Board of Directors of Hawaii Performing Arts Festival as Treasurer. She continues to provide support to HPAF as it begins its 15th season.
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