Opera Workshop Program Notes
Dr. Reg Pittman, Director
Amanda Arrington, Pianist
Synopses and Order of Scenes
The Magic Flute - Mozart
This scene begins after the Three Ladies (ladies in waiting to the Queen of the Night) have placed a padlock on Papageno’s mouth so he will not tell lies. The ladies provide Tamino a magic flute, and Papageno a set of bells that will keep them safe as they search for the Queen’s daughter.
Ladies – Sarrah Sultz, Morgan Grote, and Liz Handy
Tamino – Simon Wenger
Papageno – Ethan Irons
The Pearl Fishers – Bizet
The Pearl fishers duet is sung by the Zurga, the chief of the pearl fishers and old friend Nadir. The two men are rejoined after not seeing each other for many years. They recall their last trip together to a temple where they both fell in love with a beautiful woman leading the ceremony. They swore to forget the woman so they would never lose their friendship.
Zurga – Kolby Van Camp
Nadir – Matthew Robison
Carmen – Bizet
The smugglers retreat to the mountains, as Mercedes and Frasquita pass the time by telling their fortunes with cards. When Carmen joins in, she reads death again and again, first for herself and the for her former lover Don Jose.
Frasquita – Kate Westhoven
Mercedes – Sydney VanDyck
Carmen – Erin Grochowsky
The Merry Wives of Windsor – Nicolai
This opera plot is taken from the Shakespearean play of the same name. Secret lovers Anne and Frank have sneaked away for a romantic evening, but are followed by two suitors of Anne’s, Slender and Dr. Cajus.
Anne – Payton Boldt
Frank – Ryan Hernandez
Slender – Brayden Liakos
Dr. Cajus – Ryan Teer
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying – Frank Loesser
Rosemary's fellow secretary Smitty helps her and Finch set up a date in the musical selection: "It’s Been a Long Day.”
Finch – Elijah Fontanez
Rosemary – Sage Williams
Smitty – Emma Curry
La Cenerentola (Cinderella) - Rossini
Sisters Clorinda and Tisbe are busy primping while their stepsister is sitting near the fireside singing about a king who chose a kind-hearted bride. When a knock is heard at the door, Cinderella opens the door to find a beggar (actually Prince Ramiro’s tutor). She invites him inside and gives him food, angering the sisters. The prince’s knights appear, announcing the arrival of the prince himself, who at ball will choose the most beautiful woman to be his bride.
Clorinda – Julia Deeb
Tisbe – Kara McClendon
Cinderella - Paige Padgett
Beggar - Oliver Hutchison
Knights - Ryan Teer andDr. Reg Pittman