GianniGiacomo Puccini, Schicchi composer -and- Buoso’s Ghost Michael Ching, composer
Saturday, February 29 at 7:30 pm Sunday, March 1 at 2:30 pm at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Message from Wayne S. Brown Message from William Wood
We are delighted to return to the Macomb Center Being a leader in the arts for southeast Michigan, the for the Performing Arts for our productions of Gianni Macomb Center for the Performing Arts is committed Schicchi and Buoso’s Ghost. This performance builds to providing meaningful arts experiences that entertain, upon a six-year partnership, following productions of educate, enrich our lives and enhance our community. Frida, The Tender Land, Little Women, 27 and Candide. Today we share our stage with Michigan Opera Theatre Community is at the foundation of our goals at (MOT) because they share our commitment. We are Michigan Opera Theatre. While we are proud of our proud to partner with one of the region’s premier opera elegant Detroit Opera House, it is also important for companies on these performances. us to bring opera to venues outside of our theater This year we are thrilled to present Gianni Schicchi and Buoso’s Ghost. and to reach audiences across the region. Opera is an These fantastic works include “O mio babbino caro,” one of Puccini’s best incredible art form, and making it more easily accessible to those who wish to known and one of opera’s most beloved arias. These promise to be truly experience it is important to us. marvelous performances. This special double bill is representative of MOT’s artistic goals: presenting Our collaborations with community partners like MOT are vital to insuring beloved classics as well as exciting new works. Giacomo Puccini’s Gianni a strong and dynamic cultural community in this region. They insure that Schicchi, written in 1918, is the composer’s only comedy and is famous for its Macomb Community College is able to offer cultural and artistic diversity beautiful aria “O mio babbino caro.” Michael Ching’s Buoso’s Ghost, written in that is crucial for a vibrant community. It also allows us to bring world class 1996, is a sequel to the story, with beautiful odes to the original music as well performers and performances to the people of Macomb County. as a continuation of the comedic twists so well-loved in the first performance. We appreciate you joining us for the production and for your support of the We are thrilled to have the composer join us this weekend to experience our Macomb Center and Macomb Community College. production of his work. This production features members of our MOT Studio Young Artist Program, representing some of the best up-and-coming talent in the industry. William R. Wood Our resident baritone Darren Drone and tenor Edward Graves lead as Director of Cultural Affairs and Community Engagement Gianni Schicchi and Rinuccio, respectively, with our resident soprano Avery Macomb Community College Boettcher as Lauretta. We also welcome the return of former MOT Studio Artists Joseph Michael Brent as Gherardo and Harry Greenleaf as Marco. The MOT Studio was launched in 2015 with a major grant from the William Davidson Foundation, which has been generous in its continued support for MOT. We are grateful for our long-term partnership with the Davidson Foundation as we continue to bring world-class opera and dance to the COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP region. We also thank Cadillac, our 2020 Spring Opera Sponsor, the Knight Foundation and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for sponsoring this production and for their ongoing support of MOT as well as the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan for their generous support of MOT The Macomb Center for the Performing Arts (MacombCenter.com) is a Community Programs. community enrichment program of Macomb Community College dedicated Following Gianni Schicchi and Buoso’s Ghost, our 2019-20 opera series to providing a diverse range of cultural enrichment experiences, and to continues with Champion (March 28 – April 5) and Pagliacci (May 9-17). We inspire and encourage artistic expression through education, performance hope you will join us for future performances at our historic Detroit Opera and volunteer opportunities. Hosting more than 100,000 visitors annually, House. the Macomb Center presents high-quality professional performances, offers educational outreach in the arts, provides a performance venue for community-based arts organizations, and, in partnership with the adjacent Wayne S. Brown Lorenzo Cultural Center, creates unique opportunities for multifaceted President and CEO of Michigan Opera Theatre cultural programming.
2 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 3 BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2019-2020 Contents July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Kenn and Liz Allen Kenneth and Stephan and Mary Anne Stella 2-3 Robert and Frances Eisenberg Marian Loginsky Ronald F. Switzer and Welcome Margaret Allesee Marianne Endicott Mary Alice Lomason Jim F. McClure Sarah Allison Alex Erdeljan Alphonse S. Lucarelli Lorna Thomas Pernilla Ammann Fern R. Espino and Denise Lutz C. Thomas and 4-5 Lourdes V. Andaya Thomas Short Donald Manvel Bernie Toppin BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019-2020 Harold Mitchell Paul and Mary Sue Florine Mark James G. Vella Boards of Directors July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020 Arrington Ewing Ronald and Jesse and and Trustees Beverly Avadenka Margo Cohen Zvezdana Martella Yesenia Venegas Lee and Floy Barthel Feinberg and Robert Jack Martin and Marilyn Victor Ethan Davidson Mark and Caprice Feinberg Bettye Arrington- Bradley Wakefield and CHAIR Baun Oscar and Dede Martin Meghann Rutherford 6 Debra Bernstein- Feldman Dexter Mason R. Jamison and Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Joanne Danto Siegel Carl and Benjamin Meeker and Karen Williams VICE-CHAIR Joseph and Barbra Mary Ann Fontana Meredith Korneffel Joan Young and Elaine Fontana Peter Oleksiak Bloch Phillip D. and Dawn Thomas L. Barbara Frankel and Minch Schellenberg 7 VICE-CHAIR Gene P. Bowen Ron Michalak Ali Moiin and Mary Lou Zieve A Sequel 78 Years in the Making: Betty J. Bright Ankur Rungta Richard and Herman and William Kupsky Ellen Hill Zeringue A Q&A with Buoso’s Ghost VICE-CHAIR Joanne Brodie Sharon Frankel Donald and Dean and Aviva Composer Michael Ching Elizabeth Brooks Antoinette Morelock TRUSTEES EMERITI Wayne S. Brown Robert Brown and Friedman E. Michael and Marcia Applebaum PRESIDENT/CEO Geraldine Ford- Barbara Garavaglia Dolores Mutchler Agustin Arbulu Brown Yousif and Mara Allan and Joy Preston and Mary 8-12 Gene P. Bowen Wayne S. Brown Ghafari Nachman Happel Gianni Schicchi SECRETARY and Brenda Kee Richard and Aurora Juliette Okotie-Eboh Pat Hartmann Goetz Peter Oleksiak and Buoso’s Ghost Enrico Digirolamo Charles D. Bullock Robert and Wally Michael and Mary Carolyn Gordon Linda Orlans Klein TREASURER Chirco Samuel and Richard and William and Toby Haberman R. Jamison Williams James and Elizabeth Debra Partrich Marjorie Sandy Alice Berberian 12-19 IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Ciroli Spencer and Roberta Starkweather Artist Profiles Gloria Clark Haidostian Myrna Partrich Amelia H. Wilhelm Avern and Lois Cohn John and Kristan Hale Daniel and Margaret Allesee John P. Hale Thomas Cohn Eugene and Margaret Pehrson FOUNDING Pernilla Ammann Devon Hoover Donna Hartwig 20 Françoise Colpron Sara Pozzi MEMBERS Lee Barthel Danialle Karmanos William and Kelly Doreen Hermelin Waltraud Prechter Lynn† and Ruth† MOT Orchestra Richard A. Brodie Barbara Kratchman Connell Derek and Karen Paul and Amy Ragheb Townsend Elizabeth Brooks Thomas M. Krikorian Peter and Shelly Hodgson John and Terry Avern and Joyce† Robert Brown Alphonse S. Lucarelli Cooper Devon Hoover Rakolta Cohn Joanne Danto Alan and Eleanor Ruth F. Rattner John and Mardell De 21 James Ciroli Donald Manvel Israel Françoise Colpron Ali Moiin and Arnold Roy and Maureen Carlo Education & Community Weingarden Una Jackman Roberts † Julia Donovan Darlow Donald Morelock David and Karen V. Programs Helen Daoud Don Jensen Patricia H. Rodzik DiChiera Kevin Dennis Sara Pozzi Julia D. Darlow and and Leo Dovelle David and Aaron† and Bernice† Shauna Ryder Diggs Paul Ragheb John C. O’Meara Kent and Amy Jidov Jacqueline Roessler Gershenson 22 Sonal Dubey Ruth Rattner Jerry and Gary and Gwenn Audrey Rose Donald† and Cameron Duncan Terry Shea Maureen D’Avanzo Johnson Anthony and Josephine Graves† Administration and Staff Michael Einheuser Matthew Simoncini Lawrence and George Johnson Sabrina Rugiero John and Gwendolyn† Marianne Endicott Richard Sonenklar Dodie David Jill Johnson Ankur Rungta and Griffin † † Paul E. Ewing Lorna Thomas Ethan and Ellen Kahn Mayssoun Bydon Harry and Jennie Gretchen Davidson Peter and Jones Barbara Frankel C. Thomas Toppin Hershel and Kevin Dennis and Danialle Karmanos Dorothy Sandberg Wade† and Dores † Herman Frankel Jesse Venegas Jeremy Zeltzer Stephanie Germack Donald and Kim McCree Michigan Opera Theatre Dean Friedman Ellen Hill Zeringue Cristina DiChiera Kerzic Schmidt Harry J. Nederlander† 1526 Broadway Richard G. Goetz Karen V. DiChiera Michael and Mark and Lois E. Harwood Rydholm† Lisa DiChiera Barbara Kratchman Shaevsky Neil and Phyllis Snow Detroit, MI 48226 DIRECTORS EMERITUS Shauna Ryder Diggs Thomas and Arlene Shaler Richard† and Beatrice† Box Office: 313.237.7464 Shelly Cooper Enrico and Deborah Krikorian Terry Shea Strichartz Melvin A. Lester † † Marjorie M. Fisher Kathleen Digirolamo Matthew and Robert and Clara Administration: 313.961.3500 Debbie Dingell Linda Dresner Levy Mona Simoncini “Tuttie” VanderKloot michiganopera.org Jennifer Nasser Mary Jane Doerr and Edward Levy Sheila Sloan Sam† and Barbara† Audrey Rose Dilip and Sonal Dubey Mado Lie Phyllis F. Snow Williams William Sandy Cameron B. Duncan Arthur and Nancy Richard A. Sonenklar Theodore† and Liebler † Richard Webb Michael Einheuser and Gregory Haynes Virginia Yntema
4 MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 5 2019-20 Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artists A Sequel 78 Years in the Making Darren Lekeith Drone – baritone A Q&A with Buoso’s Ghost Composer Michael Ching Edward Graves – tenor Avery Boettcher – soprano By Erica Hobbs Katherine DeYoung – mezzo- soprano What drew you to the story of Gianni What challenges did you face in Allen Michael Jones - bass Schicchi? creating a sequel to a work written 100 There are a lot of operas that are called years ago? comic operas, but only a few of them I had to do a certain amount of research are actually “LOL” funny, Schicchi is one on the governmental structure of the of them. Things like greed and a father’s Italian medieval city state. Think of the love for his daughter are themes that Wild West, “Call the sheriff! Get the judge Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Overview have aged well. over here!” The five resident artists of the Michigan Supported by a major grant from What motivated you to create the What do you hope people will take Opera Theatre Studio represent some the William Davidson Foundation, sequel? away from Buoso’s Ghost? of the most exciting emerging talent in the program serves as a central I ran Opera Memphis from 1992-2010. Contemporary opera can be fun and isn’t opera today. component of MOT’s enhanced We wanted to do Schicchi but were just a ball of angst. We creative artists Coming to Detroit from all presence in the community through concerned about the cost of doing in opera sometimes take ourselves too different areas of the country, these productions in the Detroit Opera Schicchi with Suor seriously! Buoso is not heilige kunst, it’s early career opera professionals gain House, community venues, recitals Angelica or Tabarro, just fun. I mean, why let the musical valuable experience through myriad and special events. MOT’s community so we thought about theater folks have all the fun? performance opportunities in main initiative productions are now doing a sequel. It takes stage and community productions selected and mounted specifically place on one set, so Are there other operas that you think and hone their skills through master for the Studio Program. In addition that answer was pretty lend themselves to a sequel? classes and training with world- to this season’s production of Gianni practical. I’ve always wondered how the Germont class professionals, guest artists and Schicchi and Buoso’s Ghost, Studio Another part of the answer is a bit family sorts itself out after Violetta’s coaches. Artists filled lead and featured roles more fun. I think those of us in opera death. Throughout their residency, in Leonard Bernstein’s Candide last always wonder what happens to some of Studio Artists receive advanced season, Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27 in 2018, our favorite characters afterwards. The Do you plan to create additional opera individual training from MOT’s Mark Adamo’s Little Women in 2017 Germont family in La Traviata, the young sequels in the future? Director of Resident Artist Programs, and The Tender Land in 2016. Through lovers in Così fan tutte, Cio-Cio-San’s son As a matter of fact, I’m writing a sequel- renowned American tenor Richard these productions, MOT fulfills its in Madame Butterfly… the list is endless. like piece right now for the Savannah Leech, Principal Coach/Accompanist community initiative to produce a Voice Festival. We are doing a one-act Michael Sherman and MOT’s Assistant full-scale opera annually in venues How do the two compare musically? version of Rossini’s La Cenerentola Music Director Suzanne Mallare Acton. throughout Metro Detroit. Schicchi is the more difficult and not just followed by my opera. The plot is being because of the Italian. The orchestration co-written by some middle school is much more challenging, and the students at a public school in Savannah. string writing can be hard. Buoso uses They want critters and for the sisters-- RICHARD LEECH anachronism a lot for comic effect, so Angelina, Clorinda, and Tisbe--to make Director of Resident Artist Programs there are a lot of musical quotations up to each other at the end. merican tenor Richard Leech is one of the most celebrated and not just Puccini, a gold star to the Atenors of his generation. From the Met to Vienna, and audience members who recognize Is there anything else you’d like to Carnegie Hall to the Hollywood Bowl, for more than three “Suicidio” from La Gioconda. There are add? decades he has made his home on the stages of the world’s great also lots of American music stylistic I’m grateful to Michigan Opera Theatre opera houses and symphonies. In addition to singing, he is also a references: Gospel, the old west and for doing Buoso. I’ve written an opera professor of voice and opera with Rutgers University. His leadership role with the Sondheim to name a few. called Speed Dating Tonight! (2013) that’s MOT Studio allows Mr. Leech to utilize all aspects of his broad experience as he gotten over 80 productions, but mostly at universities and smaller companies, so oversees the development of some of opera’s most exciting emerging artists and for MOT to be doing Buoso is a real treat brings their performances to our stage and into our community. for me. 6 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 7 February 28 & March 1, 2020
Gianni Schicchi and Buoso’s Ghost
CONDUCTOR DIRECTOR David Aronson Richard Gammon
SET DESIGN COSTUME LIGHTING DESIGN WIG AND Laura Fine Hawkes DESIGN Reza Behjat MAKEUP DESIGN Gianni Schicchi Susan Memmott Allred Joanne Weaver A comic opera in one act REPETITEUR STAGE MANAGER Music by Giacomo Puccini Michael Sherman Ken Saltzman Libretto by Giovacchino Forzano CAST Based on a story in Dante’s Divine Comedy (In order of vocal appearance) Part of Puccini’s The Triptych Zita: Diane Schoff Premiered 1918, New York Simone: Frank Pitts Rinuccio: Edward Graves* La Ciesca: Olivia Johnson Buoso’s Ghost Marco: Harry Greenleaf Comic opera in one act Nella: Nicole Joseph Music and libretto by Michael Ching Gherardo: Joseph Michael Brent A sequel to Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi Betto: Jesús Vicente Murillo Premiered 1996, Pittsburgh Gherardino: Cooper Bush These productions performed at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts Gianni Schicchi: Darren Drone* Featuring the MOT Studio Artists Lauretta: Avery Boettcher* Spinelloccio: Fred Buchalter Gianni Schicchi sung in Italian with English titles, run time about an hour Amantio: David Moan Buoso’s Ghost sung in English, run time about 40 minutes Pinellino, Friar: Adrian Leskiw
MOT 2020 SPRING SEASON Guccio: Fred Buchalter IS SUPPORTED BY *Michigan Opera Theatre Studio Artist
Sets designed by Laura Fine Hawkes for Utah Opera Company Scenery constructed in the Utah Opera Production Studios This production is supported in part by awards from Rugs for Gianni Schicchi on loan from Costumes designed for Utah Symphony and Opera by Susan Memmott Allred Hagopian World of Rugs, Birmingham,MI
8 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 9 SYNOPSIS own doctoring skills. When the notary and witnesses Schicchi asks the relatives to have departed, the relatives turn on Florence, 1299 and the Medici), “new people” from summon the notary and to tell him Schicchi in a rage and begin to loot the outskirts of the city, are and will Gianni Schicchi that Donati is dying and wants to the place before he chases them out. continue to be the making of Florence make his will. When the notary arrives, Meanwhile, Rinuccio and Lauretta (“Firenze è come un albero fiorito”). the room will be dark, and in the bed enter and tenderly recall how they ealthy Buoso Donati has just Schicchi arrives, Lauretta in tow. died, and his relatives are vying he will see the figure of “Donati,” shared their first kiss. Schicchi returns, W He cynically comments under his complete with cap and chin strap. carrying some of the loot he managed to express the most grief. The weeping breath on how downcast the Donatis and wailing soon give way to alarm, With this clever plan under way, the to grab back from the Donatis. Moved look as Lauretta and Rinuccio whisper relatives get down to the business of at the sight of the happy lovers, he however, as poor relation Betto starts together lovingly. Schicchi, in his best to spread the news that he has heard dividing up Donati’s possessions. The turns to the audience and asks, “Tell undertaker tone, expresses his sorrow cash will be split equally. Simone wants me, ladies and gentlemen, if Donati’s a rumor in town that Donati left his for the family’s great loss. Gherardo considerable wealth to a monastery. the farms at Fucecchio; Zita, those at money could end up better than retorts that the loss is great indeed. Figline; Betto, those at Prato. Gherardo this? For this bit of fun, they stuck Everyone turns to old Simone, Donati’s Schicchi points out that they will cousin, who thinks they might have and his wife, Nella, want the lands at me in hell…and so be it. But with the have the comfort of the inheritance, Empoli; Marco and his wife, La Ciesca, permission of the great father Dante, some hope for inheritance if the will is prompting Zita to bitterly inform him still in that room. those at Quintole. Simone suggests if this evening you’ve been amused, that they have been disinherited. She that they leave the matter of Donati’s grant me extenuating circumstances.” A frantic search begins. At last asks him to take Lauretta and go, as young Rinuccio, Zita’s nephew, most-valued possessions—the house, -Linda Cantoni, Encyclopedia Brittanica she will not have her nephew marry the mule, and the mills at Signa—to triumphantly announces that he has a girl without a dowry. Lauretta and found the will. He then bargains with Schicchi’s discretion. Buoso’s Ghost Rinuccio protest, but neither Schicchi As Schicchi is dressed for the role A sequel to Gianni Schicchi, Buoso’s his aunt Zita, Donati’s cousin, to allow nor Zita will bend until Lauretta pleads him to marry Lauretta, daughter of he is to play, he warns the relatives Ghost begins with the final bars of with her father and threatens to throw that the law in Florence is that Gianni Schicchi. Gianni Schicchi. Zita says he may herself in the Arno if she cannot marry whoever forges a will gets a hand cut s the sequel begins, we see marry anybody he wishes, as long the man she loves (“O mio babbino off and is exiled (“Addio Firenze”). A Lauretta and Rinuccio, arm in as the will leaves them all well off. caro”). A knock announces the arrival of the arm, planning their future. Feeling the Rinuccio sends little Gherardino to The doting Schicchi cannot resist notary and the witnesses. “Donati” proud father, Schicchi looks on. The find Gianni Schicchi and Lauretta. her. He studies the will and a solution greets them gratefully and explains couple go off to buy their wedding Zita solemnly opens the will, while dawns on him. He asks the relatives that he would have written out the will ring. Alone, Schicchi straightens up the Simone tenderly lights candles for if anyone else knows that Donati himself, but he suffers from palsy. He house. He sees some food and wine the deceased. Together they silently is dead. When they tell him no one then revokes all prior wills. The notary that the relatives have brought and read the will, and find to their dismay else knows, he orders Marco and asks about funeral expenses; “Donati” sits down for a snack. But he discovers that the rumor is true: Donati has left Gherardo to remove Donati’s body to wants them to spend no more than that the food and drink have all been everything to the monks of Santa another room and orders the women two florins. He revises his legacy to poisoned by the relations. Reparata. to remake the bed. As they comply, Santa Reparata, giving them only five He is interrupted by a knock at Suddenly it occurs to the relatives uncertain of Schicchi’s intentions, lire and explaining that if he left too the door. Two brothers have come to that there may be a way to get around there is a knock at the door. Maestro much to charity, people would say that collect on Buoso Donati’s will. Schicchi the will. Rinuccio suggests that Gianni Spinelloccio, the doctor, has arrived. it was dirty money. shows them the “revised” document Schicchi can help them. Zita will not The relatives hastily inform him “Donati” now keeps his promises and they leave in shock. Alone, hear of it, but Gherardino, who has that Donati is better. They stop him as to the cash in hand and the various Schicchi imagines the relatives making returned, announces that Schicchi is from coming in, saying that Donati farms and lands. However, when it their plans to poison old Uncle Buoso. on his way. At this point, Simone and is resting. Suddenly a strange voice comes to the mule, the house, and the We hear the relatives approaching. Zita strongly object to a marriage issues from the bed, asking the doctor mills, he leaves them to his dear friend Quickly Schicchi scribbles a note and between a Donati and the daughter to come back later. “I’ve risen from Gianni Schicchi. The horrified relatives, tucks it into Buoso’s nightshirt. They of an upstart like Schicchi. But the dead,” says the imposter, and the bearing in mind the penalty for forgery have come screaming for blood. Just Rinuccio points out that clever men doctor goes away impressed with his like Schicchi (and Arnolfo and Giotto of a will, must stifle their outrage. as they are about to beat Schicchi
10 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 11 senseless, a magistrate arrives to try Buoso has committed suicide. All 1982 Aronson began a nine-year York Theaters, Actors Theatre of the case. are shocked at this horrible sin. The appointment as Kapellmeister of Louisville, the Alabama Shakespeare The relatives immediately assume magistrate is miffed that he can’t the Municipal Theater of Lucerne, Festiva, Long Wharf Theater, an air of mourning. Then they angrily condemn Schicchi and leaves. where he conducted over 40 Geva Theatre Center, PlayMakers accuse Schicchi of murdering Uncle Alone, the relatives realize that operas, operettas and ballets. Repertory Company, the Guthrie Buoso. Schicchi beseeches them for Schicchi has outwitted them again. He was a guest conductor of the Theater and Baltimore Center Stage. mercy. He sneaks up to each one and Jokingly, Betto says that they will Schönbrunner Schlossorchester in He is the recipient of the tells them that he knows that they get the money back in the long Vienna and made his conducting prestigious award of Knight of have poisoned Buoso’s food and run because Rinuccio and Lauretta debut with the Vienna State Opera Illumination for Nina Simone: drink. They are stunned and worried. are getting married. They realize in November, 2000. As a member Four Women in 2019. He was They quickly switch gears. Each they can just kill Schicchi now and of that opera company’s music staff also nominated for the Henry group of relatives offers Schicchi a inherit everything. since 1991, he has also performed Hewes Design Award for Henry bribe if he will blame somebody else, Overhearing this, Schicchi at the keyboard both in Vienna and VI (NAATCO) in 2018 and Hamlet but Schicchi makes no promises. prepares. He hides behind the body on tour in Tokyo, Jerusalem and (WATERWELL) in 2017. The magistrate brings everyone and blows out the candles. He Ravenna. back to order. When Old Simone summons the ghost of Buoso Donati Aronson is also a sought-after Avery Boettcher* (Lauretta) refuses to accuse Schicchi, then the and scares the family from the house. opera coach and has worked with Avery Boettcher is the resident magistrate does it himself. Schicchi In an echo of the end of Gianni many of the world’s leading singers, soprano of the Michigan Opera defends himself, keeping the relatives Schicchi, Schicchi comes downstage including Placido Domingo, Luciano Theatre Studio. She on pins and needles. Finally, sobbing, and asks the audience to forgive he goes over to Uncle Buoso’s body the upstart composer for writing Pavarotti and Renee Fleming. He has performed a and falls on the corpse. He pulls the sequel. is a faculty member at the Vienna wide array of roles out the note and reads it: Uncle —Michael Ching, Buoso’s Ghost Conservatory Private University and both in the United has given master classes for over 10 States and abroad, years at the University of Miami’s ranging from summer music program in Salzburg. Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro with La Musica ARTIST PROFILES Reza Behjat (Lighting Design) Lirica in Italy to the lighter operetta Reza Behjat is a New York- and musical theater roles of Yum- Susan Memmott Allred David Aronson (Conductor) based lighting designer who Yum in The Mikado with Viterbo (Costume Design) Conductor and pianist David works in theater, University. She recently performed Susan Memmott Aronson began his career as dance, opera Zerlina in MOT’s Don Giovanni. Allred is a Utah- a freelance vocal coach and and installations. Previous roles also include the based costume accompanist in New York City, He began his Countess in The Marriage of Figaro designer. Recent followed by career in Iran, at the Aspen Music Festival, Donna credits include engagements as where he worked Elvira in Don Giovanni at Indiana creating the assistant conductor with prominent University Opera Theater and Zweite costumes for with the opera directors. In 2014, he moved to New Dame in The Magic Flute with the Rigoletto with Austin Opera, La companies of York City to pursue his Master of Indianapolis City Orchestra. Prior to Traviata with Utah Opera and The Kansas City, Fine Arts degree at the New York MOT, Boettcher was an opera fellow Merry Widow with Vancouver Opera. Lake George University — Tisch School of the Arts. in the Aspen Music Festival where In the 2020-21 season she will design and Miami. He moved to Zurich He has designed more than 30 she performed John Harbison’s the costumes for Utah Opera’s in 1978, where he rapidly rose productions in Iran. His works have “Mirabai Songs” with the Aspen productions of The Flying Dutchman from coach at the International also been shown on Off-Broadway Contemporary Ensemble, as well as and Tosca. Opera Studio to assistant stages and regional theaters Mahler’s “Symphony No. 4” with the chorus-master and conductor across the United States, including Aspen Conductors Orchestra. at the Zurich Opera House. In The Public Theater, A.R.T./New
12 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 13 Joseph Michael Brent (Gherardo) over 80 productions, including the written in this century. Ching’s 2011 Oklahoma, Arkansas Repertory Joseph Michael Brent began his role of Cacambo in last season’s opera, A Midsummer Night’s Dream Theatre and the Arkansas Symphony operatic career as a doctoral student production of Candide. Previous opera a cappella, is available on Orchestra. His awards include at the University of MOT roles also include the Coroner Albany Records. Michigan Opera first prize in the Benton-Schmidt Georgia, Athens. in Porgy & Bess, the Emperor Altoum Theatre’s production of Buoso’s Competition, a two-time finalist in Recently, he was in Turandot and Ambrogio in The Ghost coincides with the world Trinity Showcase Presents and a seen as Nicias Barber of Seville. Buchalter is also premiere of Ching’s new one-act winner and finalist for numerous in Thaïs, Il Tinca active in the local theatre community opera Remove Shoes Before Entering National Association of Teachers in Il Tabarro and having performed at Greenfield at the University of Alabama. Last of Singing musical theatre and Nick in The Girl Village, Jewish Ensemble Theatre, season’s new projects included classical competitions. He holds a of the Golden West with Maryland Williamston Theatre, Meadowbrook Thrivers for the Palm Springs Opera bachelor’s degree from Arkansas Lyric Opera; as Alfred in Die Theatre and others. Guild, Eight Woods and a Van for the Tech University and has continued Fledermaus with Lyric Opera Studio Cedar Rapids Opera Guild and a additional post-graduate studies at Weimar; D’Artagnan in Les Trois Cooper Bush (Gherardino) mini opera, Completing the Picture, the University of Oklahoma. Mousquetaires at the Phoenicia Cooper Bush is excited to perform for Utah Opera. As composer- International Festival of the Voice; again with Michigan Opera Theatre in-residence at Savannah Voice Richard Gammon (Director) and as a tenor soloist in Beethoven’s following his Festival, Ching has written three Richard Gammon recently 9th Symphony with the Montgomery professional MOT operas, Anna Hunter, Alice Ryley and directed Der Kaiser von Philharmonic. Brent is proud to have debut as Winfield Birthday Clown. This season, they Atlantis and L’île de Merlin (Wolf Trap been a member of the inaugural Joad in last season’s will premiere his new opera, A Royal Opera); Madama Butterfly and An quintet of resident artists at the The Grapes of Feast, a kind of sequel to Rossini’s American Dream (Virginia Opera); Michigan Opera Theatre Studio, Wrath. Past credits La Cenerentola. Buoso’s Ghost was the American where he was heard as Martin in The include Winthrop premiered by the Pittsburgh Opera premiere of Tenderland, Laurie in Little Women, Paroo in The Music Man and Young Center at Duquesne in 1996 and Scarlatti’s Erminia Malcom in Macbeth, El Remendado Shrek in Shrek the Musical, both with Opera Memphis in 1997. at The Kennedy in Carmen and Kron Prinz in Silent the Saline High School Drama Club. Center (Opera Night. His repertoire includes E.T.A. He was also an ensemble member Darren Drone* (Gianni Schicchi) Lafayette); Susannah Hoffmann in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, in the Michigan Opera Theater Darren Drone is the Michigan (Charlottesville Don Jose in Carmen, Pinkerton in Children’s Chorus production of The Opera Theatre Studio’s resident Opera); the world premiere of Madame Butterfly, and Tamino in The Secret World of Og. baritone. With a repertoire in Jorge Sosa’s The Lake (ArtSounds); Magic Flute. He made his Carnegie both opera and the workshop of J Ashley Miller’s Hall debut singing Wagner and Michael Ching (Composer) musical theater, Echosis (Atemporchestra); CARE Nereo in Mefistofele and has sung at Michael Ching became a full time his performance Monologue Film Project (Cleveland other such notable venues as David composer in 2010 after a 30+ year credits include roles Play House); and The Life and Geffen Hall, Sala Pedrotti (Pesaro, career as coach, conductor and arts in The Daughter Times of Joe Jefferson Benjamin Italy), Stefaniensaal (Graz, Austria) administrator. He of the Regiment, Blow (National Asian Artist Project). and the White House. was the Artistic La Cambiale di Gammons is the Director of Opera Director of Opera Matrimonio and Lohengrin as well as Maine’s Studio Artist Program Fred Buchalter (Guccio, Memphis from performances in Newsies, Dreamgirls (Three Decembers, Sumeida’s Song), Spinelloccio, Friar) 1992 to 2010. His and Les Miserables. Drone has been Co-founder and Director of Art with As a longtime 2013 opera, Speed an apprentice with Tulsa Opera, Des Arias (a recital collaboration with member of the Dating Tonight!, was Moines Metro Opera, Utah Festival the Portland Museum of Art) and Michigan Opera premiered by the Janiec Opera of Opera, Opera Southwest, Opera was Creative Associate for Seán Theatre Chorus, the Brevard Music Center. With over in the Ozarks and Opera Neo and Curran Company’s world premiere Fred Buchalter 80 productions to date, it is one of has also performed with Heartland of Dream’d in a Dream (BAM Next has performed in the most popular American operas Opera Theatre, Lyric Theatre of Wave Festival).
14 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 15 Edward Graves* (Rinuccio) in The Barber of Seville and the of Art and Design in Santa Fe, Nicole Joseph (Nella) Maryland native Edward Graves captain in Eugene Onegin with MOT. New Mexico and a recipient of Soprano Nicole Joseph, equally is the resident tenor of the Michigan Previous MOT credits include Leo the Laureate Education 2016 GPS at home on both the operatic and Opera Theatre Studio. Recent Stein and Man Ray in 27, Sciarrone in Award Winner for Leadership. As a concert stage, returns to Michigan performances include Robbins Tosca, Marullo in Rigoletto, Le Bret guest designer and guest faculty in Opera Theatre following her debut in Porgy and Bess with the South in Cyrano, Jake Wallace in The Girl of scenic design, Hawkes frequently as Hattie in The Summer King. Florida Symphony the Golden West, Moralès in Carmen works with academic institutions After completing her master’s Orchestra and and Top in The Tender Land, a role and young artist training programs. and specialist degrees at the Seattle Opera, as he also reprised with Des Moines Highlights include Rice University University of Michigan, she made well as the world Metro Opera. He has been a Studio Shepherd School of Music, The her professional premiere of Blue Artist with the Wolf Trap Opera Opera Institute at Cal-State debut as Beatrice last summer at Company, an Apprentice Artist with University Long Beach, San Francisco in Jake Heggie’s The Glimmerglass Des Moines Metro Opera and a Opera Merola Program, UCLA Opera Three Decembers Fetival. He was also a soloist with Young Artist with the Glimmerglass and Cal-State Los Angeles. with Kentucky the NSO Pops with the Heritage Festival. He holds a Master of Music Opera. Recent Signature Chorale at the John F. degree from the University of Olivia Johnson (La Ciesca) performances Kennedy Center for the Performing Cincinnati College-Conservatory North Carolina native Olivia include The Governess in Turn of Arts and performed at President of Music and is an alumnus of the Johnson is a frequent performer the Screw, Micaëla in Carmen and H.W. Bush’s funeral with the Michigan State University College of with Michigan Opera Theatre. In May Donna Anna in Don Giovanni with Cathedral Choir at the Washington Music. 2018 she played the Detroit’s Opera Modo. In addition National Cathedral. Prior to MOT, comprimario role to performing in MOT’s main stage he was a 2017-18 Baumgartner Laura Fine Hawkes (Set Design) of the Girlfriend for operas, she is also a part of the Studio Artist at Florentine Opera in Laura Fine Hawkes’ work broadly MOT’s production MOT Touring Ensemble as the Milwaukee, where he performed in encompasses scenic design for of The Summer Miller’s Daughter in Rumpelstiltskin The Merry Widow, Venus and Adonis, theatre, opera and musical theatre, King. She is also and Voluptua in La Pizza con Dido and Aeneas and The Magic as well as art direction for live a member of Funghi. Joseph is also the winner of Flute. He received his Performer shows, themed the MOT Touring Ensemble and numerous awards and competitions, Diploma and Master of Music degree visitor experiences, performs regularly at community including the Metropolitan Opera in Voice Performance from Indiana museum events. Previous roles include Auditions (MI), James Toland Vocal University’s Jacobs School of Music exhibits, events Gertrude in Romeo and Juliet and Arts Competition, Nicholas Loren and holds a Bachelor of Music and television Dorbella in Cosí fan tutte at the Vocal Competition, Harold Haugh degree in Voice Performance from programming. University of Michigan, Marte in La Light Opera Competition, American Towson University. Theatrical púrpura de la rosa for the summer Traditions Competition and the engagements include design for program Le Château de la Voix and Career Bridges Foundation award. Harry Greenleaf (Marco) Utah Opera, Stages Repertory Maurya in Riders to the Sea with East Originally from Portland, OR, Joseph Wixom, Michigan native Harry Theatre, Center Theatre Group Carolina Opera Theater. She has now resides in Berkley, Michigan. Greenleaf is a frequent performer at The Mark Taper Forum, also been a soloist with the Detroit with Michigan Opera Theatre and Houston Grand Opera, Arizona Symphony Orchestra and Rackham a former MOT Opera, Ensemble Studio Theatre Choir. She graduated from East Studio Artist. Los Angeles and The Road Carolina University in 2014 earning Last season, he Theatre. Hawkes currently serves a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music performed as as Head of Design for the Theatre Performance with a concentration in Connie Rivers Department at Binghamton Voice. in The Grapes of University (SUNY.) She is a former Wrath, Dr. Pangloss Chair of the Performing Arts in Candide, Fiorello and Sergeant Department at Santa Fe University
16 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 17 Adrian Leskiw (Pinellino, Friar) the MOT Chorus. Other notable local Frank Pitts (Simone) Diane Schoff (Zita) Tenor Adrian Leskiw, a native of credits include John Wilkes Booth Frank Pitts is an American Diane Schoff is a regular character Wyandotte, made his comprimario in Assassins (Wilde Award Winner) bass known for his distinctive, on stage and off and has a look debut with and Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd booming voice and consummate that “would drop Michigan Opera (Wilde Award Nominated) at the musicianship. Recent performances a horse at 50 feet” Theatre as the Encore Musical Theatre Company, include the Commendatore in Don (Toledo Blade). 2nd Immigration Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf in Into The Giovanni and Schoff performs Officer in A View Woods at The Ringwald Theatre and Reverand Hale regularly with from the Bridge God/Himself in an Act of God at The in The Crucible Michigan Opera and was recently Dio Theatre. with the Berlin Theatre and is featured in Sweeney Todd. He has Opera Academy in thrilled to make her role debut Gianni Schicchi also appeared as a chorister in Jesús Vicente Murillo (Betto) Germany and the as Zita in . Other over 20 MOT productions. Recent Described by Opera News as “a Peach Checker in highlights of this season include performances include Nika Magadoff potent baritone”, Detroit native The Grapes of Wrath with Michigan singing Katisha with Opera Grand in The Consul, Don Ottavio in Don Jesús Vicente Murillo has performed Opera Theatre. His performance Rapids in their fall production of Giovanni, Fenton in Falstaff (Opera opera, musical credits also include both opera The Mikado and singing duet recitals MODO) and King Kaspar in Amahl theater and concert and musical theater roles ranging with soprano Angela Theis at venues and the Night Visitors (Arbor Opera works across North from Don Bartolo in The Barber of around the greater metro Detroit Theater). He has also performed as America since Seville and Pooh-Bah in The area. Schoff made her debut with a soloist with the Detroit Symphony his debut with Mikado to Pulitzer in Newsies and both Opera Grand Rapids and Orchestra and Detroit Chamber Michigan Opera Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. His Opera Carolina as Marcelina in their Winds & Strings. Theatre at age 18. oratorio credits include Rossini’s joint production of Mozart’s The His performances for MOT include Stabat Mater, Verdi’s Requiem, Marriage of Figaro. She continued Creation David Moan (Amantio, Magistrate) José Castro in The Girl of the Golden Hayden’s and her work with Opera Carolina last David Moan returns to Michigan West and L’Inconnu in Cyrano, Handel’s Messiah. Also in demand season as Madam Larina in Eugene Opera Theatre following his composed by MOT’s late founder for voice-over work, Pitts has played Onegin. Recent roles include Ruth performance as Jonas Fogg and David DiChiera. Recent operatic God in Monty Python’s Spamalot, in The Pirates of Penzance, The Old the Beekeeper in Sweeney Todd last engagements have included a recital The Grinch in The Grinch Who Baroness in Vanessa, Aunt Cecilia in fall and Martin series with the Deer Valley Music Stole Christmas, Audrey in Little Little Women, the 2nd lady and 3rd in Candide last Festival, Ser Amantio di Nicolao in Shop of Horrors and other deep lady in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, the spring. Originally Gianni Schicchi and Captain Gardiner bass-speaking roles. Pitts is also in- 2nd Maid in Elektra, and the Duchess from Pittsburgh, in a new production of Moby Dick demand as a pianist and conductor. of Crackenthorpe in The Daughter Moan received with Utah Opera, his first bass of the Regiment. Schoff is a mom of a bachelor’s soloist in Handel’s Messiah with Utah two and lives with her husband and degree in Vocal Symphony Orchestra, the Voice of children in Grosse Pointe Woods. Performance from Manchester Christ in St. Matthew Passion with University where he currently serves Salt Lake Choral Artists and Bob as Instructor of Diction. Previously, Noxious in the Midwest premier Moan has performed with MOT as of The Final Battle for Love with Edward G. Robinson and a Calveras Thompson Street Opera. He holds in Frida, Mike in A View from the a Master of Music degree from Bridge and St. Brioche in The Merry McGill University and a Bachelor of Widow. He also performed the title Music degree from the University of role in the MOT Touring Company’s Michigan. production of Jack and the Beanstalk, and he is a frequent performer with
18 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 19 Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra — EDUCATION COMMUNITY Gianni Schicchi and Buoso’s Ghost &PROGRAMS VIOLIN I BASS TRUMPET TOURING ENSEMBLE Eliot Heaton Derek Weller Derek Lockhart Taking opera to the community, last season the Michigan Opera Theatre Touring Concertmaster+ Principal + Acting Principal Ensemble presented more than 70 performances to students, seniors and adults Molly Hughes+ Gordon Simmons+ Kevin Fllewych+ HARP throughout the state of Michigan, bringing opera to over 17,000 individuals. Daniel Stachyra+ Patricia Terry-Ross TROMBONE Performances are 30-60 minutes in length and include a Q&A session with the Mallory Tabb Principal+ David Jackson cast immediately following the production. Our 2018-19 touring season includes Jenny Wan+ Acting Principal a variety of performances; call today to bring opera to your community! FLUTE VIOLIN II Seo Hee Choi TIMPANI Victoria Haltom Principal + Keith Claeys I, Too, Sing America Principal + Laura Larson Acting Principal By Chris Jakob with poetry by jessica Care moore Anna Bittar-Weller+ (Grades 6-12) I, TOO, SING Beth Kirton+ OBOE PERCUSSION This new multi-media performance incorporates AMERICA Yuri Popowycz Stephanie Shapiro John Dorsey A multi-media production illuminating African American trailblazers in sports and arts. video, live song, narrative and poetry to highlight WRITTEN & DIRECTED BY CHRIS JAKOB Acting Principal Principal + VIOLA David Taylor the stories and achievements of African American John Madison CLARINET artists and athletes who defied limitations Principal + Brian Bowman CELESTE/KEYBOARD and paved the way for integration in their fields. (Subjects: American History, Jacqueline Hanson+ Principal + Michael Sherman Humanities, English Language Arts, Arts Education- Music and Theatre) Scott Stefanko+ J. William King+ Leah Celebi BASSOON + Michigan Opera Theatre Core Jack and the Beanstalk CELLO Francisco Delgado Orchestra Arranged by John Davies with compositions by Sir Jonathan Tortolano Principal + Arthur Sullivan (Grades K-6) Detroit Federation of Musicians JACK & THE Principal + Local #5 American Federation BEANSTALK When Jack sells the family cow to a mysterious Igor Cetkovic HORN Music by S ir A rt hur Sullivan of Musicians Libretto by John Davies man for a handful of beans, he has no idea what David Huckaby Carrie Banfield-Taplin+ kind of adventure awaits him! When the beans take Irina Tikhonova Acting Principal JACK & THE Clinton Webb BEANSTALK root, and a magical stalk grows to the sky, Jack will discover a land of giants, a golden hen… and an important lesson about treating other people with kindness. MOT’s new production sets the story in the ancient West African Mali Empire and tells the tale through music from the operettas of Sir Arthur Sullivan. This new twist on an old favorite is a must-see for children of all ages! (Subjects: English Language Arts, Social Studies, early Math, Arts Education — Visual Arts, Music, and Theater)
SUMMER PROGRAMMING OPERETTA REMIX CREATE & PERFORM July 6-24, 2020, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 27 – Aug. 7, 2020, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Operetta Remix is perfect for young A two-week program in which people ages 13-18 who are looking young people ages 8-12 create their to grow their skills and experience own stories, music compositions in singing, acting, stage movement, and dances, culminating in a final healthy vocal technique and performance at the Detroit Opera auditioning. House. For more information, e-mail [email protected].
20 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Michigan Opera Theatre FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 21 Administration & Staff Wayne S. Brown EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY CATERING AND SPECIAL EVENTS President and Chief Executive PROGRAMS Holly Clement, Events Manager Officer Mark Vondrak, Associate Director Bridgette Leising, Associate Director of Community Programs of Sales, Detroit Opera House DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS Matthew Murray, Education Tiiko Reese-Douglas, Events Richard Leech, Director of Resident and Community Programs Assistant Artist Programs Coordinator Jennifer Consiglio-George, Events Nancy Mims, Director of Human Champion Resources MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE SAFETY AND SECURITY Rock Monroe, Director of Safety STUDIO Darrin Cato, Stage Door Sergeant The soulful, groundbreaking opera by six-time Grammy and Security, DOH and DOHPC Michael Sherman, Principal Coach/ A.M. Hightower, Control Center Laura Nealssohn, Director of Accompanist Officer winning jazz powerhouse Terence Blanchard Communications Edward Graves, Tenor Lt. Lorraine Monroe, Supervisor Angela Nelson-Heesch, Director of Avery Boettcher, Soprano Demetrius Newbold, Control Development Darren Lekeith Drone, Baritone Center Officer David W. Osborne, Director of Katherine DeYoung, Mezzo-soprano Kenneth Blue, Stage Door Officer Production Allen Michael Jones, Bass Andrea Scobie, Director of PRODUCTION “I kill a man Education TOURING ARTISTS OF ADMINISTRATION Patricia Walker, Chief Administrative COMMUNITY PROGRAMS and the world Elizabeth Anderson, Production Officer Soprano: Clodagh Earls Coordinator and Artistic Arthur White, Director of External Mezzo-Sopranos: Aja Dier, Olivia forgives me… Administrator Affairs Johnson Kathleen Bennett, Production I love a man Tenor: David Moan Administrator ADMINISTRATION Baritones: Branden C.S. Hood, Ken Saltzman, Stage Manager and the world William Austin, Executive Assistant DeVonte King Christine Elliott, Nan Luchini, Hailli Timothy Lentz, Archivist and Pianist: Joseph Jackson Ridsdale, Colter Schoenfish, hates me!” Director, Percussionist: Marwan Aman-Ra Assistant Stage Managers Allesee Dance and Opera — Emile Griffith, Resource Library MICHIGAN OPERA THEATRE from Champion MUSIC Catherine Nicolia-Staples, Archivist CHILDREN’S CHORUS STAFF Suzanne Mallare Acton, Assistant Bryce Rudder, Senior Librarian, Suzanne Mallare Acton, Director Music Director and Chorus Master Allesee Dance Dianna Hochella, Assistant Director, Molly Hughes, Orchestra Personnel and Opera Resource Library Principal Chorus Conductor Manager Zach Suchanek, Human Resources Jane Panikkar, Preparatory Chorus Jean Posekany, Orchestra Librarian Assistant Conductor Jean Schneider, Repetiteur Twannette Nash, Chorus PATRON SERVICES Administrator TECHNICAL AND DESIGN STAFF Development Joseph Jackson, Principal Chorus Daniel T. Brinker, Technical Director Chelsea Kotula, Associate Director Accompanist Monika Essen, Property Master and of Development, Institutional Maria Cimarelli, Preparatory Chorus Scenic Artist Giving Accompanist The 2020 Spring Heather DeFauw, Assistant Lighting Season is supported by Jocelyn Aptowitz, Development Emily Crombez, Theory Teacher Designer and Assistant Technical Associate, Individual Giving Director Christy Gray, Development COMPUTER SERVICES Kevin Neuman, Assistant Technical Administrator Chris Farr, Information Technology Director Colin Knapp, Manager of Donor Manager Dee Dorsey, Supertitle Operator Engagement Shane O’Connor, Technical Assistant Maery Simmons, Assistant Manager DANCE – Jon Teeuwissen, Artistic Advisor Champion is presented by COSTUMES CRM Operations to Dance Suzanne M Hanna, Costume Director Sonya Thompson, Development Kim Smith, Dance Coordinator Emily Christianson, Wardrobe Resource Coordinator Supervisor FINANCE Susan A. Fox, First Hand Marketing/Public Relations Kimberley Burgess, Rita Winters, Maureen Abele, Kristina Hales, Maxwell Bolton, Communications & Accountants Mary Ellen Shuffett, Patricia Sova, Marketing Operations Manager Kathy Kercorian, CFO Stitchers Mitchell Carter, Website Kimberly Reaves, Controller Coordinator STAGE CREW John Grigaitis, Photographer John Kinsora, Head Carpenter Michael Hauser, Marketing Manager DETROIT OPERA HOUSE Frederick Graham, Jr., Head Erica Hobbs, Communications HOUSE MANAGEMENT March 28 – April 5, 2020 Electrician Manager Randy Elliott, House Manager Pat McGee, Head Propertyman Jon Rosemond, Marketing At the Detroit Opera House Chris Baker, Head of Sound Operations Associate FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Juan Benavides, Building Engineer Mary Ellen Shuffett, Head of Wardrobe Ticket Office Jesse Carter, Senior Building Robert Martin, Head Flyman TICKETS AT Tunisia Brown, Box Office Manager Engineer Gary Gilmore, Production Electrician Evan Carr, Patron Services Dennis Wells, Facilities Manager MichiganOpera.org Associate, Ticketing David Bradley, Building IATSE Local #38, Stage Crew Joy Charleston, Ticketing Associate Maintenance IATSE Local #786, Wardrobe or 313.237.7464 22 GIANNI SCHICCHI AND BUOSO’S GHOST MichiganOpera.org Wayne S. Brown President & Chief Executive Officer
1526 Broadway • Detroit, MI 48226 Box Office: 313.237.7464 Administration: 313.961.3500 michiganopera.org