Albert Herring
Act I
Scene 1: The Home of Lady Billows—The aristocratic Lady Billows has decided to revive the local May Day Festival. She appoints a small committee (the Mayor, the Superintendant of Police, the Vicar and the local school teacher) to help identify a suitably chaste village girl to be crowned May Queen and offers 25 guineas as the prize. When the committee has its final meeting in April, the evidence against its nominees is universally damning (all pointed out in notes by Florence Pike, her personal assistant), —not one of the local girls qualifies to win the prize. The Superintendent of Police comes to the rescue. If there are no qualified candidates for Queen, why not have a May King? Why not Albert Herring, whose timidity is universally known? The rest of the committee eventually agrees and Lady Billows seizes the opportunity to rebuke the tawdry Loxford girls. The committee sallies forth to deliver the good news to Albert and his mother.
Scene 2: The Herring’s Greengrocer Shop— Three of the town’s children are playing outside the shop. Sid, the Butcher’s Assistant shoos them away and he is soon joined by Albert and Sid’s girlfriend Nancy. Their flirting makes Albert uncomfortable and they eventually leave. The committee arrives to announce Albert’s proposed coronation. He objects to the honor, but his mother overrules him, attracted by the 25 guinea award.
Act II May Day
Scene 1: Nancy and Sid are making preparations for the coronation feast, while everyone else is at the Parish Church celebrating Albert’s coronation. Sid persuades Nancy to join in a practical joke and they lace Albert’s lemonade with a liberal dose of rum. The guests arrive, bouquets are presented, speeches made, the prize delivered, and all join in a toast to the new May King. Albert takes a long swig from his glass and, feeling quite tipsy, demands more lemonade. Everyone sits down to enjoy the repast.
Scene 2: The shop, later that evening—Albert comes home in a state of semi-drunken exhilaration, but hides when Sid and Nancy appear outside. They laugh about Albert’s appearance and personality, but soon forget about him as their flirtation continues. After they leave, Albert’s excitement and embarrassment suddenly create a wild desire to experience much more of life and he leaves for an evening of previously inexperienced pleasures. His mother returns and closes up the shop, thinking Albert is already in bed.
Act III The Morning After
Albert’s disappearance has thrown the town into an uproar. When his coronation wreath is discovered, having been crushed by a cart on the Ipswich Road, everyone assumes the worst. They begin a lamentation over Albert’s demise, only to be interrupted by the arrival of the profligate himself, disheveled but unbowed. His description of his evening of sin shocks the village elders, while Sid and Nancy are impressed. As Albert admits he has embellished his adventures, the three of them are joined by the children again, who are now welcomed into the shop. Albert flings his coronation wreath into the audience, secure in the knowledge he can stand up for himself in the future.
Scene 1: The Home of Lady Billows—The aristocratic Lady Billows has decided to revive the local May Day Festival. She appoints a small committee (the Mayor, the Superintendant of Police, the Vicar and the local school teacher) to help identify a suitably chaste village girl to be crowned May Queen and offers 25 guineas as the prize. When the committee has its final meeting in April, the evidence against its nominees is universally damning (all pointed out in notes by Florence Pike, her personal assistant), —not one of the local girls qualifies to win the prize. The Superintendent of Police comes to the rescue. If there are no qualified candidates for Queen, why not have a May King? Why not Albert Herring, whose timidity is universally known? The rest of the committee eventually agrees and Lady Billows seizes the opportunity to rebuke the tawdry Loxford girls. The committee sallies forth to deliver the good news to Albert and his mother.
Scene 2: The Herring’s Greengrocer Shop— Three of the town’s children are playing outside the shop. Sid, the Butcher’s Assistant shoos them away and he is soon joined by Albert and Sid’s girlfriend Nancy. Their flirting makes Albert uncomfortable and they eventually leave. The committee arrives to announce Albert’s proposed coronation. He objects to the honor, but his mother overrules him, attracted by the 25 guinea award.
Act II May Day
Scene 1: Nancy and Sid are making preparations for the coronation feast, while everyone else is at the Parish Church celebrating Albert’s coronation. Sid persuades Nancy to join in a practical joke and they lace Albert’s lemonade with a liberal dose of rum. The guests arrive, bouquets are presented, speeches made, the prize delivered, and all join in a toast to the new May King. Albert takes a long swig from his glass and, feeling quite tipsy, demands more lemonade. Everyone sits down to enjoy the repast.
Scene 2: The shop, later that evening—Albert comes home in a state of semi-drunken exhilaration, but hides when Sid and Nancy appear outside. They laugh about Albert’s appearance and personality, but soon forget about him as their flirtation continues. After they leave, Albert’s excitement and embarrassment suddenly create a wild desire to experience much more of life and he leaves for an evening of previously inexperienced pleasures. His mother returns and closes up the shop, thinking Albert is already in bed.
Act III The Morning After
Albert’s disappearance has thrown the town into an uproar. When his coronation wreath is discovered, having been crushed by a cart on the Ipswich Road, everyone assumes the worst. They begin a lamentation over Albert’s demise, only to be interrupted by the arrival of the profligate himself, disheveled but unbowed. His description of his evening of sin shocks the village elders, while Sid and Nancy are impressed. As Albert admits he has embellished his adventures, the three of them are joined by the children again, who are now welcomed into the shop. Albert flings his coronation wreath into the audience, secure in the knowledge he can stand up for himself in the future.
Creative Team
Conductor: Codrut Birsan
Stage Director: George Cederquist
Assistant Stage Director: Amanda Smith
Musical Preperation: Szu-Ying Huang
Stage Director: George Cederquist
Assistant Stage Director: Amanda Smith
Musical Preperation: Szu-Ying Huang
Cast
Sarah Phillips - Lady Billows
Soprano Sarah Phillips is currently pursuing her master’s degree in vocal performance at Chicago College of Performing Arts - Roosevelt University. She was featured in Suor Angelica and Handel’s Partenope with the Italian Operatic Experience in Montecatini-Terme, Italy, and she performed as Katisha in CCPA’s production of The Mikado. Her concert work includes singing as a soloist with the CCPA Women’s Chorus in Vivaldi’s Gloria. She holds her B.M. in Vocal Performance from CCPA. Sarah has studied with Mark Crayton since 2007. This fall she will perform in the premiere of a newly composed opera, The Blind Date, during CCPA’s Operafest.
Nataly Wickham - Lady Billows
Praised as a "soaring soprano" by the Boston Musical Intelligencer, Nataly Wickham is quickly earning a reputation as an outstanding young soprano. Originally from the Seattle metropolitan area, Ms. Wickham has been living and performing in the Boston area. In February 2016, Ms. Wickham performed the role of Lisak (The Fox) in Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen with New England Conservatory. Other performance credits during her residency at New England Conservatory include: Madame Lidoine Dialogues of the Carmelites, Helwige Die Walküre, Magda Sorel The Consul, Fortuna L’incoronazione di Poppea, and Vitellia La Clemenza di Tito. Her portrayal of Magda Sorel was noted in the Huffington Post as, “... acted with panache and brilliance” and, “(she) is someone they should all look out for”. In summer of 2014, Ms. Wickham returned to Des Moines Metro Opera as an Apprentice Artist. She made her Des Moines Metro Opera main-stage debut as Sister Catherine in Dead Man Walking. In April of 2013, at the University of Texas, Ms. Wickham performed the role of Donna Anna. In January 2013 Ms. Wickham covered the role of Countess in Le nozze di Figaro with Austin Lyric Opera. Ms. Wickham also placed third in the Gulf Regional Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. In 2013, Ms. Wickham was a participant in Des Moines Metro Opera's an Apprentice Artist.
Molly Burke - Florence Pike
Mezzo-Soprano, Molly Burke hails from Houston, Texas. Recently, Molly was an Apprentice Artist at Sarasota Opera for the 2015-16 season. Upcoming performances include, singing Florence Pike with Chicago Summer Opera and Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible with Miami Music Festival. Molly will be attending the Wagner Institute, aimed at guiding young Wagnerian singers. She studied at Loyola University New Orleans earning her Bachelors Degree in music with a minor in Music Business. She went on to earn her Masters in Music and Performance Certificate at DePaul University, under the tutelage of Elizabeth Byrne. While at DePaul she performed the role of Giunone in Cavalli's La Calisto and The Forrester's wife in Janáček's The Cunning Little Vixen. She has also been heard as the mezzo-sopranos soloist in the Mozart Requiem. She earned 1st place at the Kleinmann competition. While attending Loyola University New Orleans she performed the First Witch in Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, La bergère in L'enfant e les Sortilèges and Une dame élégante in Les Mamelles de Tirésias. She also performed in the chorus at New Orleans Opera in Il Trovatore, Tosca and Verdi's Requiem. While in New Orleans she earned 2nd place in the Southern Region's National Associations of Teachers of singing competition.
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Migle Zaliukaite - Florence Pike
A native of Lithuania, mezzo soprano Migle Zaliukaite began studying music at the age of six at the Music School Liepaites in Vilnius, Lithuania. She studied with an acclaimed mezzo soprano Birtue Almonaityte. From 2012 to 2013, she completed the Professional Certificate of Merit in voice at the New England Conservatory in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2013, Ms. Zaliukaite continued her studies with mezzo soprano Katherine Ciesinski at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York where she is currently studying. Ms. Zaliukaite had her Carnegie Hall debut in 2014 with Rochester Philharmonic orchestra. She had her international debut in Halifax playing the role of Madame Haltiere and La Roi at Halifax summer opera festival in 2015. Ms.Migle also sang the roles of Principessa and Contessa with the Eastman Opera Theater in the winter of 2016. In addition, Ms Zaliukaite organizes and participates in numerous benefit recitals and community outreach concerts in Rochester and Lithuania. In the summer of 2016 she will be sharpening her skills at the Chicago Summer Opera program with the role of Florence Pike and her summer will continue at the Theater of Pittsburgh studio artist program where she will be singing the roles of Carlotta and covering the role of Sextus. Ms.Zaliukaite is generously supported by Lithuanian Heritage society and will be recording her first album of Lithuanian arias and songs. In her spare time, Ms. Migle is teaching at Lithuanian Heritage Saturday school and is a soloist for Lithuanian Sunday masses.
Monika Beal - Miss Wordsworth
Soprano Monika Beal holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music. She currently sings the roles of Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank by Grigori Frid, and Lily from Sarah Squire’s compilation of opera favorites for The Playground King, as a resident artist with Long Beach Opera’s Education Outreach. She has sung in many LBO productions including: The Death of Klinghoffer, Philip Glass’ Akhnaten, Moscow CherryTown by Dmitri Shostakovich, and Ricky Ian Gordon’s Orpheus and Euridice. Other notable roles include Gretel from Hänsel und Gretel, with Riverside Opera Company; Paloma in Zarzuela scenes with Chamber Opera of USC, and various scenes with Opera Viva! in Verona, Italy. Best known for the breadth and versatility of her artistry as both a musician and a performer, Monika regularly performs and records with the exciting new Los Angeles Choral Lab, the Nove Deypalan Singers, the Los Angeles Muses, and Grammy-award winning The Caroling Company.
Samantha Lax - Miss Wordsworth
Soprano and New Jersey native Samantha Lax, hailed for her “lovely voice and true comedic acting ability” by The Pittsburgh Stage is pleased to return to Chicago Summer Opera as Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring. Samantha’s roles include Barbarina (The Marriage of Figaro), Monica (The Medium), Papagena (Die Zauberflöte), Antonia (Les contes d’Hoffmann), and Cobweb (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). Miss Lax is currently preparing to sing her first Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro with Hawaii Performing Arts Festival later this year. In the spring of 2016, Miss Lax was in residency with Indianapolis Opera where she performed in the American premiere of Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park as Maria Bertram, a workshop of Kurt Vonnegut’s Happy Birthday, Wanda June as Penelope Ryan, and participated in their educational children’s touring opera, Pinocchio as the Blue Fairy, Cat, and Olympia Miss Lax is a soprano member of the professional choral group The Same Stream, directed by Dr. James Jordan. The Same Stream’s musical focus is performing and recording the works of living composers including Thomas LaVoy, Cortlandt Matthews, Kile Smith, and more. Samantha holds her Master of Music from the New England Conservatory and her Bachelor of Music from Westminster Choir College.
Gabriel Di Gennaro - Mr. Gedge
Gabriel Di Gennaro first came across Albert Herring through a 2010 production that cast him in the bass role of Superintendent Budd. Now as Mr. Gedge, he is grateful for another dive into Britten's brilliance as well as a slightly higher tessitura. Recently, Chicago audiences have seen Gabriel as Florian in Princess Ida (The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company), Benoît/Alcindoro in La bohème (Opera Ouvert), and Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro (/kor/ productions). He has held young artist positions with Opera Theater of Pittsburgh's SummerFest, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, where he covered the role of Leporello in Don Giovanni, and OperaWorks. Collaboration with VOX 3 Collective has added two unique experiences to Gabriel’s résumé in Golaud in a lecture recital of Pelléas et Mélisande presented by Richard Stilwell, and The Dance Master/Mars in the Chicago premiere of Carl Nielsen’s Maskarade. His involvement in premieres extends to the recital hall, where he has performed the world premieres of the song cycle Even for Wars as well as a setting of Shel Silverstien’s The Giving Tree, both by composer Scott Wasserman. Gabriel is an alumnus of Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, University of Delaware, and College Light Opera Company.
Alessio Tranchell - Mr. Gedge
Alessio Tranchell is a Masters student in voice and choral conducting at the Greatbatch School of Music, Houghton College. This summer he will join Russian Opera Workshop at the Academy of Vocal Arts in Philadelphia as Orlik in Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece Mazeppa. Recent roles with Houghton Lyric Theater include Belcore in L’Elisir D’Amore, M. Reyer in The Phantom of the Opera and the title role in Gianni Schicchi. Tranchell joined Finger Lakes Opera (NY) in the summer of 2015 as a Young Artist performing in L’Elisir D’Amore. He recently conducted the premiere recording of Sarah Hutchings’ opera Rodman in North Korea (Finalist for the American Prize, Opera Composition). Tranchell looks forward to his Chicago debut this summer with Chicago Summer Opera.
Frederic Bond - Mr. Upfold
Fredric Bond is a young Swedish American Lyric Tenor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Having recently acquired his Bachelors of Music from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Fredric’s career highlights include performing as part of a touring chamber ensemble in Niigata Japan, the roles of Rinuccio in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Jacquino in Beethoven’s Fidelio, and Nicely Nicely Johnson in Loesser’s Guys and Dolls. Fredric has spent the past two summers performing opera and operetta repertoire while attending the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria. His most recent performing endeavors include an Opera On Tap Liederabend, where he sang the lied of Schubert, Brahms, Grieg, and Sibelius; and Tonight! a concert of various works by Leonard Bernstein, both of which took place in Berlin, Germany. This coming summer, Fredric looks forward to performing the roles of Andrej in Tchaikovsky’s Mazeppa with the Russian Opera Workshop in Philadelphia and Mayor Upfold in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring with Chicago Summer Opera.
Zachary Newman - Mr. Upfold
Zachary Newman is a native of Baytown, Texas where he got his start at the Baytown Little Theater. Zachary has been recently featured in repeat performances of the 1st Armored Man/Priest and the cover of Tamino in Die Zauberflöte at Opera Breve and Spotlight on Opera as well as the Circus Director in Stephen F. Austin State University Opera Theaterʼs production of The Bartered Bride. Zachary is singing in three young artist training programs this season including appearances in Albert Herring at Chicago Summer Opera, Le Nozze Di Figaro at Blooming Voce Summer Opera, and Die Zauberflöte at the Vancouver Summer Opera Workshop. He recently completed his Bachelorʼs degree at Stephen F. Austin State University this May under the tutelage of Nita Hudson and plans to remain there for a Masterʼs in Vocal Performance.
Stephen Hobe - Superintendent Budd
Stephen has been very busy since graduating from Carthage College last May, where he earned degrees in Musical Theatre and Biology (Paleontology). He has been seen regionally in musical theatre, straight theatre and opera theatre in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas. On the Carthage stage, his credits include: DR. CARRASCO/DUKE (Man of La Mancha), MICHAEL SPEARS (Pal Joey), PERON (Evita), POLONIUS (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead), and TYBALT (Romeo and Juliet). Also highly involved with opera at Carthage, Stephen has been seen as MARCELLO (La Bohème), SIMONE (Gianni Schicchi), GUGLIELMO (Cosi fan Tutte) and DULCAMARA (L’Elisir d’Amore). Stephen performed in Italy last summer, where he toured with La Musica Lirica singing MUSTAFA (L’Italiana in Algeri) and SIMONE. Back home in Chicago, he has recently performed as SONNY MALONE (Xanadu), LEAD PERFORMER (A Fabulous 50’s Christmas), KING BALTHAZAR (Amahl and the Night Visitors), MORTIMER (Arsenic and Old Lace) and in concert with The New Moon Opera Company. He also enjoyed performing as a supernumerary in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Nabucco and Romeo & Juliet this past season. Stephen will be pursuing his Master’s degree in Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance this fall.
Jeffery Luksik - Sid
Baritone Jeffrey Luksik is excited to perform with the Chicago Summer Opera. He recently sang the roles of Dr. Miracle in Les Contes d’Hoffmann and Dr. Bartolo in The Marriage of Figaro at the University of Nebraska. His upcoming roles will be Noah Joad in The Grapes of Wrath with Sugar Creek Opera and Launcelot Gobbo in The Merchant of Venice with Flatwater Shakespeare. Other favorite roles include Leporello (Don Giovanni), Anthony Hope (Sweeney Todd), Conte Robinson (Il matrimonio segreto), and Prince Gabriel III of Belgium’s Trainer’s Son (Vinkensport). Dedicated to new art and music, Jeffrey originated the role of Private Dennison in Norton: A Civil War Opera and worked with the 2015 Lincoln ASCAP Festival to workshop new musicals. In addition to his performing career, he wrote the story and narration for the Central Midwest Ballet Academy’s new ballet, The Little Matchstick Girl. Jeffrey holds a Bachelors of Music from Shenandoah Conservatory. He studies with Dr. William Shomos.
Robert Nuñez - Sid
Robert Nuñez, raised in Washington, DC, is a second year master student at the University of Memphis. Mr. Nuñez currently studies under Susan Owen-Leinert for the past two years. While at the University of Memphis, his performance credits includes: Doctor Cajus in Die Lustigen Weiber von Windsor, Matt of the Mint in The Beggar’s Opera, Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro and the OSD Guy in Speed Dating Tonight. Before his graduate studies, Mr. Nuñez received his Bachelor's degree at Marshall University in 2014. While there, his performance credits includes: Papageno in The Magic Flute, Big Al in Mystery on the Docks, and King Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors.
Over the summer, he will make his debut at the Miami Music Festival in The Crucible as Thomas Putnam, and cover Papageno in The Magic Flute. Mr. Nuñez is thrilled to work with Chicago Summer Opera, and excited to perform for the people of Chicago. Mr. Nuñez wants to thank his family for being supportive of his aspiration, his voice teachers, Susan Owen-Leinert, Linda Dobbs, and Joyce Lundy, and all his friends at the University of Memphis.
Over the summer, he will make his debut at the Miami Music Festival in The Crucible as Thomas Putnam, and cover Papageno in The Magic Flute. Mr. Nuñez is thrilled to work with Chicago Summer Opera, and excited to perform for the people of Chicago. Mr. Nuñez wants to thank his family for being supportive of his aspiration, his voice teachers, Susan Owen-Leinert, Linda Dobbs, and Joyce Lundy, and all his friends at the University of Memphis.
Aaron Jones - Albert Herring
Aaron Todd Jones, tenor, currently resides in Richmond, Virginia. He recently graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music Degree. Recent engagements have included performances with the Oberlin in Italy summer program (Basilio, Le nozze di Figaro), the Richmond Symphony at the Carpenter Theatre, and also the Richmond Symphony Chamber Chorus. He was recently seen in September 2015 at the Alexander Paley Festival in Richmond, VA, where he performed the tenor solo's in Rossini's La petite messe solennelle. In April 2016 Aaron performed the role of Don Pelagio from Haydyn's La Canterina with Old Towne Opera in Petersburg, VA. Aaron currently studies voice with Delores Ziegler and is a coaching student of Melanie Kohn-Day. He will be pursuing graduate studies in the Fall of 2016.
Josh Pritchett - Albert Herring
Originally from Stillwater, Minnesotan Tenor, Josh Pritchett, is quickly establishing himself as a versatile performer of both opera and concert repertoire. Chorally, Josh is a member with praised choruses, such as: Bella Voce, The Marion Consort, The Grant Park Chorus, Elgin Master Choral, Chicago Choral Artists, and Vox Nova. Josh has recently collaborated with: The Baroque Opera Workshop, in NY, performing the role of 'Egeo' in Cavalli's "Il Giasone"; Haymarket Opera co.'s "Don Quichotte auf der Hochzeit des Comacho"; and Lyric Opera of Chicago, as a supernumerary for the 2016 performance of "Nabucco." Apart from achieving a masters of vocal performance at North Park University, Josh has studied and performed internationally: Pâris, "La Belle Hélène," Offenbach (Franco American Vocal Academy, France); Liebeslieder-Walzer - Brahms (Orvieto Musica, Italy); and at the World Peace Bell Ceremony, (S. Korea). Being known for his acting background, and Leggiero ease, Josh has trained as both Character Tenor: (Pedrillo - Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, Monostatos - The Magic Flute; Franz - Le conte d’Hoffman, Fe-Ni-Han, BA-TA-CLAN...), and Baroque concert soloist.
Molly Adams-Toomey - Nancy
Mezzo-Soprano Molly Adams-Toomey currently resides in Elkton, Maryland. She most recently sang the role of Marte (Mars) in La Purpúra de la Rosa with the Illinois-based Young Artist Program Le Chateau de la Voix. Other opera credits include the Danish Knight in Armide with Le Chateau de la Voix, Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore with the Young Victorian Theater Company, Mamma Lucia in Cavalleria Rusticana with Tri-Cities Opera, The Witch in Hänsel und Gretel with Binghamton University, and the Third Spirit in Die Zauberflöte with Tri-Cities Opera. Roles performed in opera scenes include Nicklausse (Les Contes d'Hoffmann), Dinah (Trouble in Tahiti), and Giovanna (Rigoletto). In addition to her operatic roles, Molly has been featured in recital at Oxford University in Oxford, UK, as well as in Falmouth, UK, and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Young Artist Programs in which Molly has participated include the Sankt Goar International Music Festival and Academy in Germany, Le Chateau de la Voix, and The Cornish-American Song Institute based in Oxford,UK, and Falmouth,UK. Molly received both a B.A. in Music and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from Binghamton University in New York, studying voice under Professor Mary Burgess.
Jessica Blau - Nancy
Hailing from Houston, Texas, mezzo-soprano Jessica Blau is steadily establishing herself as an exciting artist to watch. She is currently pursuing a Performance Certificate at the University of Houston, where she most recently sang Dorabella in Così Fan Tutte and Dolly Oblonsky in Anna Karenina. She has previously sung for Texas State Opera Theater, Opera in the Ozarks, Spotlight on Opera, Opera Piccola of San Antonio, and the Castleton Festival, to name a few. Favorite roles include Nicklausse (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Meg (Little Women), Dinah (Trouble in Tahiti), Hansel (Hansel & Gretel), and Rosina (Il Barbiere di Siviglia). In addition to her vocal talents, Ms. Blau is an accomplished flamenco dancer and has devoted over ten years of study to the art form throughout the United States and Spain. Her background in dance translates to dramatically and physically dynamic performances on the opera stage. Jessica is thrilled to make her Midwestern debut singing Nancy with Chicago Summer Opera in Albert Herring.
Tal Heller - Mrs. Herring
Tal Heller, Mezzo-Soprano, originally from Boston, Massachusetts, is a recent graduate of the Undergraduate Program at Mannes College of Music in New York City, where she received a Bachelor of Music in Classical Vocal Performance. She is a voice student of Arthur Levy, Andrea DelGiudice, Cristina Stanescu, and Susan Woodruff-Versage. She has attended Classic Lyric Arts’ L’art Du Chant Français where she worked closely with tenor Michel Sénéchal in Bergerac, France. Last winter, she sang in the chorus of Mannes College’s production of L’Elisir D’amore. She has sung roles such as The Fox in Rachel Portman’s The Little Prince, Novizie in Puccini’s Suor Angelica, and Dorothée in Massenet’s Cendrillon, as well as countless opera scenes throughout her undergraduate education: her favorites including scenes from Carmen as Carmen, Orfeo ed Euridice as Orfeo, Little Women as Jo, Die Zäuberflöte as 3rd Lady, Cendrillon as Le Prince Charmant, Dido and Aeneas as Dido, and Der Rosenkavlier as Octavian. She is beyond thrilled and honored to be singing this summer with Chicago Summer Opera.
Kristin Starkey - Mrs. Herring
“…Genuine, plummy contralto… (Parterre Box)”, Kristin Starkey is delighted to be performing in Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Albert Herring as Mrs. Herring. She made her opera debut in 2014 as Mrs. Grose in Britten’s Turn of the Screw, and since then performed many roles with various companies. Roles include Erda (Das Rheingold), La Cieca (La Gioconda), Myrtale (Thais), La Principessa (Suor Angelica), Grimgerde (Die Walkure), Il Tebro (O come chiare e belle), and Alisa (Lucia di Lammermoor). She has had partial roles as Dalila (Samson et Dalila), Carmen (Carmen), Angelina (Cenerentola), Octavian (Der Rosenkavalier), La Voix (Les Contes d’Hoffmann), Musette (La Bohème, Leoncavallo), and Hermia (Midsummer Night’s Dream). In June of 2016, will be making her debut as Olga (Eugene Onegin) with La Forza dell'Opera in New York. In 2015, she was named the 1st alternate finalist in the New York Lyric Opera Division I competition, as well as a semi-finalist in the Classical Singer Magazine competition. Starkey is based in Long Island, New York and has been studying with renowned soprano Brenda Harris for the last three years. She is currently working towards her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Vocal Performance at Stony Brook University.
Anne Elizabeth Briggs - Emmie
Anne Elizabeth Briggs (Emmie) is excited to be a part of Chicago Summer Opera’s 2016 Summer Program! Other recent roles include Fatime in Les Indes Galantes, Clara Johnson in The Light in the Piazza, Papagena in Die Zauberflöte with Opera Breve Vocal Institute, Alida Slade in Robert Ward’s Roman Fever at The College of Wooster, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni with Harrower Summer Opera Workshop. Briggs also enjoys concert and sacred repertoire, recently performing in the University Congregational Church Christmas Concert as the Soprano soloist in Ralph Vaughn William’s Dona Nobis Pacem. A first-year graduate student at WSU pursuing her MM in Opera Performance, Ms. Briggs studies with Dr. Pina Mozzani.
Madison Spahn - Emmie
Madison Spahn, soprano, is delighted to perform for the first time with Chicago Summer Opera this season. She recently graduated from Duke University with a BA in music performance. While there, she studied voice with Susan Dunn and participated in Duke Opera Workshop, performing in scenes from Le nozze di Figaro (Susanna), La Bohéme (Mimi), and Candide (Cunegonde), among others. She also performed as a soloist with the Duke Chorale in Fauré’s Requiem, with the Duke Wind Symphony in Angels in the Architecture, under the direction of the composer Frank Ticheli, and with the Duke Jazz Ensemble. She spent her previous summer studying with Musiktheater Bavaria in Oberaudorf, Germany, performing in scenes from L’incoronazione di Poppea and Die Zauberflöte.
Breanna Ghostone - Cis
Breanna Ghostone is a recent graduate from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Vocal Performance. During her time at the institution, Ms. Ghostone had the opportunity to perform in various university productions. She was first seen in the production of Die Zauberflöte as a part of the opera chorus and Hairspray as Little Inez. Following these performances, Ms. Ghostone had the opportunity to sing a handful of soprano roles in shortened opera productions. She was featured as Zerlina in Don Giovanni, Annina in La Traviata, and Ginevra in Ariodante. In addition to opportunities through the university, Ms. Ghostone has been fortunate enough to gain performance experience through a variety of music programs, such as Interlochen Arts Summer Academy, Elgin Opera Festival of Singers, Northwestern Summer Music Institute, and the Carnegie Hall Performance Series. One of Ms. Ghostone’s most valuable experiences was this past summer where she was able to build upon her proficiency of the Italian language as well as her excellent musicianship at the Music in the Marche Voice Program in Northern Italy. Currently, Ms. Ghostone is an active opera and musical theatre performer. She continues to take voice lessons with Professor Carmen Pelton at the University of Michigan and will be attending graduate school in Fall 2017.
Kathryn Shepas - Cis
Kathryn Shepas currently resides in Southwestern Pennsylvania, where she studies under Sari Gruber.
In 2015, she placed second in the Voices of Mississippi Competition, and had the opportunity to perform with members of the Mississippi Opera Orchestra under conductor Jay Dean. Kathryn Shepas graduated in May 2015 from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Music degree. At WVU, she studied under Mandy Spivak and Nick Perna. She competed in NATS every year. For Tri-State NATS in 2014, Shepas placed first in the Junior Classical Women Division. Kathryn Shepas participated in WVU Opera Theatre. She performed the role of 3rd Lady in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Cigarette Girl in Bizet’s Carmen. Her favorite roles in WVU Scenes Program include Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Lucy in The Hotel Casablanca, and Ms. Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief. Kathryn Shepas was also a member of WVU University Singers, where she has performed as a soloist in John Leavitt’s Requiem.
In 2015, she placed second in the Voices of Mississippi Competition, and had the opportunity to perform with members of the Mississippi Opera Orchestra under conductor Jay Dean. Kathryn Shepas graduated in May 2015 from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Music degree. At WVU, she studied under Mandy Spivak and Nick Perna. She competed in NATS every year. For Tri-State NATS in 2014, Shepas placed first in the Junior Classical Women Division. Kathryn Shepas participated in WVU Opera Theatre. She performed the role of 3rd Lady in Mozart’s The Magic Flute and Cigarette Girl in Bizet’s Carmen. Her favorite roles in WVU Scenes Program include Adina in L’elisir d’amore, Lucy in The Hotel Casablanca, and Ms. Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief. Kathryn Shepas was also a member of WVU University Singers, where she has performed as a soloist in John Leavitt’s Requiem.
Lilla Keith - Lady Billows Cover & Scenes
Lilla Keith is a graduate of SC Governor’s school for the Arts and Humanities and now resides at Furman University studying Vocal performance under Dr. Grant Knox. She has performed in the Furman Lyric Theater for three years as part of the ensemble and the second witch in their 2015 production Dido and Aneas. She also has participated in their opera scenes performing the role Donna Anna from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Lilla recently has returned form studying vocal performance at Academia Dell’arte in Arezzo, Italy. She has participated in summer programs such as the Harrower summer opera and Classical Singer Competition. She plans on attending Chicago summer opera and CoOperative program this coming summer.
Sarah Curtis - Florence Pike Cover & Scenes
Sarah Kathryn Curtis is a mezzo-soprano originally from the Kansas City area. During her three years at Simpson College, Ms. Curtis has performed in a variety of shows. Recent roles include Marcellina (The Marriage of Figaro), Zita (Gianni Schicci), Linfea (La Calisto), Nettie Fowler (Carousel), Olga Olsen (Street Scene), and the Mistress of the Novices (Sister Angelica). In addition to full roles, she has also performed scenes from Carmen (Carmen), The Merry Widow (Chorus), The Ballad of Baby Doe (Augusta’s Friend), and The Magic Flute (Third Lady).
Frank Daniel Laucerica - Albert Herring Cover & Scenes
Cuban-American tenor, Frank Daniel Laucerica is completing a bachelor's degree in music for Voice & Opera Performance at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music under Kurt R. Hansen. Laucerica appeared recently as Don Curzio in Northwestern University Opera Theater's production of Le Nozze di Figaro. Previously, he played Mayor Upfold (and the cover of Albert) in the Miami Summer Music Festival's production of Albert Herring. Laucerica was also seen playing the Younger brother in Northwestern University Opera Theater’s critically acclaimed and award-winning Chicago premiere of Jake Heggie's Dead Man Walking.
Laucerica is very excited to be playing the role of Elder Hayes and covering Little Bat with Northwestern University’s production of Susannah, covering Albert as part of the Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Albert Herring, as well playing the role of Tamino at the Miami Summer Music Festival’s production of Die Zauberflöte in the coming months.
Laucerica is very excited to be playing the role of Elder Hayes and covering Little Bat with Northwestern University’s production of Susannah, covering Albert as part of the Chicago Summer Opera’s production of Albert Herring, as well playing the role of Tamino at the Miami Summer Music Festival’s production of Die Zauberflöte in the coming months.
Brittany Jeffery- Nancy Cover & Scenes
Mezzo-Soprano, Brittany Jeffery, is from Dresden, KS. She holds a Masters Degree in Opera Performance from Wichita State University, where she studied voice with Dr. Deborah Baxter. As a part of Wichita State University Opera Theatre, Ms. Jeffery performed the role of Margaret Johnson in The Light in the Pizza by Adam Guettel, Mrs. Mclean in Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah, Effie Belle Tate in Cold Sassy Tree, and Prince Orlovsky in Die Fledermaus.
During the Summer of 2015 Ms. Jeffery was a young artist with The Land of Enchantment Opera Institute, where she studied the roles of Marcellina and Cherubino (cover) in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. She has worked with several successful performers and teachers such as renowned bass Samuel Ramey, and Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano, MaryAnn McCormick. After taking part Chicago Summer Opera, Brittany will travel to New York City to perform the role of Hansel in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel with Manhattan Opera Studio in August.
During the Summer of 2015 Ms. Jeffery was a young artist with The Land of Enchantment Opera Institute, where she studied the roles of Marcellina and Cherubino (cover) in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. She has worked with several successful performers and teachers such as renowned bass Samuel Ramey, and Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano, MaryAnn McCormick. After taking part Chicago Summer Opera, Brittany will travel to New York City to perform the role of Hansel in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel with Manhattan Opera Studio in August.
Susanna Beerheide - Mrs. Herring Cover & Scenes
Next to Romance languages and Musicology, Susanna Beerheide studied voice in Berlin with Prof. Janet Williams, Bettina Jensen and David Lee Brewer. Her artistic engagement includes acting performances with the Theaterforum Kreuzberg, performing, among other, in Salome (Oscar Wilde), Campiello (Peter Turrini) and Equus (Peter Schaffer). Since September 2013 she has been studing voice in the master’s program of the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with Prof. Mimmi Fulmer. In Madison she has given various performances with UW University Opera, including the title role of the opera Ariodante by Handel and Third Lady in The Magic Flute under the direction of Maestro James Smith. In 2013 and 2014 she was a member of the Tenso Europe Chamber Choir under the direction of Maestro Kaspars Putnins. This professional choir toured through different European countries such as the Netherlands, Finnland, Estonia and Latvia. In Chicago she has been working with Floating Opera as Dorabella (cover) in their production of Cosí fan tutte.