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Programs 2008-2009 Season Theatre Programs 2000-2010

3-2009

Two Puccini Operas: Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi Program

University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre

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Recommended Citation University of Southern Maine Department of Theatre, "Two Puccini Operas: Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi Program" (2009). Programs 2008-2009 Season. 3. https://digitalcommons.usm.maine.edu/theatre-programs-2008-2009/3

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The School of Music and the Department of Theatre in collaboration present Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini

Stage Director, Assunta Kent Music Director, Ellen Chickering Conductor, Robert Lehmann Sponsored by Drs. Elizabeth and John Serrage March 13-21, 2009 Main Stage, Russell Hall Gorham Campus

Produced by special arrangement with Ricardi. lfL·------.

Director's Note Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) Once every four years Music and Theatre collaborate on a fully staged opera production- and this time, we offer you the rare Stage Director, Assunta Kent opportunity to sample grand opera in one evening, with Puccini' Conductor, Robert Lehmann Suor Angelica, an exqui ite tear-jerker, and Gianni Schicchi, a laugh­ Musical Director, Ellen Chickering out-loud comedy. 01·iginally part of the tryptych (IL Trittico) in pired by Dante's Alessandra Turati Divine Comedy, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi share several Scenic Design: themes and character types underscored by our double-casting. For Costume Design: Kris Hall (Angelica), example, the role of the villainous Princess who comes to wrench away Devon Ash (Schicchi) Angelica' last hopes i shared by the mezzo oprano who al o sing Hair and Makeup Design: Kimberly Stone (on alternating night ) the comic "bad-guy' role of Zita, the aunt Lighting Design: JP Gagnon who controls the fortune and marital future of the young lover in Schicchi. In terms of theme, the operas ru·e a perfectly matched pair. In Cast the tragedy, powerful repressive forces (the Princess aided by the Abbess) have changed the will and force our heroine to relinquish her Suor Angelica: rights. In the comedy, a rogue (rehabilitated from hell!) tricks the (Performing on March 13, 15, 20) greedy forces and redistribute the legacy to give everyone their due, plu a welcome comeuppance for the greediest. And, of cour e, young love prevails! Suor Angelica SarahMawn To look more deeply Puccini presents an ironic commentary The Principessa Jazmin DeRice on the nature of heaven and hell. Angelica is driven to suicide to The Abbess Mary Bastoni escape her heJlish confinement in the peaceful convent finding The Monitor Rachael Braunstein redemption only through death and hope for the afterlife. But Gianni The Mistress of the Novices Christenia Alden-Kinne wins our indulgence for his legal deception becau e of it po itive Sister Genevieve Katherine Hall outcomes: the heavenly bliss of the young lovers and the demonic Sister Dolcina Alauna Butler frenzies of the scheming relatives in their little self-made hell. Sister Osmina, Portress Kristen Stearns But why in the world move Gianni Schicchi from medieval Sister Lucilla Greer Vashon Florence to Portland's West End circa 1927? Puccini drew his title Shannon Connell character from a shyster condemned to Dante's Inferno and thus The Tourieres placed the opera in Dante's world. But Gianni' new job is to Kelsey Ray 'adjust' an old man's will posthumously for hi greedy heir:s who are The Novices Kaitlin McGinley each ilhtminated by the property they desire. A desire for house in Molly Massa Quintole and land in Empoli provide little character in ·ight for Maine The Lay Sisters Alicia Culleton audiences, o I have remapped the opera over the Po11land area. We Erica Wasil all have a en e of the rich older lady who must have the cottage on Blessed Virgin Mary Kelsey Ray Peaks Island and the We t End fashionista who must have the Angelic Child Sebastian Shames townhouse in Boston. And we easily recognize the pompo ity and delusions of grandeur of the fonner mayor of Scarborough! Suor Angelica: (Performing on March 14, 17, 19, 21) Assunta Kent Suor Angelica Stephanie Gilbert The Principessa Alexandra Dietrich (same as above for the other roles) Gianni Schicchi: Artistic Staff (Performing on March 13, 15, 20) Assistant Director Brian Essman Assistant Lighting Design Sebastian Ascanio Gianni Schicchi Daniel Cyr Movement Coach Julie Goell Lauretta Jesslyn Thomas Drarnaturg Calien Lewis Corpse of Buoso Donati Brandon Johnson Rehearsal Accompanists Kathleen Scott (Suor Angelica) Relatives of Buoso Donati: Claudia Tornsa ( Gianni Schicchi) Zita Alexandra Dietrich Rinuccio John Coons Production Staff Gherardo Brian Tingdahl Stage Manager Florence Cooley Nella Michelle Rawding Assistant Stage Managers Jacqueline Cascella, Sarah Dube Gherardino Sebastian Shames Technical Director Perry Fertig Betto David Delano Carpenters Stage Craft Practicum, Julian Bones, Simone Joseph Murphy Florence Cooley, Brietta Hopkins, DJ Hutchins, Marco Daniel Pendergast Jeffrey Toombs, Emily Waller La Ciesca Mary Bastoni Scenic Painter Annie Boissevain Master Spinelloccio Richard Sherman Costume Director Kris Hall Arnantio di Nicolao, the Notary Roger Marcotte Stitchers Costume Practicum, Hannah Brown, Pinellino Dominic Rozzi Joelle Clingerman, Connie Hall, Alexis Handy, Guccio Justin Roux Brandon Johnson, Kevin Lynch, Michael Lynch, Desiray Roy Gianni Schicchi: Master Electrician Jeffrey Toombs (Performing on March 14, 17, 19, 21) Electricians Lighting Practicum, Neal Morton, Danny Gay Sound Engineer Colin Whitely Gianni Schicchi Joshua Miller Properties Supervisor Krista Lucht Lauretta Mary Clark Properties Construction Jacob Cote, Calien Lewis Relatives of Buoso Donati: Zita Jazmin DeRice Production Crew Rinuccio George Eisenhauer Light Board Operator Darren Brown (same as above for the other roles) Deck Crew Head Torn Wyatt Deck Crew Clarissa Bergeron-Lawrence, Brian Essman, Jonathan Longo Hair and Makeup Katherine Smith, Jessica Staggs Each production will run an hour. Wardrobe Kaitlin Bonanno, Laura Collard, Jennifer Rothbart

There will be a twenty minute intermission. Administrative Staff

Please, no photos are allowed during the performance. Theatre Promotions Director/Photography Troy Bennett Also please turn off beepers and phones as a courtesy to the Music Promotions Director Mary Snell actors and other audience members. Arts Events Director Ernrnanuelle Chaulet Administrative Assistant Lil Campbell Box Office Managers Krista Lucht Molly Handville-Derrig Graphic Design Leigh Raposo Program Franklin Kendrick ..

Suor Angelica heaven, Sister Angelica concocts and drinks poison. She is then struck by the An Italian convent, late 1600s. Early Evening. fear that she has committed a mortal sin that will prevent her from seeing her son in the afterlife and she pleads with the Virgin for salvation. A celestial choir Sister Angelica and two lay sisters are late for chapel. The Monitor is heard and Angelica sees a vision of the Blessed Virgin with her child. , chides them for not doing penance as Sister Angelica has done. After dispensing penance for other infractions against the religious community's rule, the Gianni Schicchi Monitor announces that it is a festival and the sisters may "play a while." Florence. Originally set in the time of Dante (ca.1299), written in 19l8. Our production is set in Portland's West End, The nuns rejoice as Sister Genevieve points out the beautiful golden circa 1927. Morning, residence of Buoso Donati. sunlight that "will set our font aglowing, a miracle sent from Our Lady." The golden fountain signifies, as the Mistress of the Novices explains, "a special act The greedy relatives of the wealthy Buoso Donati gather at his deathbed of clemency that will bless the sisters," but it also marks a year's passing, to mourn his passing and, more importantly, to investigate the details of his during which Sister Bianca has died. Sister Genevieve suggests that they pour will. Each relative is hoping for a particular bit of property-- rich older Auntie some of the golden water onto her tomb, while Sister Angelica fashions a Zita wants the cottage on Peaks Island, Cousin Simone, the former mayor of memorial wreath. Scarborough feels entitled to any property there, the couple with a child want the camp on Sebago, the pretentious couple with no kids wants the townhouses in During their free time, some of the sisters confess they still long for Boston, and the drunken brother-in-law wants income-producing farmland near "innocent" pleasures-Sister Genevieve for the lambs she used to tend and Sister his favorite roadhouse in Topsham. But there are rumors that the old man has Dolcina for sweet things to eat. Sister Angelica denies she has any-such desires, left.nearly everything to a monastery (in Kennebunk). If, however, the will has but the others know she desperately longs for some word from her family. For not been filed with a notary, there is still hope for the relatives, who begin a seven years she has heard nothing from them, and the other nuns speculate that frantic search for the document. she was a princess, banished to the convent for reasons they have been unable to discover. Young Rinuccio finds the will and makes Zita promise to let him marry his beloved Lauretta, if everyone gets "plenty of money." With high Soon alms-collecting nuns (the tourieres) arrive, distributing the food expectations, they read the will, which proves the rumors were true; the relatives they have gathered. One of them mentions that a magnificent coach bearing a rant against the Friars and finally shed genuine tears. But Rinuccio suggests that noble visitor stands outside the convent gate. Angelica is startled and, with Lauretta's father, Gianni Schicchi, a shrewd self-made man, could help them "re­ increasing anxiety, asks her to describe the coach in detail. A bell rings arrange" the will. He proposes that Schicchi is just the sort of peasant-tumed­ announcing the visitor. The Abbess enters and tells Angelica that her aunt, the businessman who invigorates Portland. Rinuccio makes his point in an anthem Princess, has come to see her. to Portland, which he compares to a strong and graceful pine tree nurtured by the streams that flow in from the countryside, and which is glorified by new Upon entering, the Princess rejects Angelica's gestures of affection. The "builders," most notably James Phinney Baxter and John Calvin Stevens (who Princess explains that when Angelica's parents died, she was made guardian of just happened to design Buoso's much coveted mansion). Although the both Angelica and her sister, Anna Viola, and was given control over their nouveau riche Donatis make a great show of refusing Schicchi and his daughter's inheritance. Now Anna Viola is to be married. and the Princess demands Angelica entry into their society, Rinuccio has already sent Gheraldino to fetch them. sign her share over to her sister. Having brought disgrace on the family name, Schicchi appears with Lauretta, and is condescended to by snooty Zita. the Princess declares that Angelica is no longer entitled to any part of the Disgusted by their hypocrisy and avarice, Schicchi heads out the door, but is inheritance. Crushed by her aunt's cruelty, Angelica swears she has repented. She stopped in his tracks when Lauretta pleads with him to help her to marry cannot, however, erase the memory of her little (illegitimate) son, who, she now handsome Rinuccio ("O mio babbino caro'' - one of the most beautiful and learns, died two years ago. Her will broken, Angelica sobs and signs the recognizable arias in all opera!). document. After reading the will, Schicchi devises a plan to impersonate the dead The Princess withdraws and Angelica grieves that her son died without man. He sends Lauretta out on the balcony "to feed the birds" and orders the bod) his mothe! by his side ("Senza manuna"). Resolving to join her child in removed from the bed. Just then the doctor arrives to check on Buoso, but Schicchi's voice convinces the buffoonish doctor that the patient is improving. a junior in the School of Music at the University of Southern Maine. Past Then Schicchi tells the relatives to send for the notary and, putting on Buoso's performances include "The Teacup" in scenes from L'Enfant et les Sortileges, nightshirt and cap, promises to dictate a new will. The relatives each try to "Nicklaus" in scenes from Les Contes d'Hoffmann and "Lucinda" in Into the extract a promise from Schicchi that he will leave the best parts of the estate to Woods. them. Schicchi listens to every request but warns them all that they must keep the secret forever or face the punishment as accessories to a fraudulent will Alauna Butler- Sister Dolcina -amputated fingers and deportation. Alauna Butler is a coloratura soprano from Standish, Maine. Alauna transfered from Moravian College in PA and is currently junior status at USM under the The local notary arrives with a mortician and a tailor as witnesses, and direction of David Goulet with a goal to graduate next year with her BA in Schicchi gives each heir the property they requested. But he dictates that the Music. choicest part of the estate about which they were all fighting--an expensive biplane, the warpmills in Westbrook, and the West End mansion be left to his Mary Clark- Lauretta devoted friend, Gianni Schicchi! The relatives are furious but when they start to Mary Clark, of Worcester MA, is a four year Vocal Performance student protest, he reminds them of the punishment for fraud, singing bits of "Farewell studying with Ellen Chickering at the University of Southern Maine. With to Portland" with the "stump of his hand!" They can do nothing until the USM's Opera Workshop scenes program, Mary performed key roles such as notary leaves, when they fall upon Schicchi and steal what they can from the "Olympia" from Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann and "Musetta" from house. Schicchi chases them out of "his" house. In the ensuing peace, Rinuccio Puccini's La Boheme. Mary has toured Eastern Europe with the USM Chamber and Lauretta, return and commemorate their engagement on Peak's Island. Singers and is a 2008 Maine NATS finalist.

Gianni returns with a few rescued heirlooms, and then asks the audience Shannon Connell- Touriere to overturn the guilty verdict for which Dante had placed him in hell - due to Shannon is a sophomore Vocal Performance major from Haverhill, MA. Suor extenuating circumstances-- as he points to the happy young lovers. Angelica is her first USM production, but she has been an active participant in both community and educational theatre throughout MA & NH. Past roles Cast Biographies include "Velma Kelly" in Chicago and "Princess Winnifred" in Once Upon a Mattress, among others. Many thanks to Mom, Dad & Kate. Christenia Alden-Kinne- The Mistress of the Novices Christenia Alden-Kinne has taught acting and public speaking for the USM John Coons- Rinuccio Theatre Department for over twenty-five years. She is a proud member and Tenor John Coons of Corinna, Maine is a graduate student in Voice officer of the International Stagehands Union, IATSE Local #114. Ms. Alden­ Performance, studying under Malcolm Smith. Previous roles at USM include Kinne recently completed a degree focusing on music composition from the "Kaspar" (Amahl and the Night Visitors), "Eisenstein" (Die Fledermaus), School of Music at USM to add to her existing degrees in Dramatic Art and "Monostatos" (The Magic Flute), and "Dysart" (Equus, Irene Ryan nominee). He English. Acting Roles have included performances in Acorn Theatre's Short has performed as a soloist with the Portland Choral Art Society, Portland Play Festival, "Finola" in USM's production of Grannia, "Ms Watson/Aunt Symphony Pops, Granite State Choral Society, and three seasons with Polly" in Big River at Maine State Music Theatre and singing in the Chorus of PORTopera as a Maine Emerging Artist. PORTopera's productions. Alicia Culleton- Lay Sister Mary Bastoni- Abbess, La Ciesca Alicia is thrilled to be a part of USM's production of Suor Angelica! A member Mary Bastoni is a graduate student in Music Performance. USM credits include of New Hampshire's 2008 All State Classical as well as NH's All State Jazz "Queen of the Night" in The Magic Flute and "Dora" in Equus. In 2008, she Honor's Choir, Alicia has always loved performing. With a recent interest in directed Lost in Yonkers and The Fall of the House of Usher for Resort Players, musical theatre, she has performed in Footloose! (Ariel Moore) at the Palace was nominated for the NH Theater Awards and was musical director for the Theatre in NH, and in her school's senior production of FAME (Serena Katz). Sondheim musical, Company for M&D Productions. A freshman at USM, Alicia is currently working towards a minor in music. She thanks everyone for making this such a wonderful experience and hopes everyone Rachael Braunstein- The Monitor enjoys the show! Rachael is a Vocal Performance major from Ashland, Massachusetts and is now Daniel Cyr- Gianni Schicchi a two time winner of the Maine NATS singing competition and the recipient of Daniel Cyr, Bass-Baritone, student of Malcolm Smith, is a graduate of the USM both the Nordica Memorial Scholarship and the Gateway Music Scholarship in School of Music, and is currently pursuing his masters degree there as well. At 2008. Stephanie plans to pursue a graduate degree this coming fall. USM, Daniel has sung roles including "Dr. Falke" in Die Fledermaus, "the Speaker of the Temple" in The Magic Flute, and "Figaro" in "The Marriage of Katherine Hall - Sister Genevieve. Figaro." Mr. Cyr has been a member of PORTopera's MEA program for the Kate is a junior Vocal Performance major from Monroe, ME. Past USM roles past three summers, and sung roles for PORTopera's main-stage productions include "Second Lady" in selected scenes from The Magic Flute, "Yvette" in including "Fiorello" in The Barber of Seville (2007), and "Gregorio" in Romeo selected scenes from La Rondine, "Shepardess" in Amahl and the Night Visitors, et Juliette (2008). and "Second Knitter" in The Game of Chance. Kate also sings with the USM vocal jazz ensemble and studies classical voice with Ellen Chickering. David Delano- Betto David Delano, a junior Music Education major from Belfast, Maine studies voice Brandon Johnson- Corpse of Buoso Donati with Bruce Fithian. He is a member of the USM Chamber Singers and went on Brandon is a freshman at USM. As a Theatre major, this is his second tour to Europe with them last spring. David is a versatile musician, having appearance on the Main Stage. USM credits include "Mr. Wescott" in The Man sung the roles of "Roger" in GREASE, "Rapunzel's Prince" in Into the Woods Who Came to Dinner. Other favorite roles include "Robin Hood" in The and "Diesel" in West Side Story, as well as playing in the pit bands for City of Somewhat True Tale of Robin Hood and "Prince Dauntless" in Once Upon a Angels and Little Women. Mattress. He hopes to be in more upcoming shows.

Jazmin DeRice- Zita, Principessa Molly Massa- Novice Jazmin DeRice (mezzo soprano), of Windham, is a third year Vocal Performance Molly Massa, from Scarborough Maine, is a freshman Vocal Performance major major at USM, studying with Ellen Chickering. Past performances include at the University of Southern Maine. She is a member of the Chamber Singers, "L'Enfant" L'Enfant et les Sortileges, "Cherubino" Le Nozze di Figaro Opera and this is her first production at USM. Scenes at USM, "Dolly" Hello Dolly, and chorus roles in PORTopera's productions of Romeo et Juliette and Carmen. Roger Marcotte- Notary Roger Marcotte is a junior Musical Theatre major, originally from Rockland, Alexandra Dietrich- Zita, Principessa ME, and this is his first experience with opera. Some past USM credits include Alexandra Dietrich, of Freeport, is a graduate of USM in Music Performance, "The Minister" (A New Brain), "Stine" (City of Angels), "Mr. Cladwell" and a student of David Goulet. She sang "Dritte Knabe" in Die Zauberjlote with (Urinetown), "Mr. Smith" (The Bald Soprano), "Etches" (Titanic: A New Intermezzo in Brugges. PORTopera's MEA: "Apollonia" in La Canterina. USM: Musical). Other credits include "Charlie Brown" (You're a Good Man, Charlie "Mother" in Amahl & the Night Visitors; "Prince Orlofsky" in Die Fledermaus; Brown) at the Boothbay Playhouse and "William" (The Musical of Musicals and "Mrs. Johnstone" in Blood Brothers (Irene Ryan). Upcoming, she will sing (The Musical!) at the Northport Music Theater. Haydn's Stabat Mater with the Granite State Choral Society. Sarah Mawn- Suor Angelica George Eisenhauer- Rinuccio Sarah Mawn, of Lakeville, MA, is a graduate Vocal Performance major at USM. George Eisenhauer, originally from Pittsburgh, PA, is a 5th year Music Recently she played "Kate" in Yeomen of the Guard with the Bostonians. Roles: Performance major studying under Bruce Fithian. Past performances at USM "Rosalinde" in Die Fledermaus, "2nd Spirit" in Magic Flute and "Just Jeannette" include "Alfred" in Johann Strauss's Die Fledermaus and "Rodolfo" in Puccini's in Too Many Sopranos with PORTopera's Emerging Artists. Soloist: Elijah & La Boheme. In 2008, George was a winner of the biennial USM Concerto Mozart's Requiem with the Lincoln Arts Festival. Upcoming: Soprano soloist Competition and was also selected for the 2008 Honors Recital. This spring at in Haydn's Stabat Mater with Granite State Choral Society. USM he is giving a recital performing exclusively the music of 20th century composer Benjamin Britten. Kaitlin McGinley- Novice Kaitlin McGinley, from Lyman, Maine, is a music major in Vocal Performance Stephanie Gilbert- Suor Angelica studying with Jenny Robinson, with a minor in theater. Past credits include A Stephanie Gilbert is a senior Vocal Performance major studying with Bruce Christmas Carol, Death and Taxes, and A Child's Christmas in Wales. Kaitlin Fithian and the daughter of Stephen and Susan Gilbert of Vassalboro. Gilbert is is excited to make her debut performance on the main stage. Enjoy the show!

'----,,------···-·---···- Joshua Miller- Gianni Schicchi charming and engaging audiences. Joshua Miller, from Lamorine, Maine, is a junior Vocal Performance major studying voice with Ellen Chickering. Josh has performed the roles of "the Sebastian Albert Shames- Angelic Child clock" in L'Enfant et !es sortileges and "John Proctor" in The Crucible in the Sebastian of Westbrook has performed with the Lyric Theater in Phantom as USM Opera workshop. "Young Eric" (the Phantom as a child), with the Children's Theater of Maine in Odd at Sea as "Gloomy Gus" (a pirate), and in Twelve Dancing Princesses as Joseph Murphy- Simone "Prince Fall." He has taken acting class at Acorn Productions in Westbrook, and Joe is a junior Music Education major from Lee, NH. Past USM roles include currently takes modern dance at Wayneflete, where he attends second grade. In "Chorus" in Urinetown, and "The Representative" in A Game of Chance. Joe is his spare time, he likes to play tennis, sing, dance, and have fun; he hopes to be also a member of the USM chamber singers. He has appeared in roles with a dancer and a famous actor. Oyster River Players such as "Henry Higgins" in My Fair Lady and "The Baker" in Into the Woods. Richard Sherman- Doctor Spinelloccio Richard is a junior Music Education major from Hartford, VT and studies with Daniel Pendergast- Marco David Goulet. Past USM roles include being a member of the Chorus in Amahl Daniel Pendergast is a senior Music Performance major at USM with a and the Night Visitors and Die Fledermaus. Richard is also a member of the concentration in vocal jazz. In addition to numerous years singing in both the USM Concert Chorale. USM jazz choir and chamber singers he has performed locally with PORTopera, singing in the choruses of Carmen, The Barber of Seville, and the comprimario Kristen Stearns- Sister Osmina role of "Frere Jean" in Romeo et Juliette. Kristen Stearns is a first-year Music Education major at the University of Southern Maine. Her hometown is Lyman, Maine, and she attended Massabesic Michelle Rawding- Nella High School in Waterboro. There, she was cast in the role of "Hermia" in a Michelle Rawding, soprano, from St. Albans, Vermont is a sophomore Vocal modern setting of A Midsummer Night's Dream her senior year, as well as being Performance major studying with Margaret Yauger. She recently sang the role part of the High School select choir. Kristen is currently a member of the USM of the "Princess" in the USM Opera Workshop performance of Ravel's "L'enfant University Chorale. et !es Sortileges". She has sung "Rapunzel" in "Into the Woods" with the Schoolhouse Theatre. She is excited to be performing her first opera! Jesslyn Thomas- Lauretta Jesslyn Thomas, soprano, is a junior Vocal Performance major, from Rindge, Kelsey Ray- Touriere NH, studying with Ellen Chickering. She recently played the role of "First Kelsey Ray, mezzo-soprano who comes from York, ME., is a freshman at Knitter" in the 4-character opera A Game of Chance. She has been a member of USM, and is studying voice with Judith James. Before attending USM, Kelsey the USM Chamber singers for 3 years now, including their last European tour in was the lead in Gypsy, and also performed as "Eponine" in Les Miserables. This spring '08. She has placed two years in a row in the Maine NATS voice is her first opera experience and she is enjoying it all. Hope you do, too! competition, and last year also won the award for Best French Song.

Justin Roux - Guccio Brian Tingdahl - Gherardo Justin is a junior baritone Vocal Performance major from Winslow, ME. While Brian is a junior Music Education major at USM. He has appeared most at USM he has participated in the opera workshop program, playing such roles recently in an Opera Workshop scene in the spring of 2008 as "Spalanzani" in as "The Page" in Amahl and the Night Visitors and "Rambaldo" in Scenes from The Tales of Hoffman (Contes d'Hoffinan). Other roles have included "Lt. Bran­ La Rondine. He has also played "Jim Farrell" in Titanic. Justin is currently a nigan" and "Harry the Horse" (Guys & Dolls), "Malcolm" (Macbeth), "Oliver" member of the USM Chamber Singers. (As You Like It), "Mr. Webb" (Our Town), and "Writer/Hepatitis" (God).

Dominic Rozzi- Pinellino Greer Vashon- Lay Sister Dominic Rozzi, originally from Windham, Maine, has studied voice and opera at Greer Vashon (lay sister/Monitor US) is a junior Musical Theater major from Ithaca College and the University of Southern Maine. Dominic is an active Waterville, Maine. She studies with Edward Reichert and David Goulet. Past member of USM's Opera Workshop, the Maine Opera Atelier, and the USM roles: City of Angels (Alaura/Carla), A New Brain, Titanic. Longfellow Chorus. As a student of Comedia dell'Arte, Dominic enjoys Erica Wasil- Lay Sister Robert Lehmann- Conductor Erica Wasil, soprano, is a junior Music major from Braintree, Massachusetts, Robert Lehmann is Associate Professor of Music and Director of String Studies studying voice with Ellen Chickering. Erica has sung in the USM Opera and Orchestral Activities at the University of Southern Maine School of Music. Workshop singing "Susanna" and "Barbarina" in The Marriage of Figaro, and In addition to his duties conducting the Southern Maine Symphony Orchestra chorus in Die Fledermaus and Amahl and the Night Visitors. She also sang the and the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra, he is on the Artist Faculty in part of "The Youth" in Mendelssohn's Elijah with the USM Chorale. Violin, Viola and Chamber Music. Now in his tenth season as Music Director of the North Shore Philharmonic, he was the orchestra and board of directors' Artistic Staff unanimous choice to become the fourth Music Director of this 61 year-old institution. Dr. Lehmann is also Music Director of the highly acclaimed Assunta Kent- Director Portland Chamber Orchestra and first violinist of the Meliora Quartet. In 2008 Energized by her first foray into opera stage direction, Dr. Assunta Kent has he was invited to become the conductor of the White Mountain Bach Festival in enjoyed collaborating with Maestro Robert Lehmann and inspired Musical New Hampshire. Director Ellen Chickering, as well as our talented designers, cast and crew, to offer Maine audiences a grand opera sampler: two Puccini's in one evening. Dr. Lehmann has served on the faculties of Northeastern University, Atlantic Union College, the Eastern US Music Camp, and was a Conducting Fellow at Over the past 14 years, she has directed both contemporary and classical plays at The Conductor's Institute at Bard College and the Aspen Music Festival's USM including Beaumarchais' The Marriage of Figaro, Power: A Living American Academy of Conducting. Dr. Lehmann is in great demand as a Newspaper, SOAPs '06, and '07, A Dream of Canaries, The Rokujo Lady's conductor, violinist, teacher and clinician. He has conducted All-State Orchestras Passion, The Danube, Sinners Saints and Fools, Multi-Medi@tion, Life in the and festivals in California, Maine, Massachusetts and Hawaii and is President­ Late 20th, and the Indian Sanskrit classic, Shakuntala and the Ring of elect of the Maine American String Teacher's Association. He has been a Recognition. She has been supported by two Maine Humanities Grants as a frequent guest conductor with the Portland Symphony and has conducted and dramaturg. concertized extensively throughout the US, Europe, Ukraine, Mexico and Puerto Rico. He is listed in the Marquis Who's Who in Music. Dr. Kent is also the author of Maria Irene Fornes and Her Critics and prefaces fo At Play: An Anthology of Maine Drama, which includes the award winning Alessandra Turati- Scenic Designer Ugly Ducklings by Carolyn Gage. She continues her research on Asian Noh and This is Alessandra's first production at USM. Past scenic roles include CG Set Sanskrit theatres, on which she will present at the American Comparative Designer for Tomorrow Never Knows, a TV series pilot, and Assistant Set Literature conference at Harvard in March. Dresser for the film Cleophas and His Own and for Oakhurst Milk commercials. She's taught animation at MECA, has freelanced as a voiceover artist, and is art Ellen Chickering- Musical Director director in the commercial world, producing marketing material in diverse media. Ellen Chickering, Musical Director, teaches voice at USM and directs the Opera Workshop. A singer in her own right, she has sung extensively throughout the Kris Hall- Costume Designer (Suor Angelica) New England region as well as the United States. She debuted in Carnegie Hall Kris is happy to costume design Suor Angelica and to be in the midst of her 8th singing the solo soprano in Mahler's Eighth Symphony with the Boston season as Costume Director. Her costume designs were most recently featured in Philharmonic. Soon after, she debuted at the Kennedy Center in Washington, the New Dance Studio reprise of the dance "Critical Mass" at Portland Stage, DC singing Beethoven's Missa Solemnis with the Washington Chorus. (Michelle Bernier, Choreographer). Previous design credits include Julius Caesa1 She has sung numerous "leading lady" roles in opera with the Boston Academy at Portland Stage, Pump Boys and Dinettes at Maine State Music Theatre, and of Music, Minnesota Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Kansas City Lyric Opera and Doubt, Almost Maine, The Nerd and Woman in Black at the Public Theatre in others. She has recorded the role of Vanessa in Samuel Barber's Vanessa for Lewiston. She also designed costumes for the independent film Mr. Barrington. NAXOS records. Ms. Chickering has made four concert tours to Japan singing Kris received her BA from USM and her MFA in Studio Art from Maine the soprano solos in Messiah and Beethoven's 9th Symphony. She has College of Art. performed extensively with orchestras in the New England area including the Portland Symphony Orchestra. She also acts as program director for Devon Kate Ash- Costume Designer (Gianni Schicchi) PORTopera's Maine's Emerging Artists Program. Devon Kate Ash is thrilled to be designing Gianni Schicchi. Previous costume designs at USM include: The Man Who Came to Dinner, City of Angels, and Proof Other designs include: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, A Midsummer production. Past credits include assistant stage manager for PORTopera's Night's Dream, Dancing At Lughnasa, and Lend Me A Tenor. Devon is also a production of Romeo et Juliette, lighting designer for "Mahadeva" in Dance hair and makeup designer and spends the summer months as an Assistant Wig USM '08 and sound designer for SPA's production of The Fantasticks. Master at The Utah Shakespearean Festival. She holds an M.F.A. in Costume Design from the University of Mississippi. Sarah Dube- Assistant Stage Manager Sarah is a junior Theater major from Eagle Lake, Maine. She transferred to USM Kimberly Stone- Hair/Make-up Designer in her sophomore year. Most of her theatre credentials are in performance, Kimberly Stone is a senior Musical Theater major from Newington, CT. however, she has dabbled a bit into the technical world. While at UMP, she Recently, her hair and make-up designs appeared in USM's The Man Who Came stage managed Steve and was props mistress for a UMP dance performance. She to Dinner. This design won the KCACTF Region One National Alcone Award has also done costume and set designing, as well as assistant directing at her for excellence in make-up design. Other USM technical credits include Spirit of . hometown high school. Reindeer (Stage Manager) and The Underpants (Hair/Wardrobe). The last three summers she has worked at the Ivoryton Playhouse in Essex, CT. During her Jacqueline Ann Cascella- Assistant Stage Manager time there, she worked in many different technical positions including: Evita Jacqueline Ann Cascella is a USM Theater major from Scarborough, ME. Her (Hair/Wardrobe), They're Playing Our Song (Wardrobe), and Cabaret (Props focus is on acting, but she is enjoying developing her skills working 'behind the Mistress/Hair). scenes'. This is her first time as an ASM. Some of her acting credits include working with Art of the Play theatre group based out of Kennebunk. She is also JP Gagnon- Light Designer a member of the Naked Shakespeare ensemble. She looks forward to continuing JP Gagnon has been designing in Maine since 1993. He is the Resident her Theater experience at USM. Lighting Designer for The Theater Project in Brunswick Maine where he most recently designed lighting for Our Town, Alice in Wonderland and Arms and the Perry Fertig- Technical Director Man. JP has recently extended his work to video production for live theater for Perry Fertig is USM's new Technical Director. He has been working in the annual Winter Cabaret at The Theater Project. Past work includes The Glass professional theater for the last eleven years in Philadelphia and around the Menagerie and Working for City Theater, last year's City of Angels for USM, as world. Perry has worked for Ursinus College, Philadelphia Live Arts and Fringe well as designs for Oak Street Theater, Acorn Productions & Mad Horse Theatre. Festivals, the Philadelphia Theatre Company and is a Flying Director for Foy JP trained at the University of Southern Maine in technical theatre, 1991 - 94, Inventerprises. and at Portland Stage Company, where he then served as Master Electrician for 2 seasons. During the daytime, JP can be found managing High Output, Inc. Jeffrey Toombs- Master Electrician which specializes in the lighting entertainment industry. Jeffrey is a senior Theatre major here at USM, living in Portland, ME. His second season as Master Electrician at USM, Jeffrey also worked this past Krista Lucht- Property Design summer as an electrician at Maine State Music Theatre, where he designed lights Krista Lucht is a junior Theatre major from Exeter, NH. This is her second time for their children's theatre production of "Honk!" He will be returning to MSMT ever doing props, the first having been SP A's production of The F antasticks this this season as the Assistant Master Electrician. Jeffrey has also designed lights past fall semester. Though her focus is performance, working with props has for Almost, Maine and 1776 at Biddeford City Theatre, as well as Five Women offered a new type of challenge within the theatre and she hopes to continue with Wearing the Same Dress at Portland Players. Most recently he designed the it in the future. scenery for USM's Moonchildren.

Production Staff USM School of Music 32nd Annual Honors Recital Brian Essman- Assistant Director Saturday, April 4, 2009. 8 p.m Brian is a Media Studies major from Wilton, ME. The Annual Honors Recital is the School of Music's way of recognizing excellence in student solo performance. A music student must be nominated Florence Cooley- Stage Manager and selected by audition to perform. Reservations highly recommended. Free Florence Cooley is a sophomore Theatre major from Yarmouth, Maine. For her Sponsored by Raymond James and Associates first full stage management experience, Florence is thrilled to be working on this SOUTHERN MAINE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Special Thanks Robert Lehmann, conductor Personnel Julie Goell of Maine Opera Atelier, Chris Hourcle and Portland Stage Company, Tic N Time clock shop of Windham, Bellingham Flute Trombone Violin II Bell Company, James Alberty of Children's Theatre of Maine, Audra Hatch* Matthew Cloutier* Suzanne Vogel* Donna Vaughn, Calien Lewis, PORTopera, Gina O'Leary* Michael Thurlow* Adrienne Malinson* David Aikins, Connie Hall and Accent Dry Cleaners. Phoebe Prosky Christopher Jay Ashley lwans Sarah Sawin Tori Chapin Tuba Michaele Black Piccolo Timothy Burns* Burt Louden Audra Hatch* Don Crandall Timpani Sarah Hoag Oboe Daniel Barabash* Heather Simonds Brian Whiton* Theatre at USM! Lisa Torrey-Roderick Percussion Viola 2009-2010 Season: Hana Roderick Noel Brennan* Eric Kawamoto* Buy Your Season Flex Pass Now! David Delano Linda Swift English Horn Timothy Burns Susanna Adams Lisa Torrey-Roderick Mary Eckstein Order a Single Package Season Pass - good for six tickets for Harp next season shows in any combination at the discount price of: Clarinet Theresa Sepulveda* Cello $35. Maria Wagner* ( Suor Angelica) Volkhard Lindner* With any pass, all you need to do is call the Theatre Box Office Heather Kincaid Stephanie Babirak* Marshunda Smith Laura Manduca (Schiccht) Dana McDaniel during the month prior to the performance date of your choice to make reservations. There is a maximum of 2 tickets per pass for Claire Berg musicals/operas. After April 24 the price will be $40 - So order Bass Clarinet Keyboards Fran Cicero right away! Heather Kincaid Stephanie Babirak Kathy Anderson Julian Montoya Mail completed order form with payment to: Bassoon Bass Katie Hendrick* Violin I Kim Bird* USM Theatre Box Office Cynthia Toftness Megan Martelle, John Marro 37 College Ave. Concertmaster* Andrew Pieteroff Gorham, ME 04038 Horn Cheryl Hall Peter Eberhardt or call the Box Office at 780-5151. Sophie Flood* Mary Vaillancourt Kathie Heide Jay Smith *principal Scott McAllister Peter Swegart The 2009-10 season will be announced late April. Mariah Bosse Trumpet Susan Laverriere Marshunda Smith, Cassandra Eoin Sinclair Librarian and Engstrom* Orchestra Manager Joel Graham* Robert Filgate