It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-1 #cupresents · @cupresents · @cupresents #cupresents Latecomers will be seated at the house Latecomers will be seated at the house discretion. manager’s of any type Photography and video recordings during the performance. prohibited strictly are CU Smoking is not permitted anywhere. campus! Boulder is a smoke-free PLEASE NOTE • • • Peter Dean Beck Ron Mueller Nnamdi Nwankwo Iain Court and Teri Wagner Iain Court and Teri Ann Piano Ann Piano Christie Conover Peter Dean Beck Christine Li John McKeever Christopher Denver Elizabeth Bowersox Sarah Opstad Demmon

by Philip Van Doren Stern Doren by Philip Van

Leigh Holman Carthy Leigh Nicholas Bud Coleman Bud

The Greatest Gift The Greatest

the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University by the Houston Grand in December 2016 Premiered Commissioned by the Houston Grand Opera Commissioned by the Houston Grand with Co-Commissioners San Francisco Opera and Music by Jake Heggie by Gene Scheer Libretto Based on the 1946 movie of the same name (by permission of Paramount Licensing Inc.) of the same name (by permission of Paramount Licensing Inc.) Based on the 1946 Frank Capra movie and minutes, including a 20-minute intermission. • This production will run approximately 150 150 will run approximately This production Second Assistant Director Assistant Conductor Assistant Production Assistant Choreographer Assistant Director Technical Director Technical Stage Manager Production Costume Designer Makeup/Hair/Wig Designer Choreographer Projection Designs Projection Lighting Designer Stage Director Music Director Scenic Designer An opera by Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer Jake Heggie and Gene Scheer An opera by It’s a Wonderful Life a Wonderful It’s It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-2 *Dance captains Jessica Ensemble Thomas Kim Joseph Board Members/Ensemble Bocchi Mr. Potter’sBerrios Henchman/Ensemble Sheriff/Ensemble Bank Examiner/Ensemble Teller/Ensemble Mrs. Delgado/Ensemble Mr. Delgado/Ensemble Mr. Rufino/Randal/Ensemble Mr. Martini/Ensemble Suitor/Ensemble A Man/SamWainwright/Ensemble A Woman/Ensemble Mrs. Thompson/Ensemble Mrs. O’Malley/Ensemble Ed/Ensemble People ofBedford Falls: A Voice Zuzu Bailey Tommy Bailey/Ensemble Young SamWainwright andJanieBailey Young Mary(ZuzuCover) Young Harry Young George Helen Bailey/Ensemble Mother Bailey Ernie/Ensemble Sam Andrew Berenice Bruckner Quartet ofWingedAngels,FirstClass Taylor Uncle BillyBailey Carrera Harry Bailey Mr. Potter Mary Hatch Clara George Bailey ROLE FRIDAY/SUNDAY Cast Erin Hodgson Sabina Balsamo Mutsumi Moteki Lou Abecassis Brandon “Tyler” Padgett Mara Riley Megan Pryor Etta McCurdy Nnamdi Nwankwo Constantine A Ferguson Mack Rodgers Patrick Bessenbacher Tanner Johnson Noah Williams Anna Hansil Thomas Bocchi Joseph Berrios David Starry Alex King Will Floss ·cupresents.org · 303-492-8008 Elizabeth Healy Asha Romeo Kelly Brendan Riordan Lutes* Leanne Rubinstein Helena Regan Tyler Vinnola

Christian Atherton Alexis Cairy KyleGriffin Christian Atherton Elizabeth Bowersox*

Harper Pillari Evan Stark John Harless Mary-Elizabeth “Liddy”Morain Natalie Simpson

SATURDAY

It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019

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Horn Dilon Bryan Kieran Scruggs Trumpet Buri Karen Trombone Kenny Ross Percussion Mallory Graves Chris Eagles Harp John McColley Piano Nathália Kato #cupresents · @cupresents · @cupresents #cupresents It’s George and Mary’s wedding day, day, wedding Mary’s and George It’s are the proud parents of three children: Janie, Janie, children: three of parents the proud are and Zuzu. They have been trying to do Tommy wishes he could have but George renovations, him of what Mary reminds given his family more. Falls. he has given the other citizens of Bedford Potter who has a meets with Mr. Next, George turns it down. It is now job offer for him. George Falls are II, and the men of Bedford War World takes it upon himself to stop Mr. Potter and Potter and takes it upon himself to stop Mr. college, sending Harry instead. He spends forgoes and Loan, four years looking after the Building are that Harry and Mary hearing of the adventures married college a having. Harry comes home from into Mary runs George man with a job offer in Troy. finally share while on a frustrated walk and they their feelings. Act II Fall 1929. about to leave on their honeymoon and they are when they see a mob outside of the Bailey the Bank Run of 1929 and Building and Loan. It’s trying to pull their panicking. They are people are not enough cash on hand. money out, but there’s to save the Building and Loan, Mary and In order to help. use their honeymoon savings George and Mary At the Old Granville House, George Double bass Luis Granda Portia Pray Flute/piccolo Grace Law Oboe/English horn Clayton Williams Clarinet/bass clarinet Gleyton Pinto Bassoon Anthony Federico Holly Sidney Lucy Rissman Viola Conrad Sclar Jaryn Danz Ariel Chien Thomas Maeda Cello Ramos Ernie Carbajal Emily Taylor Eliot Johnson Sun Mi Jin Clara, a second-class angel, Clara, a second-class angel,

competition, the Bailey Building and Loan. George competition, the Bailey Building and Loan. George Uncle Billy informing George that his father had a father had a that his Uncle Billy informing George father passes, the greedy George’s When stroke. to dissolve his Potter sees an opportunity Mr. at the dance, George and Mary end up at the Old and Mary end up at the Old at the dance, George Granville House and make wishes for the future. moment is interrupted by a frantic Their romantic to leave for college. Harry invites George to the to the to leave for college. Harry invites George high school dance, baiting him with the chance to run into Mary again. After falling into the pool revealed. Each door is a portal to a pivotal time in Each door is a portal to a pivotal time in revealed. his entire life, and Clara watches through George’s preparing at 22 years old, life. She sees George his hearing in one ear. his hearing in one ear. disappear and multiple doors are The children little brother Harry and childhood friends Sam and Harry and childhood friends Sam and little brother Harry falls into the ice play, As the children Mary. the expense of dives in to save him, at and George transported to an attic where she receives a hat a hat she receives transported to an attic where time. A hatch opens and ushers that can control playing with his in a scene of a young George He is standing on a bridge preparing to jump. to jump. He is standing on a bridge preparing angel guardian Clara is assigned to be George’s to save him and earn wings. Clara is in order her hears the prayers of the people from the town of the town of hears the prayers of the people from a man Bailey, Falls. They pray for George Bedford and aspirations. that has lost sight of his dreams Synopsis Act I Eve night. Natalie Smith Sophia Thaut Jenna Kramer Violin 2 Mackenzie Hoffman Jackson Bailey Lindey Hoak An Tran Laena Batchelder Ben Ehrmantraut Violin 1 Ono Yukina Ingrid Anderson Orchestra It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-4 character ofthe piece. refine, change anddigdeepintothemusic and used thetalentsofoursingers andmusiciansto (CU NOW).Fornearlythree weeksinBoulder, they participate inoursummer NewOperaWorkshop friends) JakeHeggieand Gene Scheeragreed to renowned composer-librettist team(andmydear so thrilled,whenin2016,theinternationally the great importanceofourownlives.Iwas own value,puttingthingsinperspective,and an importantmessage:community, family, our I watchedtogethereachChristmas.Ithassuch the mostbelovedholidayfilmsmyparents and Jimmy Stewart Like manyofyou,theFrankCaprafilmstarring with wouldhavebeenabletoopenthem. closed, andnooneyouwentthrough thesedoors sad times,goodtimes—wouldhaveallbeen doors ofourlives—birth,graduation,marriage, a babycarriageacross thestreet. Thedifferent stopping themfrom collidingwithamompushing friends, andeventhepersonyouoncehonkedat, the peoplethatwouldhavebeenaffected:family, Justthinkofall What ifyou’dneverbeenborn? By LeighHolman Stage director’s note herwingsandbecomesanangel,first-class. earns Building andLoan.Clara,havingsavedGeorge, their lives,andagenerous cashadvancesavesthe rushing intotellGeorge howmuchhehashelped AllofBedfordChristmas morning. Fallscomes everyone’s lives,George snapsbackto reality on Understanding theimpacthehasmadein reality withouthim.alternate ClaragrantsthiswishandGeorgeborn. seesan his guardian angelandwishes he’dneverbeen George pullsherout.Hedoesn’t believesheis leaps intothewatertodeterGeorge from jumping. is standingatthebridgepreparing tojump.She Clara isnowcaughtuptospeedaswhyGeorge Potter forabailout,whichMr. Potterdenies. the BuildingandLoanatrisk,George goestoMr. the BuildingandLoanthatMr. Pottersteals.With Uncle Billylosestrackofan$8,000depositfor prepares forhishomecoming.Intheexcitement, the Congressional Medal ofHonor, andeveryone well, butcannotduetohisearinjury. Harrywins headed offtofight.George wisheshecouldgoas It’s aWonderful Life ·cupresents.org · 303-492-8008 wasoneof

have certainlychangedmine. George BaileychangedlivesinBedford Falls.They men havechangedlivesatEklundOpera,justas and willcomebackagainnextsummer. Thesetwo collaborating onworkshopsfortheirnewpieces gift ofall.TheyhaveblessedCUtwicenow, Gene brought toourstudents wasthegreatest Most ofall,thejoy, loveandcare thatJakeand warming workthisfall.) jumped atthechancetofullyproduce thisheart- a lifetimewhensingingforthem.(I,ofcourse, and ourstudentsingershadtheopportunityof companies cametoBoulderheartheworkshop conductor andrepresentatives from these and SanFranciscoOpera.Thestagedirector, by HoustonGrandOpera,IndianaUniversity which wastobeaco-production commissioned chose CUtoworkwiththemonthisnewwork, I was,ofcourse,honored thatJakeandGene romantic voice, andoftenbeingdashed against left manycomposers adrift,tryingtofind a(post-) had leftthem.Thediffering dogmasinmusichad legacies thathistoryandthe riseofmodernism trying tosynthesizeallthe variousstrandsand to mebeatimewhere manycomposerswere Much ofthelatterpart the 20thcenturyseemed So whatisitthatmakessospecial? wishlist. it hasbeenatthetopofmycontemporaryopera the CUNewOperaWorkshop (CUNOW)in2016, Life Jake HeggieandGeneScheer’s andperformit. you cannotwaittolearn that issobeautifullycrafted,andengaging, come across anewlycomposedpieceofmusic (or anymusician,really) isthatoccasionallyyou One ofthegreat joysofbeinganoperaconductor By NicholasCarthy Music director’s note —Gene Scheer, who hasfriends.” “No matterhowyourstoryends,nooneisafailure today. For… the better?Pleasecelebratethosepeoplewithus Who hasmadeapowerfulchangeinyourlifefor issuchapiece.Sincehearingsnippetsofitin It’s aWonderful Life It’s aWonderful

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in and and , and , and . Her . Her . The Marriage The Marriage . Hodgson . Hodgson Rusalka Damn Yankees West Side Story Story Side West . She has also . She has also (Nicely Nicely (Nicely Nicely The Little Mermaid (Frank Butler), (Frank Butler), and this summer. this summer. (Chorus). He has also also (Chorus). He has and as Filipievna in and as Filipievna in The Merry Widow Eugene Onegin Hobson’s Choice Hobson’s Gloria Le Nozze di Figaro , soprano, is currently , soprano, is currently #cupresents · @cupresents · @cupresents #cupresents (Beast) and and associate directed and associate directed Turandot It’s All Greek to Me All Greek It’s Guys and Dolls last fall. Bowersox performed performed Bowersox last fall. . She recently appeared as Ms. as Ms. appeared . She recently , Tatianna in , Tatianna Lully’s Armide Lully’s The Turn of the Screw The Turn . She appeared with Eklund Opera with Eklund Opera . She appeared and Vivaldi’s and Vivaldi’s Eugene Onegin West Side Story West Annie Get Your Gun Annie Get Your with Eklund Opera. Recently she was with Eklund Opera. Recently she was , mezzo-soprano, appeared as a soloist for as a soloist for appeared , mezzo-soprano, West Side Story West Ms. Jessel in has also assistant directed and Ariodante selected to participate in a new music program, she studied under Anssi Dialogues, where Creative Karttunen, Kaija Saariaho and Daniel Belcher. include Countess in Upcoming roles of Opera Express Company that includes Company that includes of Opera Express form Mozart’s repertoire Don Giovanni as Anita in Eugene Onegin Cipullo’s Hepworth in Tom She is a student of the CU New Opera Workshop. Jennifer Bird. Harry) A FERGUSON (Young CONSTANTINE Universal, an 12 years old and attending Boulder School District. He online school in Boulder Valley of the has been a student at the Actors Academy Performing Arts and played in a theater For the past two summers, he attended Camp at Interlochen Summer Arts camp program and performed in ERIN HODGSON (Clara) an artist diploma student at the University She has sung with The of Colorado Boulder. Minnesota Opera in Eklund Opera include Mrs. Lovett in with roles Sweeney Todd West Side Story Side Story West Festival’s Miami Music in of Lucinde the role of production Garland. Andrew is a student of Bowersox Angel, First Class) (Winged SAM BRUCKNER University of student at the voice a sophomore in two shows He has performed Colorado Boulder. Program: with the Eklund Opera (Diesel) and been involved in Johnson), Beauty and the Beast of Matthew Chellis. He is a student (Joe Hardy). (Winged Angel, First BERENICE CARRERA Class) Conservatory the first time along with the National performing the Pergolesi’s orchestra of Ecuador’s Stabat Mater productions performed as a soloist in different A in ,

is , and and is a is a and Polly and Polly , Raoul , Raoul Bernarda Alba The Yeomen of the of the The Yeomen . Her other recent . Her other recent Eugene Onegin Ariodante with the Cleveland with the Cleveland premiered the role the role premiered The Merry Widow with the Baldwin Wallace with the Baldwin Wallace , and the Governess in The Pirates of Penzance with Eklund Opera; and with Eklund Opera; and , as well as various chorus , as well as various chorus , and Elsie in with Pittsburgh Festival Opera; Festival Opera; with Pittsburgh , Lurcanio in , Lurcanio . She was also seen as Anita in . She was also seen as Anita in Hobson’s Choice Hobson’s Dialogues of the Carmelites Sweeney Todd Verlorene Heimat Verlorene , West Side Story West Ruddigore with the Pittsburgh Savoyards; Fredrika in Fredrika Savoyards; with the Pittsburgh

The Merry Widow The Threepenny Opera The Threepenny Die Zauberflöte of Music. Bowersox has been in the chorus of Music. Bowersox has been in the chorus of Eklund Opera productions Ariodante ELIZABETH BOWERSOX (Helen Bailey) senior studying vocal performance at the College in under the Eklund Opera. He is currently with roles guidance of Matthew Chellis. year in vocal performance. final undergraduate in performed as Tony Bessenbacher Previously, Side Story West PATRICK BESSENBACHER (George Bailey) BESSENBACHER (George PATRICK Overland Park, Kansas. He is in his a tenor from Opera. She will be appearing in Cleveland Opera Opera Opera. She will be appearing in Cleveland of production premiere Theater’s She is a student of John Seesholtz. January. Blanche in in Little Night Music Maria in of the Screw The Turn roles include: Mabel in roles Rose in Guard of Anne in cast of Opera Theater and was in the workshop Cipullo’s Tom Personnel SABINA BALSAMO (Clara) storyline can combine into something very magical very magical storyline can combine into something indeed. something to be destroyed, in others), Heggie and in others), Heggie and something to be destroyed, opera can be, and how the Scheer show us how and a timely yet classic music synthesis of words, of opera is seen in the genre And even though (and even to be an anachronism some circles witness and to be involved in a truly explosive involved in a truly explosive witness and to be And one of the of classical music. renaissance is Jake Heggie. renaissance leading lights of this In short, we have entered a new era of classical of classical a new era we have entered In short, and and accessible that is engaging music. Music thrilling to be able to it is really exciting. For me, and new voices were found that were able to to able found that were voices were and new find strands, to all these musical bring together modern for the era. romanticism an unashamed the rocks of modernism for their trouble. Toward Toward modernism of trouble. for their the rocks to change, began this 20th century of the the end It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-6 two brothers, twodogs,fishanda lizard. Woods Elementaryandliveswithhermom,dad, from Arvada,Colorado,isinthird gradeatWest cast of Mary) MARY-ELIZABETH “LIDDY”MORAIN(Young of theStarsCompetition(K-2vocal). for boththeregional andstatelevelsoftheNight sing andact,wasthe2019firstplacewinner Wonka Jr. Paroo), Her stagecredits include at TheStudioSchoolinNorthglenn,Colorado. ETTA McCURDY (Zuzu) studied underMathewChellisandSarahBarber. his role asActionIn second performancewithEklundOperaafter engineering. Heisthrilledtobeactinginhis studying vocalperformanceandaerospace BRENDAN LUTES(Ernie) with MatthewChellis. vocal performanceandpedagogy. Kingstudies continuing hiseducationbypursuingaDMAin Completing hismaster’s inspring2019,heis and inhisfree timeheenjoyshikingandfishing. of Wisconsin,hehasapassionfortheoutdoors, in March 2020.Originallyfrom thenorthwoods featured soloistforBoulder’s SeicentoEnsemble production of Ariodante Flute perform inproductions of performance. Hehashadtheopportunityto to Boulderpursuegraduatestudiesinvocal ALEX KING(UncleBillyBailey) Chellis. incredible show. JohnsonstudieswithMatthew for thisamazingopportunitytoperform Story Springfield LittleTheatre’s production of with SpringfieldRegionalOpera,andTony in His recent credits includethetitlerole of degree atDruryUniversity inSpringfield,Missouri. student atCU.Hecompletedhisundergraduate first yearMasterofMusicinvocalperformance TANNER JOHNSON(GeorgeBailey) Jennifer Bird-Arvidsson and MatthewChellis. of Figaro , . Johnsonwouldliketothankhisprofessors isextremely proud and excited tojointhe The MerryWidow It’s aWonderful Life Beauty andtheBeastJr. withEklundOpera.Hodgsonstudies (Ensemble).McCurdy lovestodance, , andmostrecently, EklundOpera’s The Turn oftheScrew West SideStory ·cupresents.org · 303-492-8008 , , age7,isasecondgrader Sweeney Todd Music ManJr. isasenioratCU Carmen . Morain,whohails , tenor, moved (Chip)and , The Magic . Hewillbea . Luteshas isacurrent (Marian , West Side Candide Willy

world premiere of Nwankwo madehisdebutin2018directing the soloist withBachSocietyHouston.Asadirector, of Houston,Texas, hewasalsoamemberand and TheImpresario in Zauberflöte Hänsel andGretel Guglielmo in Some ofhisrecent operatic credits include directing debutwithEklund Operathisseason. Director) NNAMDI NWANKWO (HarryBailey/Assistant and dreaming ofhernext theatre role. Parks Pirhanasswimteam,playingwithherfriends Morain spendsherfree time swimmingfortheFive Morelli inArvadaandhas takenpianolessons. student ofdanceandmusicaltheatre atMoveby Gulliver’s Travels the MissoulaChildren’s Theatre productions of Her pasttheatre experience includesroles in reading horror novelsandpracticingkarate. singing, sheenjoyssoccer, playing hertrumpet, Alice inWonderland The LittleMermaid roles havebeenin Performing ArtsandPeanut ButterPlayers.Her preschool andhasrecently performedwithBoulder Studies. Shehasbeenactingsinceshewasin grader atBoulderCommunitySchoolofIntegrated HARPER PILLARI(Young SamandJanie) Garland. and GeneScheer. PadgettstudieswithAndrew told through theinnovativepowerofJakeHeggie part oftheclassicstory Ward’s Pirates ofPenzance credentials alsoincludeThePirateKingin Eugene Onegin Hobson’s Choice roles beingAlbertProsser inTom Cippulo’s production withEklundOpera,hismostrecent performance. ThiswillbePadgett’s fourth is asecondyearmaster’s studentinvocal BRANDON “TYLER”PADGETT (Mr. Potter) Boulder, studyingunderJohnSeesholtz. degree invoiceperformanceandpedagogy atCU Nwankwo isnowinthefirstyearofhismaster’s F. AustinStateUniversity, withaminorinmusic. in theatricalperformance&directing from Stephen Houston playwrightNickPinelli.Hereceived hisBA The Crucible makeshisperformingandassistant (OperaintheHeights,Houston), Così fantutte . Padgett’s pastperformance and andthetitlerole inTchiakovsky’s Ricardo andJulia , 2ndArmored Manin , How TheCamelGotHisHump andJohnProctor inRobert . Whensheisnotactingand Elf . Padgettisexcitedtobea Pinnochio Viva LaMamma , The LionKing , TheFatherin It’s aWonderful Life . Sheisalsoa , anewplayby , . Anative Wicked Die The is afifth and as as

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It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 . . , C-7 (The (The Frida and and Requiem The Turn The Turn , an opera- is a second- ) and Tony ) and Tony is a junior at the is a junior at the . At CU he has . At CU he has Amahl and the Night Amahl and the Night Tosca . He is a member of Eklund . He is a member of Eklund #cupresents · @cupresents · @cupresents #cupresents The Turn of the Screw The Turn La liberazione di Ruggiero La liberazione di Ruggiero Hobson’s Choice Hobson’s Eugene Onegin ), Kaspar ( ) with USU Opera; and Ivan ) with Eklund Opera; Il Contino ) with Eklund Opera; Il Contino and Verdi’s and Verdi’s , and the title role of Handel’s of Handel’s title role , and the . Taylor studies with Matthew studies with Matthew . Taylor , Madame Larina in Tchaikovsky’s Larina in Tchaikovsky’s , Madame ) with Opera Outreach Quartet. Taylor Quartet. Taylor ) with Opera Outreach West Side Story West ), and Astolfo ( . Natalie also greatly enjoyed her directorial enjoyed her directorial . Natalie also greatly West Side Story West La finta giardiniera Chellis. Bailey) TYLER VINNOLA (Tommy pursuing a BM in University of Colorado Boulder, with has performed vocal performance. Vinnola Central City Opera in such shows as Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi concert, Songs been involved in the Henry Purcell Arab in Opera Theater Singers. program, outreach Opera’s of Alejandro/Ford/ he sang the role This summer, of production in Opera Steamboat’s Trotsky Starry will make his professional This November, Symphony oratorio debut with the Rockford of Mozart’s in their production Orchestra beauty with his He loves exploring Colorado’s studies with wife Kathy and their dog Lulu. Starry Matthew Chellis. (Winged Angel, First Class) ANDREW TAYLOR in the second year of his master’s is currently in vocal performance and pedagogy. program Lensky ( Past roles: ( ( Visitors dall’isola d’Alcina Music Shop soloist in the Xi’an International was a featured Choral Festival. He was also a soloist in the Utah album, recent State University Chamber Singer’s Amazing Grace NATALIE SIMPSON (Winged Angel, First Class) Angel, (Winged SIMPSON NATALIE in cello degree a bachelor holds native, a Boulder her Now in Adelphi University. from performance voice. Roles performed mastering in second year in Eklund Opera’s Grose include Mrs. of the Screw Eugene Onegin Xerxes scenes showcase and debut in the Fall 2018 with CU NOW’s director working as assistant of 2019 production Cipullo. Next year she by Tom in-progress performing opportunities intends to seek further internationally as well as at home. She is delighted with John Seesholtz and to continue studying Boulder. Abigail Nims at CU (Uncle Billy Bailey) STARRY DAVID performance year Master of Music student in vocal Eklund Opera credits His recent at CU Boulder. include Peter Quint in ,

H.M.S H.M.S Sweeney Sweeney . Previous . Previous . She’d . She’d . She was . She was ) and Cleo ) and Cleo Amahl and Amahl and , mezzo- each and every each and every Eugene Onegin , soprano, was was , soprano, The Turn of the Screw The Turn is pursuing a double is pursuing a double is a sophomore BM vocal BM vocal is a sophomore ). This past summer, Riordan Riordan ). This past summer, The Merry Widow Le Nozze di Figaro It’s a Wonderful Life a Wonderful It’s , Flora in The Turn of The Screw The Turn . Favorite past roles performed performed . Favorite past roles as Geetar and , The Beggar Woman in , The Beggar Woman It’s a Wonderful Life a Wonderful It’s and the Mother in Menotti’s and the Mother in Menotti’s , and JouJou in West Side Story Side West The Most Happy Fella studies with Matthew Chellis. NAfME All-National Choir in November 2018. NAfME All-National Choir in November 2018. scholarship for Outstanding He was awarded Rodgers 2018-19 academic year. Freshman West Side Story West He attended the Interlochen as a chorus member. Center for the Arts for the summer of 2016 and MACK RODGERS (Ed) He has major. performance and astrophysics performed in two prior Eklund Opera productions: debut as Mother Bailey. Riordan studies with studies with Riordan debut as Mother Bailey. Abigail Nims. ( took second place at the national competition of to make her Eklund Opera She is excited NATS. Pinafore the Night Visitors include Cherubino ( her MM in performance and pedagogy here at at here her MM in performance and pedagogy performed the roles Riordan CU. This past year, in Gilbert and Sullivan’s of Little Buttercup soprano, has been praised for her “exuberant “exuberant soprano, has been praised for her Originally honesty” on stage (The Pantagraph). is pursuing the suburbs of Chicago, Riordan from and Jennifer Bird-Arvidsson. RIORDAN (Mother Bailey) KELLY with the CU Symphony Orchestra and University and University with the CU Symphony Orchestra Jennings Singers. Riley is a student of Christina as one of National Semifinalist. She was selected Musicians Foundation of the artists of the Young she performs Colorado for 2019-20. This semester, and Mary Hatch in Scholarship Vocal a winner of the Undergraduate well as a NATS Competition in 2018 and 2019, as performance. Roles with BM in flute and vocal included “A girl” (“Somewhere”) Eklund Opera have in Christmas. Pryor studies with Matthew Chellis. Christmas. Pryor Hatch) MARA RILEY (Mary Todd performance to her mother, like to dedicate this who watches Miles in Eklund’s Miles in Eklund’s in Opera include Anybodys with Eklund roles Story Side West currently in the third year of her undergraduate of her undergraduate year in the third currently of Music is pursuing a Bachelor at CU. She here as appeared She most recently theatre. in musical MEGAN PRYOR (Mary Hatch) (Mary PRYOR MEGAN born in California is She in Colorado. raised and It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-8 Midsummer Night’s Dream Giovanni opera credits are productions around NorthAmerica.Amonghis Opera for25seasonsandmore than300 has designedsceneryandlightingforEklund PETER DEANBECK(SetandLightingDesigner) Theatre KidsandBoulderDinnerTheatre. drama classesatJestersTheatre, RockyMountain Romeo andJuliet (Karl Kreator). St.Vrain Shakespeare inthePark: Mountain Theatre Kids: White andtheSevenDwarves (Mike Teavee), Twist Longmont, Colorado.JestersDinnerTheatre: grade studentatBlueMountainElementaryin NOAH WIL John Seesholtz. future. Vinnola studieswithMatthewChellisand is lookingforward tocontinuing todosointhe to performinantherCUBoulderproduction and of TheScrew most recent role wasasMilesinBritten’s of EastAsiaconcert,and , , Bonn,EugeneandTel Aviv. He , ,,Winterthur, , Carthy hasconductedopera productions inVienna, inParis,ChicagoandBayreuth. and SirGeorg SoltiattheSalzburg Festivalandto served asmusicalassistant toBernardHaitink studied attheMozarteuminSalzburg, Austria.He is nowinhis16thseasonwithEklundOpera.He NICHOLAS CARTHY (MusicDirector/Conductor) and includes for SkylightMusicTheatre. Hisworkfordance Misérables Roof His musicaltheatre credits include Cav/Pag Rusticana a doublebillof designer for32seasons.InAsia,hedesigned Hawaii OperaTheatre, where hehasbeenprincipal Algiers productions of Opera andChautauquaOpera.Hehasdesigned Grand Opera,Glimmerglass Opera,Virginia for suchcompaniesasAtlantaOpera,Florida The , (Oliver), The SoundofMusic , Macbeth inMacauand , The IndigoGirlsProject forSakaiCityOperainJapanandlit Madama Butterfly , LIAMS (Young GeorgeBailey) The Wizard ofOz . Heisverygratefulforthischance Charlie andtheChocolateFactory Jungle Book Andrea Chenier The Nightingale , (Tybalt). Williamshasattended Falstaff Elektra forBalletHawaii. ·cupresents.org · 303-492-8008 Don Carlo James andtheGiantPeach , and Eugene Onegin Turandot , and (Tabaqui), The MusicMan , Hansel andGretel and (Huntsman).Rocky Tristan andIsolde , and Roméo etJuliétte The ItalianGirlin forAtlantaBallet inHongKong. Into theWoods , Fiddler onthe Cavalleria Manon Snow . His isasixth The Turn , , Les Don Oliver , for

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2018, 2019),and the CFIoperasforCUNOW(2015,2016,2017, Hot andCole as Frosch in to workagainwithEklundOpera,mostrecently BUD COLEMAN(Choreographer) uncurbable enthusiasmformusicandhistory. to beheard ontheradio, spreading around his of Coloradoandbeyond,isoccasionally well-known forhispubliclectures attheUniversity SummerSchoolinNorway.International Heis of theHelgelandSinfoniettaandToppen and theMusikverein . Heismusicdirector Suntory Hall,Wigmore Hall, theBolshoiTheatre of theworld’s greatHall, halls,includingCarnegie a collaborativepianisthehasperformedinmany Napoli andtheAccademiaFilarmonicaRoma.As Orchestra RAIdiTorino, Orchestra SanCarlodi Symphony, Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, has conductedorchestras, includingtheColorado inaugural CU NOW. many roles withCUOperaandsinginginthe area musicians.Conoverfondlyremembers her opportunities toCUBoulder musicalumniand a houseconcertseriesproviding performance and runstheFineTuned Society ofColorado: Student sponsorfrom yearspast,sheco-founded others. WithMargot Crowe, herCUAdopt-a- and ColoradoSpringsPhilharmonic,among Colorado Symphony, ColoradoMusicFestival, Opera, OperaColoradoandconcertswiththe roles withKomischeOperBerlin,Minnesota In heractivesolocareer shehasperformedlead mater asproduction assistantforEklundOpera. wears manyhats,havingreturnedtoheralma CHRISTIE CONOVER(Production Assistant) University inTokyo. at Waseda UniversityandKyoritsuWomen’s was selectedtobea2009-10FulbrightLecturer Fiddler ontheRoof directing andchoreographing theThaipremiere of Department CulturalEnvoyprogram, aswell Russia, undertheauspicesofU.S.State including themusical and choreographed manymusicalsandoperas, Kinesis, andBalletAustin.Colemanhasdirected Trockadero deMonteCarlo,FortWorth Ballet, Coleman isaformerdancerwithLesBallets Chair oftheDepartmentTheatre &Dance, at theUniversityofColoradoBoulderandformer Summer Lyric Operaseries.Aprofessor oftheatre Die Fledermaus . Othercredits includedirecting A GrandNightforSinging atMahidolUniversity. Coleman Company and directing inVladivostok, ishonored Red in the It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-9

is . In 2016, . In 2016, Eugene Eugene , balances a a balances . As well-suited to . As well-suited to #cupresents · @cupresents · @cupresents #cupresents , MFA, is a local theatre is a local theatre , MFA, West Side Story West The Pirates of Penzance Turn of the Screw Turn and as the assistant conductor for Piedmont Opera in as the assistant conductor for Piedmont Opera in he made In 2018, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. his conducting debut with the company in their of production McKeever shadowed the American Ballet Theatre’s Opera at the spring season at the Metropolitan principal conductor. invitation of the company’s He earned a Bachelor of Music in double bass JENNIFER MELCHER GALVIN (Scenic (Scenic JENNIFER MELCHER GALVIN Master) Artist/Props CU This is her 13th season with professional. Eklund Opera Boulder as the scenic artist for the and as a stage manager for Macky Program from Auditorium Concert Hall. She is originally often. she visits her family Lenexa, Kansas, where graduate work was a study of scenic Galvin’s University, design and painting at Illinois State to internduring which time she was blessed with in Chicago. Her hobbies Steppenwolf Theatre In 2010, include fiction, needlecraft and hiking. pilgrimage Galvin walked 400 miles of an ancient Northern across Spain called the Camino road and de Santiago. She thanks her cat Nutmeg husband Peter for their love and support. JOHN McKEEVER (Assistant Conductor) pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in orchestral conducting at the University of Colorado Boulder. As a graduate teaching assistant he is the director He also serves as an of the Campus Orchestra. assistant and cover conductor for the Boulder 2012-18, McKeever served Philharmonic. From LEIGH HOLMAN (Stage Director) (Stage HOLMAN LEIGH career directing stage professional and teaching years, recent In States and abroad. in the United the Pafos debuts at directing she has made Montréal de in Cyprus, L’Opéra Festival Aphrodite Recent CU Boulder Grand Opera. and Florida include productions Onegin as she is to traditional works, new operatic works workshops directed and Holman has produced with composers and of in association Heggie, Gene Scheer, including Jake librettists, Adamo, Colm Cipullo, Mark Campbell, Mark Tom Lori Laitman, Kirke Mechem, Libby Larsen, Toibin, Robert Aldridge, Daniel Kellogg, Herschel Garfein, Dave Mason. As the founder Alberto Caruso and New of CU Boulder’s director and artistic/general she continues to (CU NOW), Opera Workshop collaboration the creation, passionately promote of new American works. and production , , , , ,

, . He . He Agents Agents Rusalka , Fosse . . For more . For more Swan Swan Don Don Beautiful Beautiful Die Die , , , and Le nozze di Le nozze di The Merry The Merry received received La Bohème , , , Little Shop Little Shop Spring Spring has lit works lit works has , , The Departed Circus Couture Circus , , Dick Pix All Roads Lead All Roads Lead , Rumpelstiltskin Die Zauberflöte Die , . His work with Bob . His work with Bob , Annie Get Your Gun Annie Get Your Appointment with Death South Pacific Julius Caesar The Music Man Sex and The City , , Matthew Bourne’s , Matthew Bourne’s , , , and , Fiddler On the Roof A Chorus Line , christopherdenver.com , Il barbiere di Siviglia Il barbiere , La La Land Hamlet Trial By Jury Trial , Les Mamelles de Tirésias , , Falstaff , a Colorado native, has called NYC has called NYC , a Colorado native, . Gregson also served as Production also served as Production . Gregson , and The Mikado Romeo and Juliet , Oz the Great and Powerful Oz the Great , Kiss Me Kate , , Shop Supervisor at the University of Denver. Mackie includes the concert tours of Cher, Pink, Pink, Mackie includes the concert tours of Cher, Diana Ross and Barry Mitzi Gaynor, Tina Turner, as the Costume works currently Gregson Manilow. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Mind Oblivion The Sound of Music Lake films, including has worked on over 30 feature Supervisor for the Principal Ladies Costume Shop Supervisor for the Principal Ladies Costume Shop theatre Opera. His professional at the Metropolitan of productions Broadway include credits York City. Some of his television credits include include Some of his television credits City. York Night Live Saturday of Shield his BFA in costume design from the University the University in costume design from his BFA began career of South Dakota. His professional New and the Costume Collection in at Juilliard information, visit GREGSON (Costume Draper) KELLY Figaro The Sound of Music Awakening of Horrors Widow The Devil and Daniel Webster Giovanni Fledermaus to the Kurski Station Babes In Arms Bares Broadway CHRISTOPHER DENVER (Production Stage Stage (Production CHRISTOPHER DENVER Manager) Selected: home for 14 years. the director of dance production for the CU the CU for of dance production the director Dance. & Department of Theatre He is also a director and performer working with performer working with and He is also a director and musicals. Court has a devised performance new artists. He is currently passion for mentoring North America. He is particularly interested in in interested He is particularly North America. exploring new media performance, collaborative and other companies. with Igneous these areas riverbanks and in haunted houses, as well as as houses, as well and in haunted riverbanks and other lighting in dance His many theatres. and Asia, Europe Australia, has toured genres IAIN COURT (Projection Designer) (Projection COURT IAIN on tents, circus caves, churches, in medieval It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-10 Deity Design” Award for Now. In2012,she wonaTrue West “BestCostume of Music,BenchmarkTheater, and Performance current professional credits includeLamontSchool designed forOperaSteamboat since2016.Other for Bravo!Vail’s production of This summerPianocoordinated thecostumes Colorado andisgoingintoher17thseason. time. Sheisthecostumecoordinator forOpera to beworkingwiththeEklundOperaforfirst ANN PIANO(CostumeDesigner) The HistoryChannel. Repertory, CNN,FoxNewsDC,CW2Denverand Theatre Company, Hartford Stage, SouthCoast Denver Center, ArvadaCenter, NorthCarolina Minnesota Opera,OperaCarolina, AtlantaOpera, of theRockies,OperaOmaha,UtahOpera, companies: CentralCityOpera,OperaTheater Opera, Virginia. Shehasworked forthefollowing Madama Butterfly Symposiums atColoradoCollegeanddesigned the KennedyCenter. ShetaughtfortheVocal Arts Wizard ofOz for ColoradoBallet’s wig mistress andspecialeffectsmakeupartist seasons; assistantdesignerfor makeup coordinator forOperaColorado’s last16 Gretel Cinderella include buildinganddesigningLongBeachBallet’s honored tofollowinhisfootsteps.Recentworks worked underTom Robbinsfor10yearsandis and MakeupDesigner) SARAH ANNETTEOPSTAD DEMMON(Wig Theatre. Shakespeare Festivaland Boulder’s Dinner Festival, Bravo!Vail MusicFestival,Colorado Ensemble Theatre Company, Crested ButteMusic Skylight OperaTheatre, Opera Colorado,Boulder Walking La Traviata Opera productions include with EklundOperafor21seasons.Hispast RON MUELLER(Technical Director) batons whilelisteningto“golden-age”musicals. McKeever isawoodworkerwhoenjoysmaking School oftheArts.AnativeAnchorage,Alaska, conducting attheUniversityofNorthCarolina performance andaMasterofMusicinorchestral atTheCurious Theatre Company. In2009, forOperaSteamboat;associatewigand . Hisotherprofessional credits include ; designing , Sweeney Todd , andWashington Ballet’s and The ElaborateEntranceOf Chad Don Quixote Rusalka Don Giovanni ·cupresents.org · 303-492-8008 returns toCUwhere she and The Rake’s Progress , Tosca Frida Dead Man Barber ofSeville isdelighted , Nutcracker , . Shehas forCastleton Hansel and has been Dracula ,

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; collaborative pianofrom theUniversityofMichigan Haute Symphony. adoctoratein Regerearned Symphonia, theCarmelSymphonyandTerre played intheVirginia Symphony, theWilliamsburg Recife, Brazil,andatIndianaUniversity. Hehas the West, atChristopherNewportUniversityin Previously, hetaughtattheMusicAcademyof joined theCUBoulderfacultyasavocalcoach. Opera andAspenTheater. Herecently Theater, MillCityOpera,MinnesotaSkylark Virginia Opera,EugeneHawaiiOpera career. Hehasservedonthemusicstaffof maintains anactiveperformingandcoaching Coach) JEREMY REGER(ChorusMasterandVocal Missouri, withaminorinfineart. fashion designfrom Stephens College,Columbia, Miner’s AlleyPlayhouse.Pianoreceived aBFA in Design” HenryAward for she wasnominatedforan“OutstandingCostume MFA atCUBoulder. and program coordinator oftheExperienceDesign the CUproduction of performance designprojects, mostrecently on collaborated withIainCourtandothersonmany the UnitedStates,Europe andAustralia.Shehas shown andshehastaughtattheuniversitylevelin disciplinary artistandeducator. Herworkhasbeen TERI WAGNER (Projection Designer) under MartinKatz. , international pianistandeducator,, international Hair Enchanged April . Sheiscurrently faculty isamulti- at at

It’s a Wonderful Life: Nov. 15-17, 2019 C-11 #cupresents · @cupresents · @cupresents #cupresents Sound Engineer Dan Sjaastad Spot Operators Lana Pivarnik JD Rogers Operator Light Board Reed Otto Pit Manager Scott Wickam of Production Assistant Director JP Osnes staff Music Coach Vocal Head Reger Jeremy Coach Vocal Moteki Mutsumi Pianists Rehearsal Alaina DeBellvue Barbie Noyes Nathália Kato Macky crew Tech Master AV Manager and Production Barrett Richard ASM (Sound) Manager and Production Isetts Trevor Master Electrician Chris Evans Rail Operator Ben Smith Alison Milan Costume Stitchers Julia Deutsch Alie Holden Alie Holden Sara Rutherford Wardrobe Head Wardrobe Alison Milan Costume Assistants Sarah Opstad Demmon Costume Draper Kelly Gregson Whitney Wolanin Photoshoot Hair and Makeup Stylist Hair and Wig Assistant Hubregsen Tanner Wig and Makeup Assistant Jennifer Melcher Galvin Head Hair Stylist Sarah Opstad Demmon Lelah Radostis Hand Properties Scenic Artist Scenic Artist Jennifer Melcher Galvin Assistant Scenic Artist Dan Sjaastad and Operator Supertitles Creator Barbie Noyes Drew Knapp Drew Andy Koenig Bryce Taylor Ben Smith Carpenters Nawledge Brewington Nawledge Williams Courtney Master Carpenter Assistant Technical Director Technical Assistant Jeff Rusnak Stage Managers Assistant staff Production A Broadway A musical created by Kathy Feininger CU Theatre & Dance Nov. 15-Dec. 8, University Theatre What the dickens happened to Scrooge? He sings (show tunes), he dances (time steps and classic Fosse), he turns into a ham (and we’re not talking spiral-cut). In an event that’s perfect for both the young and young at heart, ’ famous festive tale is whipped into a holidaze confection, peppered with hilarious parodies of dozens of your favorite Broadway songs. Starting at $24

Holiday Festival Boulder’s beloved holiday tradition CU College of Music Dec. 6-8, Macky Auditorium Delight in the twinkling lights, seasonal greenery and beautiful music at CU Boulder’s Holiday Festival, an annual tradition that’s enchanting for all ages. The decades-old celebration brings together student choirs, bands and orchestras—along with world-class faculty performers—for a concert of holiday favorites and new surprises. Starting at $20

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy A Celtic Family Christmas Artist Series Tuesday, Dec. 17, Macky Auditorium The holidays truly become a family affair when married duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy—two of the globe’s best and brightest fiddle players—invite their children onstage for an unforgettable night of holiday fun. Starting at $22

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