Baseball: a musical love letter

photo by Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Inc.

Left baseball photo by Mike Bowman on Unsplash, Right baseball photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash BASEBALL: A MUSICAL LOVE LETTER

Hello!

We are so thrilled to have you join us as we, for the very first time in over a year, perform indoors for a live audience. Our performers are so happy to be part of an ensemble and to see your faces. With the start of spring, we look forward to the promise of new life and warmer, better days ahead.

This program celebrates the great history of baseball and we celebrate in song. Our performers consist of our Young Artists and many new friends in the cast and in the instrumental ensemble. We are delighted to enlarge our world with the wonderful talent in Kansas City and the wonderful members of our audience who are new to Lyric .

Stay tuned for the June announcement of details of our season for next year.

Enjoy!

Deborah Sandler, General Director and CEO BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2020-2021

OFFICERS Joanne Burns, President Tom Whittaker, Vice President Scott Blakesley, Secretary Craig L. Evans, Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Ivan Batlle Mira Mdivani Mark Benedict Edward P. Milbank Richard P. Bruening Jeff Poe Tom Butch Steve Taylor Melinda L. Estes, M.D. Benjamin Mann, Counsel Karen Fenaroli Michael D. Fields Lafayette J. Ford III Kenneth V. Hager Niles Jager Amy McAnarney

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS Andrew Garton | Chair, Orpheus KC Mary Leonida | President, Lyric Opera Circle Dianne Schemm | President, Lyric Opera Guild Presents Baseball: a musical love letter

Production in one act by Kathleen Belcher and Dan Rigazzi

in alphabetical PLAYERS order DARRINGTON CLARK* THOMAS DREW~ KATARINA GALAGAZA~ ALLISON JONES* ANTHONY PERKINS, JR. ROBERT H. RIORDAN~ TURNER STATON* KELLI VAN METER~ WILLIS WHITE*

SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY: DANNY COX*

Written and conceived by Kathleen Belcher and Dan Rigazzi Presented in English Running time: approximately 75 minutes with no intermission

~Apprentice Artist *Lyric Opera Debut CREATIVE TEAM MUSIC DIRECTOR Piotr Wiśniewski CREATOR/CO-DIRECTOR Kathleen Belcher LIBRETTIST/CO-DIRECTOR Dan Rigazzi SCENERY COORDINATOR Brad Kanouse LIGHTING DESIGNER Kris Kirkwood SOUND DESIGNER John Story ASSISTANT LIGHTING DESIGNER Mario Raymond SUPERTITLE COORDINATOR Sarah Zsohar STAGE MANAGER Karl Anderson HEAD SCENIC ARTIST Gen Goering PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Emilia Covault, Michael LeDesma SCENIC CONSTRUCTION CREW Stephen Cochran, Melvin McClenahan, James Hare ORCHESTRA PIANO Piotr Wiśniewski BASS James Albright* SAXOPHONE Michael Herrera* DRUMS Michael Warren*

Season Sponsors:

This program is supported by the Thomas & Sally Wood Family Foundation.

Stage crew provided by IATSE Local 31 Wardrobe crew provided by The Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 810

*Lyric Opera Debut ^Former Resident Artist ~Apprentice Artist SONG LIST

“In 1839” from The Mighty Casey Robert H. Riordan, Full Cast William Schuman, Jeremy Gury “What a Game!” from Ragtime Turner Staton, Anthony Stephen Flaherty, Lynn Aherns Perkins, Jr., Thomas Drew “The First Baseball Game” Willis White Don Raye, Gene de Paul “Prologue” from 1919: A Baseball Full Cast Opera Rusty Magee “What have you got to lose?” from Turner Staton, Darrington 1919: A Baseball Opera Clark, Anthony Perkins, Jr. Rusty Magee “Say it Ain’t So, Joe” from 1919: A Kelli Van Meter Baseball Opera Rusty Magee “Baseball Boogie” Allison Jones Bill Williams “Don’t Look Back” Full Cast Fred Sturm, Satchel Paige “Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit Anthony Perkins, Jr., That Ball?” Full Cast Count Basie, Fred Sturm, Buddy Johnson “Six Months Out of Every Year” Katarina Galagaza, Rob from Damn Yankees Riordan, Full Cast Richard Adler, Jerry Ross “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” Full Cast Albert von Tilzer, Jack Norworth “In the Cards” from Diamonds Willis White Alan Menken, David Zippel “Heart” from Damn Yankees Willis White, Darrington Richard Adler, Jerry Ross Clark, Anthony Perkins, Jr., Thomas Drew “The Ballad of Buck O’Neil” from Danny Cox Fair Ball Danny Cox DIRECTOR’SDIRECTOR’S NOTESNOTES

By Kathleen Belcher The world as we knew it came grinding to a halt in March of 2020. We theatre-types struggled with our loss of work, losing our creative outlets, and our mental health. This project is a reaction to the aforementioned items.

Dan Rigazzi, my dear friend and co-worker, and I spoke on the phone frequently to give each other pep talks, worry out loud, and brainstorm about what we could do next. This “Baseball Cabaret” was born from those conversations. I do not recall what first made me plug baseball and opera into a search engine, but once I went down that rabbit hole a crazy idea began to form.

The University of Kansas Opera program agreed to workshop our piece and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City believed in our original vision. What you are going to see is a culmination of a deep love of baseball, history, and music theatre come to fruition on the stage. Ultimately, we discovered that despite our differences and disagreements, we could look to our national pastime to unite us all. So, while we theatre people wait for the words “Places, please,” we will rejoice in the words “Play ball!” ABOUT THE ARTISTS

DARRINGTON CLARK Darrington Clark, , is a regional actor and singer based in Kansas City, Missouri. This is his Lyric Opera debut, and he is grateful to make art and entertainment at a needed time. Regional credits include Starlight Theatre, Musical Theater Heritage, Spinning Tree Theatre, Coterie Theatre, and the Unicorn Theatre. National credits include Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Circa 21, and Children’s Theater of Madison.

THOMAS DREW Thomas Drew, , is a second-year Apprentice Artist with Lyric Opera. Prior to Covid cancellations, he was slated to sing Romeo (Romeo and Juliet) with Lawrence Opera Theatre and cover Frederick (Pirates of Penzance) at Sugar Creek Opera. Thomas is pursuing his Artist Diploma at the UMKC Conservatory under Raymond Feener and Natalia Rivera’s instruction. He performed Albert (Albert Herring) and Eduardo (La cambiale di matrimonio) with UMKC opera. He received his master’s degree from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and Performance Diploma from Southern Methodist University. Thomas is from Cleethorpes, United Kingdom.

KATARINA GALAGAZA Mezzo- Katarina Galagaza is a recent graduate of Boston University’s College of Fine Arts and a first-year Lyric Opera Apprentice Artist. She received a Bachelor of Music from the Eastman School of Music. Notable roles include Cherubino (Le nozze di Figaro), Mrs. Soames (Our Town), La suora infermiera (), Suor Pazienza (Mese Mariano), Prince Charmant cover (Cendrillon), Mrs. Webster (Sweets by Kate), Nancy (Albert Herring), Flora Bervoix (La traviata), and Fox Goldenback (The Cunning Little Vixen). Katarina is currently pursuing an Artist Certificate at the UMKC Conservatory, where she studies with Dr. Maria Kanyova. ABOUT THE ARTISTS

ALLISON JONES Heralded as a Kansas City “Artist to Watch,” soprano Allison Jones burst onto the theater scene in 2018 with roles including Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Sarah in Ragtime, and Gifty in School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play. Jones has performed with the Black Musical Arts Community Choir under the direction of Dr. Robert McNichols Jr., and the 49th Centennial United Methodist Messiah Chorus under Dr. John Murray’s direction. Other performances include Fun Home and A Christmas Carol (KC Rep), Once on this Island (Spinning Tree Theatre), and Sister Act (The Barn Players).

ANTHONY PERKINS, JR. Anthony Perkins, Jr. graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance, where he studied voice with Alan Held and character development with Samuel Ramey. Anthony has performed with Village Presbyterian Church, Landlocked Opera, and Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Finding a great niche of Kansas City resources, he’s more than thrilled and honored to be a part of Baseball: A Musical Love Letter, which excels in musicality and tells a remarkable story. It is a one-of- a-kind production but with a universal message and context.

ROBERT H. RIORDAN Robert H. Riordan, a Wisconsin native, is in his second season as an Apprentice Artist with Lyric Opera. This season, Robert performed the Wolf/Dr. Dulcamara in Finger Lakes Opera’s production of Pinocchio and was in the chorus of Lyric Opera’s Amahl and the Night Visitors. He will return to FLO in 2021 as a Tomita Young Artist to sing Fiorello in Il barbiere di Siviglia. In the previous season, he sang the Sergeant in Lyric Opera’s La bohème and Sid in Albert Herring with UMKC. In summer 2019, he covered Carl-Magnus in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music with the Aspen Music Festival. ABOUT THE ARTISTS

TURNER STATON Turner Staton, bass-baritone, is making his professional debut with Lyric Opera of Kansas City. A native of Liberty, Missouri, Turner is currently finishing his Artist Diploma at William Jewell College under Daniel and Kathleen Belcher’s tutelage. He holds a master’s degree from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University. In 2020, Turner was selected as a Vocal Fellow for the Tanglewood Music Festival. Roles include Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte (WJC), the title role in Don Giovanni (Pepperdine), and Mercurio in La Calisto (CCM). Upcoming roles include Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro and Uncle in Elizabeth Cree, both with William Jewell.

KELLI VAN METER Soprano Kelli Van Meter is a second-year Apprentice Artist with Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Van Meter is pursuing her doctorate at the UMKC Conservatory of Music under Dr. Maria Kanyova. Recent roles include Alice Ford (Falstaff), Rosalinde (Die Fledermaus), Arminda (La Finta Giardiniera), Gretel (Hansel und Gretel), Elle (La voix humaine), and Violetta (La traviata). She has performed as a soloist with the UMKC Conservatory Orchestra and the Hastings (NE) Symphony Orchestra. She won the 2019 Chancellor Competition at UMKC and was a 2019 Naftzger Young Artist Competition division winner.

WILLIS WHITE Live entertainer Willis White makes his hometown debut with Lyric Opera. He spent several years on Broadway (Hairspray, Spelling Bee, In the Heights) and toured with The Broadway Boys. Regionally, Willis led productions of Pippin, A Chorus Line, Children of Eden, and Stephen Schwartz’s world premiere The Secret Silk. His film credits include hits Hairspray and Julie Taymor’s Across the Universe. Willis provided live vocalist support for TV, including American Idol and Dancing with the Stars, and for several artists, including Seal, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, and Robin Thicke. Willis holds a BMus/BA/Musical Theatre Certificate from Northwestern University. SPECIAL APPEARANCE BY DANNY COX An accomplished guitarist and singer, Danny has had a 55-year career in cinema, theater, recording, and writing. The songs of the civil rights movement led him to a career as a folk singer. He joined the Hootenanny tour, where he played every major theater, including Carnegie Hall. In 1967, Danny came to Kansas City, where he embarked on a theatrical career, winning the best theater award twice. He became a significant voice-over artist in Kansas City and wrote and performed the iconic Grass Pad jingle. At 78, Danny continues to work in theater and music as a solo artist and with his band. ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

PIOTR WIŚNIEWSKI | CONDUCTOR, PIANO Piotr Wiśniewski is a Polish pianist, opera coach, conductor, and the Head of Music Staff and Chorus Master for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Winner of Fryderyk Chopin Society Competition and the Polish National Piano Competition in Warsaw, Mr. Wiśniewski has performed recitals throughout Europe, the United States, and Latin America. He has also performed with world-renowned instrumentalists and opera stars, including Carol Vaness, Patricia Wise, Teresa Kubiak, and Carlos Montane. He serves as an opera coach at AIMS in Graz, Austria, and as head conductor and director of the collaborative piano program at ÓperaMaya in México

JAMES ALBRIGHT | BASS James Albright holds a music degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. While in Nebraska, he performed with the Lincoln Symphony and the Omaha Symphony. James works as a performer, teacher, and recording artist in Kansas City. He performs classically as Principal Bass with the Northland Symphony and teaches in his private studio and at Missouri Western State University. He currently works with the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra and performs with various groups and singers, including Tim Whitmer, the Oscar Polk Band, The Ones, Triple Play, and Kelley Hunt. ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

MICHAEL HERRERA | SAXOPHONE A native of Kansas City, Michael Herrera is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator. He received his formal training at the distinguished UMKC Conservatory of Music jazz program under Bobby Watson’s tutelage, the musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers from 1977-1981. Michael was awarded the Jazz Spirit Award during his time at UMKC. He has performed with the Kansas City Symphony and various musicians including Doc Severinsen, Bram Wijnands, Clint Ashlock, Marcus Lewis Big Band, Louis Neal Big Band, Vine Street Rumble, Bobby Watson, and many vocalists including Shirley Jones and Marilyn May.

MICHAEL WARREN | DRUMS Known for his unmistakable “Kansas City Swing Feel,” drummer Michael Warren is a masterful songwriter, arranger, and recording artist. He has written and arranged for many bands and artists, including The Jazz Disciples, Voyage, ECLIPSE, and Thelonious Monk International Jazz Vocalist winner and recording artist Lisa Henry. A highly sought-after national and international adjudicator and clinician, Michael Warren continues his twenty-five-year commitment to teaching students all over the globe. For 15 years, Michael Warren held the Jazz Drum Set Professor’s position at the Conservatory of Music at the UMKC. ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

KATHLEEN BELCHER | CREATOR/CO-DIRECTOR Kathleen Belcher has been a member of the Metropolitan Opera directing staff for 21 years. In addition to her work at the Met, she has directed opera for Lyric Opera of Kansas City, , Teatro Real (Madrid), , and others. Upcoming projects include directing Rigoletto for Orlando Opera and Florida Grand Opera and La bohème at the Metropolitan Opera. Kathleen’s love of baseball has strong roots going back generations, but the first team she adopted was the Chicago Cubs. She even named her dog after second baseman Ryne (Ryno) Sandberg. She still has her baseball card collection.

DAN RIGAZZI | LIBRETTIST/CO-DIRECTOR Dan Rigazzi has been directing theater and opera for over twenty years—from Shakespeare and Puccini to contemporary plays and musicals. In addition to his work at theaters and universities around the country, Dan has been on the directing staff at the Metropolitan Opera since 2008. Recent projects include revivals of Roméo et Juliette at Teatro alla Scala, I Pagliacci at Opera Omaha, and La bohème in Concert with Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. Dan’s love affair with baseball began with Joe Morgan and the San Francisco Giants. Mike Piazza and the 2000 New York Mets stole him away, and he’s been a loyal Mets fan ever since.

KRIS KIRKWOOD | LIGHTING DESIGNER Kris is a lighting, media, and projections designer in Kansas City. He is a co-founding member of Papermoon Opera Productions and a working designer, educator, and parent. Recent designs include Madama Butterfly with Inland Northwest Opera, Don Giovanni and Carmen with Pensacola Opera, 1984 with William Jewell College, and Hansel and Gretel with Palm Beach Opera. Upcoming projects include Barber of Seville with Opera Delaware and The Tempest with Benedictine University. Kris shares his life with Jen and Cecilia. ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

JOHN STORY | SOUND DESIGNER John Story continues his collaboration with Lyric Opera Kansas City, having previously worked on Rusalka, Everest, and Penelope. He has been creating theatre sound for more than 30 years. His designs have appeared on stages from Sweden to Australia, including a run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Mr. Story has also worked in film and video, record production, broadcast audio, and acoustical design, as well as touring extensively throughout the US. He received his MFA in Sound Design from UMKC, where he taught theatre sound technology. He currently sits on the board for Central Standard Theatre, where he continues his international work. Love Baseball? Located in the historic 18th and Vine district, The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. For hours, exhibits, and more information, visit www.nlbm.com.

Field of Legends photo provided by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum GETTING INVOLVED AT LOKC

Committed to introducing new audiences to the art of opera, Orpheus KC offers art lovers the opportunity to connect with like-minded enthusiasts! Contact [email protected] for more information on how to get involved!

The Lyric Opera Guild participates in social and educational activities designed to expand their friendships and knowledge of opera. Contact Ticketing and Patron Services at [email protected] for more information.

The Lyric Opera Circle is an exclusive group of community members whose purpose is to host the annual Lyric Opera Ball, held in the spring each year. Contact Jonathan Thomas at [email protected] for more information on how to get involved! MAKE MUSIC DAY

Our popular Soundscapes in the City concert series continues this summer with Make Music Kansas City! Join us for two live, free, outdoor performances around the city to help celebrate the music in our city.

MAKE MUSIC KANSAS CITY: JUNE 21 Dunbar Park | 3:00 pm Lemonade Park | 5:30 pm Food & drinks available to purchase

Soundscape photos by Don Ipock INDIVIDUAL GIVING Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to all of our individual contributors who help support the Company’s productions and programs. We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between March 25, 2020 - March 24, 2021. *Denotes that contributions include giving to the Lyric Opera Ball; +Denotes that contributions include giving to the Special Gifts Campaign RICHARD J. STERN SOCIETY Mark T. Benedict & Dr. Kim (50,000+) Mongeau Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Ann Dickinson Morris+ Dr. Richard Kent Gutknecht Ken & Marilyn Hager+ Yong Y. Han, M.D. Ingram Family Foundation+* Richard & Kara Hu+ Walter & Gayle Richardson Niles & Lindsay Jager Mr. J. Michael Sigler+ Judy Kirk Mr. & Mrs. C. Humbert Phyllis G. Leach Tinsman, Jr.+ Graham & Helen Marcott Kenneth & Roswitha Schaffer MAESTRO’S CIRCLE ($25,000 - H. Wayne & Melanie $49,999) Thompson G. Kenneth & Ann Baum Matt & Kate Beem+ LYRIC OPERA ANGEL ($2,500 - Mr. & Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer $4,999) Mr. & Mrs. Richard Bruening Gary & Suzy Bennett Virginia & Charles Clark Leonard & Irene Bettinger Craig & Dawn Evans+ Philanthropic Fund Joan Horan Scott & Joyce Blakesley William & Peggy Lyons+ Harvey S. Bodker Mr. Edward P. Milbank Tim & Morgan Bonnell Thomas & Loren Whittaker+ Bruce & Cathy Cavitt Christopher & Lisa Cella BEL CANTO ($10,000 - $24,000) Mr. Charles Andres & Mrs. Una Creditor+ Ms. Julia Chapman Mr. & Mrs. Lafayette J. Ford III+ Mr. & Mrs. Forrest Chumley Joanne & Steve Burns+ Dr. Robert Claassen Thomas & Mary Beth Butch Dr. Michael De Priest & Trudy & Jack Gabriel+* Ms. Barbara Braznell Joyce G. Holland Mr. & Mrs. Richard Amy McAnarney+ M. Durwood John & Marny Sherman Paul & Karen Fenaroli Steve & Linda Taylor+ Michael Fields Mr. Michael Waterford Andrew & Victoria Flower Norman E. Gaar & IMPRESARIO ($5,000 - $9,999) Marilyn A. W. Gaar Mrs. Raymond Backstrom Caleb & Julia Jackson Dr. & Mrs. Ivan Batlle* John Kander Mr. Michael Klein Joshua and Jane Sosland Master Craftsmen Foundation Philanthropic Fund of the Drs. Margaret & Barry Nickell Jewish Community George & Suzy Pagels Foundation Jochen Rathert Mr. & Mrs. Neil Sosland Dennis & Palle Rilinger David & Meg Swant Deborah Sandler & Howard & Irene Weiner Crosby Kemper* George & Beverley Wilson Wesley Sandness Karen Seaberg VIRTUOUSO ($1,000 - $1,499) Bill & Sandra Snyder Brenda Allison Mr. & Mrs. Morton Sosland Anonymous Richard Stitt & Brian Staihr Mr. & Mrs. Lee Baty* Tom & Helen Sullivan Christopher & Sharon Bradford Fr. Paul Turner Jeffrey & Diane Buczkowski Dr. Linda E. Voigts & Gale Carter & Dan Gauthier Mr. Gene Voigts Maria E. Chastain Ms. Connie Walker Mr. William Clamurro Dr. Edward A. Wortham, Jr. Mr. H. Hurst Coffman Donna Gould Cohen ARIA SOCIETY ($1,500 - $2,499) Barton & Phyllis Cohen Anonymous Ms. Suzanne C. Crandall Deborah Barker Mr. William J. Dickinson Janet Bennett Anne & Howard Elsberry Ms. Joyce Castle Family Foundation Mr. C. L. Cocke Mrs. SuEllen Fried Dr. & Mrs. Steve Crouch Dr. Michael & Ginger Frost Pat & Don Dagenais Mr. Mark Gilman Dr. & Mrs. John M. Davis Mr. Dan Ginavan John & Julia Duty Bruce & Kathryn Gordon Jon & Avis Erickson Ms. Laurie Gorton Mike & Dannette Fields Cheryl & Donald Grodecki Dr. Karen L. Florio Robert Haas Ellen & John Goheen Bob & Devan Hartnett* Donald J. Hall George Helmkamp Gary & Liddell Hobin David & Diana Ice Robin Huff Dr. & Mrs. Roger Jackson Bebe & Graham Hunt* K. Coe Isom Charles Joss Mr. Michael Kaye Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Mayer Craig Kemp Patricia Meier Jon D. Kowing Susan Nelson Catherine M. LaBianco & Dave Parker & Anna Marie Reed Charles D. Bouska Wayne E. Lippman Mark & Karen Long Elaine & Benjamin Mann Barbara Marshall Rebecca & Randall Dillingham Patricia E. Cleary Miller, PhD and their families, in Jack & Camille Moodie honor of Thomas Dillingham Michael & Grace Morrison & Judith Clark Mr. & Mrs. Richard Parizek Thomas Dow Michelle & Chuck Ritter Candace Durfee Glenn & Cynthia Scherb Ms. Stacie Eliades-Becker Linda & Robert Schroeder Sara Engber Mike & Vera Seeley Chuck & Joni Etherington* Clarence Simmons Dr. & Mrs. James K. Gentry* Dr. Gregory & Janet Starks Brittany Gore Mr. & Mrs. Terrence P. Sullivan Carol Grantham Ms. Charlene Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Winston Grantham Amanda Toomey Trenton & Bonita Green Ms. Mary Denise Wagner Susan & Zack Hangauer Jim & Gina Waller Delmer Harris Mr. John Younger Samantha Herdman Paget & Tom Higgins COMPRIMARIO ($500 - $999) Ms. Belinda Holmes Ms. Ida B. Anderson Dr. Dale Hughes Dr. & Mrs. Robert Anderson Connie J. Hull Anonymous John & Mary Hunkeler Marcia Bailey Nathaniel Imparato Mr. & Mrs. C. Bruce Barksdale* Daniel & Kelly Jarman Richard Barohn* Dr. Andrew & Lynn Kaufman Penny Beebe Ms. Debra Kirmer Joan and Bert Berkley Blue Patricia Knauss Heron Foundation Mr. & Mrs. William Kort* Derek Bolden Joan Kurz Bruce & Linda Bradley Mouhammed Kyasa Simon & Deborah Buckner Drs. Douglas Law & Patricia Cox Mr. & Mrs. James Budde Mary Leonida* Donna & Ed Carper* Mary D. Lewis* Arden & Mary Ann Carr Bob & Kathleen Long Mr. Gerald R. Carter Mrs. Sue Mango Mr. Arthur Chrisenberry & Mary-Lucille Mantz Ms. Carol Chrisenberry Mr. & Mrs. John McClure Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Cloud P. Alan McDermott Charles Collins Brian & Julie McIver Steve Collins Mr. Gary Mehl Mr. Barry D. Culbreath II Edith Messina Jerry Cundiff & Paul Osgood Bess & Ron Michaelson James & Diana Cusser* Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Miller Pat & Liz Daniels Donald & Linda Milligan Michael & Faye Davis Patricia Moore James Nauser Carolyn O’Malley S. Bubb Bill Pallucca Dr. Donald C. Cannon Drs. V. Carlos & Maria Palmeri Michael Christie Dr. & Mrs. Jorge Paradelo Richard & Marjorie Cole Kathy Peters Christopher & Emily Collins Drs. William & Diane Peterson James Cook Donald & Pamela Raffurty Dr. Gwendolyn Cooke Jeannette Redick Ellen Cooley Ms. Mary Redmon Rita Cortes & Mary McLean Ms. Lucinda Rice-Petrie* Doug & Terri Curran Susan Robinette Glion & Marilyn Curtis Mr. & Mrs. David P. Ross Elaine Dalgleish Lynn Schaffner Allen & Jane Davis Steve & Napaporn Schwegler Sheryl Dayton Mr. & Mrs. Scott Seitter Mr. & Mrs. Matthew DeCocq Dr. Fred Shuler & Kathryn Degler Dr. Perri Ginder Ruth Dickinson & Russell Fries Greg & Ann Smith Tim & Deanna Diebolt* Lori Spoozak Ms. Brenda Dingley Brian & Dian Steele Mrs. Jo Anne Bruce Dondlinger* Linda Stevens Maria Donigan & Stephen & Mary Stringer Mark Thornhill Robert Trapp Robert & Jennifer Edwards Robb Traylor Drs. Roy & Melanie Elfrink Maite Villar Linda Ferguson Molly Visser Mr. & Mrs. Antoni Firner Madaline Walter Chris & Martha Gabel Robert & Sally West Alicia & Christina Garcia Dick & Margaret Wieland Mr. Andrew Garton Priscilla Wilson Nancy Gatz Peter & Julie Yoakum Charles & Barbara Gorodetzky David & Joan Zoller Mr. Raymond Grieshaber Sandra & Gerald Handley CHORUS ($250 - $499) Mr. Mark Harms Miriam Anderson & Ted Abele Ms. Ann Hauser Cy Anderson Sylvia Hauser Leslie Anderson Charles & Barbara Haviland* Anonymous (3) Dr. & Mrs. Edward Higgins Joe & Skylar Bellinger Dick & Sue Himes Alfred & Ruth Biggs Sally Holm Robert Bishop Nikolas H. Huffman Lawrence & Lynne Bodle Bill & Margo Humenczuk Roger Bond & Victoria Eathan Jaax Hermes-Bond Bruce & Cynda Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Rolf Borchert Janet Johnson & Tom Bauman Nathanael Brown Kelly Johnson Matthew & Heather Ryan* Corey Joslin Jeff & Julie Salmon Rev. Philip M. Kane Patricia Samms TJ Kapfer Ronald Sayer Richard B. & Martha Jane Katz Patricia Schneider W. Russell King & Jim Schraeder Susan M. Clevenger Elizabeth Schultz Mr. & Mrs. Tiberius Klausner Charles F. & Rose M. Schwankl Judy Korn Dr. & Mrs. Robert Serra Rodney & Margaret LaMothe Mrs. Merna Siegler Mr. Stuart A. Lewis Linda Siemens Amanda Loughlin Andrianna Smith Roxanne & Ben Martin Ian & Juliette Singer* Lee & Carl McCaffree* Katie Stover Mr. Andrew McDonald Christopher Theis & Douglas & Nina McKenna Pam Gilford Luke & Jeanne McNabney Kathryn Tigerstrom Matthias Menges George Timberlake & Kathy & Bill Migneron Susan Grose Paul Milakovich Megan C. Toal Kevin Miner Gayle Van Auken Ms. Ann M. Nigro* Shannon Vaughan Andrea Norris & Tom Beisecker Jeffrey & Alisha Walker Edward & Chris Null Barbara Weary Edward Null Matthew & Jane Webster* Mark & Lynne O’Connell Clyde & Katie Wendel Ms. Eilene Ording Paul Werp & Monica David Orrill Mitchell-Werp* Richard Owens Ms. Rose White Dr. Douglas A. Pearson Dr. Stephen & Diana Whitney Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Pentlin Richard & Barbara Williams Clayton Perkins Christian Wolfrum Juel Pierce John & Charlotte Wood William Porter Dr. & Mrs. John Yungmeyer* Ms. Virginia Powers Dr. Judith Zivanovic Jeanette Prenger* Ms. Maggie Presson Ms. Carolyn J. Price* Lauren Proehl Nanci Regan & Robert Lunn Ms. Sarah Roldan Edward & Charlotte Ronan Gigi & Gary Rose* Gisele Roy Ms. Erin Ryan INSTITUTIONAL GIVING Lyric Opera of Kansas City extends its deepest appreciation to all of the corporate, foundation, organization and government contributors who help support the Company’s productions and programs. We recognize annual giving to the Company and Lyric Opera Ball of $250 or more received between March 25, 2020 - March 24, 2021. *Denotes that contributions include giving to the Lyric Opera Ball OPERA PRESENTING SPONSORS Lyric Opera Guild Missouri Cultural Trust Saint Luke’s Health System The Sosland Foundation

IMPRESARIO ($5,000-$9,999) LYRIC OPERA UNDERWRITERS Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City ($100,000+) John and Edith E. Grow Trust Estate of Caroline McBride French Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm Hall Family Foundation Lyric Opera Circle CORPORATE COUNCIL ($2,500-$4,999) Lyric Opera of Kansas City ArtsKC Regional Arts Council Endowment Fund Craig Associates, PC Muriel I. Kauffman Fund for the DeBruce Foundation Lyric Opera of Kansas City Ioditech R. C. Kemper, Jr. Charitable Trust, UMB Bank, JE Dunn Construction Company n.a., Trustee EPR Properties William T. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB McCownGordon Construction Bank, n.a., Trustee Merrill Charitable Foundation, Inc.

RICHARD J. STERN SOCIETY ($50,000- CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SPONSORS $99,999) ($250-$2,499) E. Kemper Carter & Anna Curry Carter City of Lenexa, Kansas Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, Lawrence Lyric Opera Guild n.a., Trustee Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Husch Blackwell LLP (includes in-kind) Foundation MC Realty Group, LLC MAESTRO’S CIRCLE ($25,000-$49,999) JoAnn Meierhoff Charitable Foundation Francis Family Foundation The Parmelee Foundation, Inc. Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, Residence Inn Country Club Plaza UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Hallmark Corporate Foundation Enrichment Fund Lyric Opera of Kansas City - William The Trudy Foundation Randolph Hearst Endowed Fund TruPay Missouri Arts Council/Missouri Arts Council Trust Fund National Endowment for the Arts Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation J.B. Reynolds Foundation* William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank Trust

BEL CANTO ($10,000-$24,999) Cyr Family Charitable Fund H & R Block Foundation Lyric Opera of Kansas City Foundation - Polsky Fund ENCORE SOCIETY The Lyric Opera planned giving program allows you to share the gift of opera with future audiences and create a legacy of your own. Through the Encore Society, you support programs you are passionate about, and receive tax benefits for yourself and your estate. FOUNDING MEMBERS Mr. & Mrs. John Grow* Mrs. Madeline Benoit* Gary D. Harms Lyric Opera Guild Missouri Cultural Trust Mrs. Jacqueline Coen* John Kander Saint Luke’s Health System Mr. & Mrs. Bernard D. Craig Elizabeth Liftin* The Sosland Foundation Dr. Morton C. Creditor* & Virginia M. Long Mrs. Una Creditor Ann T. Reed IMPRESARIO ($5,000-$9,999) Mr. & Mrs. Don Dagenais Mr. & Mrs. Jack Rosenfield Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Mrs. Carolyn Dayani Lisa Sicola John and Edith E. Grow Trust Mrs. Ann K. Dickinson Mr. J. Michael Sigler Mdivani Corporate Immigration Law Firm Dr. Fred D. Fowler Mr. John J. Strandberg* Mrs. Caroline French* CORPORATE COUNCIL ($2,500-$4,999) Mr. Thomas Sotham* ArtsKC Regional Arts Council Mr. & Mrs. Keith Gard Dr. Wilma B. Wilcox Craig Associates, PC Mr. & Mrs. Joe A. Harter Ms. Paula Winans DeBruce Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Stephen H. Hill Mr. & Mrs. Jonah Wright Ioditech Joyce G. Holland JE Dunn Construction Company Mrs. Beth Ingram LEGACY MEMBERS EPR Properties Mr. & Mrs. H. Elvin Knight, Jr. Carolyn Banta McCownGordon Construction Dr. Revis Lewis* Merrill Charitable Foundation, Inc. Matt & Kate Beem Mr. Jack May & Dr. Rosalie Pompushko Craig & Dawn Evans CORPORATE & COMMUNITY SPONSORS Mr. & Mrs. Joe Miller Dr. Michael & Ginger Frost ($250-$2,499) Mrs. Vivian Menees Nelson* Hilda Gibbs Trust Fund - Rae Ann De City of Lenexa, Kansas Mr. & Mrs. L. Joshua Sosland Vargas Trustee* Lawrence Lyric Opera Guild Mrs. Alice Statland & Ken & Marilyn Hager Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting the late Dr. Harry Statland Mr. Richard Hill* Foundation Mr. & Mrs. C. Humbert Tinsman Lothar P. Kraus* MC Realty Group, LLC Ms. Julie Holmquist Dr. Melinda Estes & Dr. Harold Morris JoAnn Meierhoff Charitable Foundation Mr. Hal L. von Bohnhoff The Parmelee Foundation, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Doyle Patterson* Residence Inn Country Club Plaza Dwight Youngman Robert M. Suhre Foundation The Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music Steve & Linda Taylor Enrichment Fund CHARTER MEMBERS Thomas & Loren Whittaker The Trudy Foundation Mr. Bob Baughman* Annie Zinn* TruPay Mrs. Carolyn Gordanier *Deceased

For more information contact Jonathan Thomas, Senior Manager of Individual Giving, at (816) 802-6061 or visit kcopera.org/planned-giving. HONORS

In Honor of Steve & Linda Taylor Michael & Julie Kirk

MEMORIALS In Memory of Alan Boley Alice Blecha Ms. Elizabeth Core Pat & Don Dagenais Dave May Anne Fosen Ms. Jane Applebury Garrison Mr. Richard Givens Mr. Willis Grinstead Charles E. Hill, Charles A. Hill & Danita D. Hill Sheldon Levy Virginia M. Long Dave & Nan Wilson Jean Sears Ted & Elizabeth Templeton In Memory of Alan & Eleanor Boley Ioditech In Memory of Kenneth J. Doll Elaine Aaron Daniel & Kathleen Miller Mr. Michael Doll Pat & Don Dagenais Mrs. Beth Ingram In Memory of Caroline French Pat & Don Dagenais Evan R. Luskin & Andrea C. Kempf Anonymous Dr. Wilma B. Wilcox In Memory of Muriel Levinson Judy & Larry Deutch and Eric & Shanny Morgenstern In Memory of Kimla L. McHenry Pat & Don Dagenais Dr. Wilma B. Wilcox In Memory of Benjamin Sandler Kansas City Lyric Opera Guild In Memory of Evangeline “Babe” Thompson William & Alison Patterson LYRIC OPERA STAFF Deborah Sandler, General Director and CEO

FINANCE, ADMINISTRATION, & BUILDING SERVICES Jeffrey Walker, Chief Financial Officer Amy Peak, Human Resources Director Danny Boteler, Controller Melissa Roberts, Accounting Associate

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION Brad Trexell, Director of Artistic Administration Vinson Cole, Creative Consultant/Director, Resident Artist Program Piotr Wiśniewski, Head of Music Staff/Chorus Master

PRODUCTION Tracy Davis-Singh, Director of Production Brad Kanouse, Technical Director Mario Raymond, Assistant Technical Director & Lighting Supervisor Sarah Zsohar, Artist Services Manager

DEVELOPMENT Edward Sien, Chief Development Officer Jonathan Thomas, Senior Manager of Individual Giving Ed Matheny, Manager of Institutional Giving Shannon Rolle, Manager of Development Operations

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Gregory Campbell, Director of Marketing and Communications Noelle Talbot, Marketing Operations Manager Olivia Blackman, Marketing Communications Manager John Stefansen, Senior Manager of Ticketing and Patron Services Ellen McDonald, Publicity Consultant

LEGAL COUNSEL Benjamin Mann, Husch Blackwell LLP, General Counsel SEASON SUPPORT

Season Sponsors:

SPECIAL THANKS

Bob Kendrick, President, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Ray Doswell, Vice president of Curatorial Services, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Rashida Phillips, Executive Director, American Jazz Museum Gerald Dunn, Entertainment Director, American Jazz Museum Tim Scott, Executive Artistic Director, Musical Theater Heritage Mark Ferrell, KU-Lawrence Steve Rigazzi Paul Peterson Brad Austin, KCPT Deborah Sandler, General Director and CEO 1725 Holmes St., Kansas City, MO 64108