Note from the Director
As they began their collaboration on the story of Gertude Stein and Alice B. Toklas and their famed salon at 27 Rue de Fleurus in Paris, Ricky Ian Gordon told librettist, Royce Vavek “I want the paintings to sing!” He also wanted to feature a Styne quote that speaks both to the arc of her life, and to this telling of her story: “Before the flowers of friendship faded…friendship faded.” In the closing scene Gertrude notes “Alice never faded.”
“27” gives us an insightful view into the lives of these remarkable women, their salon, and some of the historical figures that populated it, The piece covers some 40 years over the course of two world wars and at Ricky’s insistence, does not whitewash the allegations of possible collaboration that may explain how Gertrude and Alice, Jewish and married, were able to live peacefully through the occupation, and have their artwork untouched while museums were stripped of their masterpieces. With all its historical references and dramatic moments however, “27” is essentially the simple story of Gertrude and Alice’s love. It is told through the lens of Alice’s cherished memories as she brings the salon and Gertrude back to life with her knitting.
Last week, George Mason was treated to a remarkably impactful residency by this cherished American composer whose vast library of Art Song, Musical Theater, and Operatic works has become an important part of the fabric of our canon of American masterpieces. Throughout the week, Mr. Gordon worked with Vocal, Theater, Opera, and Composition students infusing his love of singing, poetry, and fearless, honest communication in ways that immediately began to change their performances, and that I know will affect them for the rest of their lives.
I would also like to thank the many people who have made this production possible, from Mason’s outstanding production and design team to our fabulous musical staff. Professor Joe Walsh went above and beyond coaching the soloists and chorus on this demanding score. I owe a significant debt of gratitude to him as well as to our fantastic rehearsal accompanists, Drs. Eunae Ko Han and GaYoung Lee, Dr. Soo Han on the podium, and Professor Patricia Miller at the helm of our Mason Opera program.
Richard Leech, Stage Director
Mason Opera Presents 27
Music by Ricky Ian Gordon Libretto by Royce Vavrek
Presented in two acts with one fifteen-minute intermission
Stage Director: Professor Richard Leech
Music Director & Conductor: Dr. Soo Han
Director/Producer: Professor Patricia Miller
Harris Theatre
George Mason University
Friday, April 25 at 8:00pm
Saturday, April 26 at 2:00pm and 8:00pm Sunday, April 27 at 3:00pm
Synopsis
Alice Knits the World
As Alice B. Toklas sits in her living room at 27 rue de Fleurus she conjures the world she shared with Gertrude Stein by knitting the memories of their past back to life.
27 rue de Fleurus
Always inviting her guests to ”Peruse” the paintings in the salon, and to appreciate the genius of the artists, for Gertrude, the paintings were not only beautiful, but always singing. On this Saturday, Picasso arrives with “flowers of friendship” and Gertrude hosts the unveiling of his portrait of her.
Gertrude Sits for Pablo
Gertrude and Picasso remember well the 100 sittings for the portrait and their discussion of how genius takes “time and time and more time”. The painting is met with distain by her brother Leo and jealousy by Henri Matisse. Upon their departure, Gertrude and Alice sing of the ringing of the bells that celebrate genius and their love.
Zeppelins
Gertrude and Alice weather the First World War in Paris. Gertrude continues to write as the cold sets in and food becomes scarce. An American doughboy stationed in Paris becomes a friend, and provides them with coal and cigarettes, but fails to return with sought-after eggs. Another boy is added to the tally of the lost generation.
Génération Perdue
After the war, Gertrude’s attention shifts from painters to writers, now welcoming the likes of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and the photographer Man Ray. Ernest and Scotty are desperate for Gertrude’s endorsement so she encourages them to wrestle for her attention she will make the winner a genius. The disillusioned writers are expelled from the salon as the next war approaches.
Gertrude Stein is Safe, Safe
Gertrude and Alice survive the Second World War by sacrificing paintings. Picasso’s portrait of Gertrude and the other paintings become her conscience, asking her to explain how a Jewish American authoress survived Nazi-occupied France. As the guilt overtakes her, “Jury of my Canvas…” is Gertrude’s appeal for absolution, as she recounts all the good that she did. She gently dies in Alice’s arms.
Alice Alone
Alice, now alone, is delighted by the return of Picasso. Together they say goodbye to the portrait of Gertrude that is being shipped off to The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Picasso sketches a needlepoint image of Gertrude and Alice begins to “stitch her back to life.” As Gertrude reflects on her life she notes “Before the flowers of friendship faded… friendship faded. Alice never faded.” The portrait of Gertude is now complete with Alice by her side as the bells of genius and love chime once more.
Cast
Gertrude Stein Annie French*; Huijie Sun **
Alice Toklas Hana Tawil *; Samira Plummer-Brown **
Pablo Picasso/F. Scott Fitzgerald Ross Calvin
Henri Matisse/Ernest Hemingway Samuel Flamenco
Leo Stein/Man Ray Ash Mattos*; Kyla Larkin **
Doughboy Aiden Breneman-Pennas*; Lincoln Hop **
Trio: "Alice Knits the World” / "Alice Alone" Hannah Cayem; Jennifer Mills; Kaylee Cobb
Trio: “Zeppelins” Hannah Cayem; Julia Messner; Elycia Woodham
Trio: "Génération Perdue” Lucia Ku; Maria Mantalvanos; Eva Shifflett
Trio: "Gertrude Styne is Safe, Safe” Jennifer Mills; Lucia Ku; Kaylee Cobb
Paintings Ensemble
Aiden Breneman-Pennas, Ross Calvin, Hannah Cayem, Kaylee Cobb, Samuel Flamenco, Lincoln Hop, Lucia Ku, Kyla Larkin, Ash Mattos, Julia Messner, Jennifer Mills, Maria Mantalvanos, Eva Shifflett, Elycia Woodham
*Friday, April 25th at 8:00 PM and Saturday, April 26th at 8:00 PM
**Saturday, April 26th at 2:00 PM and Sunday, April 27st at 3:00 PM
Advisory: In the interest of informing and addressing the wide range of needs and sensitivities of our audience members, we wish to inform you of the following elements used in this performance: flashing lights; sudden loud bomb-like noises; haze; projected images, foul language, smoking, drinking, and mild intimacy.
Orchestra
Conductor – Dr. Soo Han
Assistant Conductor- Michael Stern
Violin I
Annette Lee, concertmaster
Suyuan Carrasco
Emma Ishii
Brittany Sterling Young
Violin II
Youngbin Ko, Marianna Wolpert
Perry Francis
Estefany Garcia
Viola
Alyssa Cabassa
Matthew Gardner
Jessica Masterson
Cello
Eddie Adams
Neal Wentz
Bass
Clark McMillen
Sam Nixon
Percussion
Luke Moitoza
Lilly Smith
Oboe
Mykia Buford
Flute/Piccolo
Jenn Szabo
Clarinet
Julianna Evans
Bassoon
Andrew Christian Bell
Horn Alex Josa
Trumpet
Scott Sabo
Trombone
Miguel Zayas
Pianist
Dr. GaYoung Lee
MASON OPERA DIRECTORS
Prof. Richard Leech, Stage Director, Mason Opera
Dr. Soo Han, Music Director, Conductor
Prof. Patricia Miller, Director of Vocal Studies, Opera Director & Producer
MASON OPERA PRODUCTION TEAM
Donna Reinhold, Stage Manager
Rachel Leary, Assistant Stage Manager
Carrie Cox, Technical Director
Sean Cox, Lighting Designer
Laurel Dunayer, Costume Designer
Jonathan Dahm Robertson, Scenic Designer
Caleb McMurtry, Properties Designer
Ethan Osborne, Scene Shop Supervisor
Stephan Starling, Assistant Technical Director
Ann Tran, Sound Designer
Lorelei Stuart, Sound Designer
Samuel Kim, Supertitle Operator
ARTISTIC DIRECTION AND STAFF
Dr. Soo Han, Musical Director, Conductor
Prof. Richard Leech, Stage Director, Mason Opera
Michael Stern, Assistant Conductor
Prof. Joseph Walsh, Mason Opera Coach
Dr. Eunae Ko Han, Opera Pianist, Coach, Rehearsal Pianist
Dr. GaYoung Lee, Opera Musical Assistant, Opera Rehearsal Pianist
Sarah Alspach, assistant costume shop supervisor
Alexandra Beverina, Costume Shop Assistant
Luisa Romero, costume shop assistant and wardrobe head
Anna Connole, Costume Shop Intern
Shannon Harrel, Costume Shop Intern
Eli Nguyen, Costume Shop Intern
Holly Pulsifer, Costume Shop Intern
Bridget Santos, Costume Shop Intern
Brianna Zawicki, Costume Shop Intern
MASON OPERA ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF
Prof. Patricia Miller, Director of Vocal Studies, Opera Director & Producer
Prof. Richard Leech, Stage Director, Mason Opera
Dr. Soo Han, Musical Director, Conductor
Prof. Joseph Walsh, Opera Coach
Dr. Eunae Ko Han, Opera Coach & Pianist
Julie Thompson, Executive Director, Center for the Arts
Anissa Clay Zelaya, Mason Vocal Studies and Opera Assistant
HARRIS THEATER PRODUCTION STAFF
Adrianna Smith, Harris Theater Venue Technical Director
Micah Stromberg, Performing Arts Building Venue Technical Director
MASON OPERA GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES
Dr. Rick Davis, Dean, College of Visual & Performing Arts
Dr. Linda Monson, Director, Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
Julie Thompson, Executive Director, Center for the Arts
MASON VOICE FACULTY
Prof. Patricia Miller, Director of Vocal Studies; Director/Producer, Mason Opera
Prof. Richard Leech
Prof. Lisa Berger
Prof. Jennifer CaseyCabot
Prof. Ian McEuen
Dr. Darden Purcell
Prof. Edrie MeansWeekly
Dr. Mira Yang
MEET THE ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION TEAM
Richard Leech (Stage Director) is one of the most celebrated tenors of his generation and is currently an Associate Professor of Applied Voice and Opera for George Mason University’s Dewberry School of Music, and Stage Director for the Mason Opera Theater. Since his heralded 1989 Metropolitan Opera debut as Rodolfo in La Bohème, Mr. Leech has sung nearly 200 Met performances in more than a dozen leading roles. From Vienna and Paris to La Scala, Covent Garden, and Carnegie Hall he has been a frequent guest with virtually every major opera house and renowned symphonies throughout the world. He is best known for his interpretation of iconic tenor roles such as Rodolfo, Cavaradossi, Pinkerton, Don José, Faust, Roméo, Hoffmann, the Duke in Rigoletto, and Riccardo in Un ballo in maschera and is featured on over twenty recordings and videos. His solo release from the heart can be found on the Telarc label. Following his 1987 European debut with Berlin’s Deutsche Oper, as Raoul in Les Huguenots, the headline of the Berliner Morgen Post read: “A World Star is Born” and true to its forecast, Mr. Leech had soon made debuts with virtually every major opera house of the world. Of his first performance with the Metropolitan Opera, as Rodolfo in La Bohème, Will Crutchfield of the New York Times wrote: “Other than Pavarotti on his best night, I can’t think of another tenor I’d rather hear in the part.” In addition to the Met, he was also a frequent guest with the Lyric Opera of Chicago and the opera companies of San Francisco, LA, Washington, San Diego, and Cincinnati, as well as many other important American opera companies and symphonies. Internationally, he was often seen in Paris, London, Vienna, Berlin, Madrid, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Florence, Rome, and at La Scala in Milan where he had the honor of singing La Bohème with the great Mirella Freni. Other countries where he has performed include Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, The Netherlands, Canada, Russia, Cyprus, Japan, China, and South Korea. Also a passionate teacher and mentor, Mr. Leech has worked extensively with aspiring artists at all levels of their development throughout his career. Before his position with George Mason University, he had previously served on the faculties of Rutgers University and The University of Michigan. As Director of Resident Artist Programs for Michigan Opera Theatre (now Detroit Opera) from 2015 -2021, Mr. Leech created and ran MOT Studio, the company’s first young artist program, offering full-time engagement, training, and experience to artists in the early stages of a professional career. In his leadership role with MOT, he also oversaw the company’s many education and community engagement initiatives. Mr. Leech attended Eastman School of Music and Binghamton University and credits his success to the training he received in the Tri-Cities Opera Resident Artist Training Program in Binghamton, NY under the mentorship of the company’s founders, Peyton Hibbitt and Carmen Savoca. He has been a frequent guest teacher and presenter of masterclasses for many institutions in the US and internationally. He was the 1988 winner of the prestigious Richard Tucker Award, and the recipient of The Voice Foundation’s Voice Education Research and Awareness (V.E.R.A.) Award and the Giulio Gari Foundation’s Distinguished Achievement Award.
Patricia Miller (Director of Vocal Studies, Director/Producer Mason Opera) is a Distinguished University Professor of Music at George Mason University, received her Bachelor of Music from Boston University, her Master of Music from New England Conservatory, and, as a Fulbright scholar, her Artist Diploma from the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. She completed advanced studies at the Schubert Institute in Baden-bei-Wien and the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Miller is a distinguished international opera and concert artist and an esteemed music educator. Included in her extensive artistic career as a leading mezzo-soprano are performances with San Francisco Opera, New York City Opera, Theatre Châtélèt Paris, Alte Oper Frankfurt, Victoria State Opera (Melbourne), Arena di Verona (Italy), and Deutsche Oper (Berlin), among others. Her concert appearances include the Musikverein (Vienna), Beethovenhalle (Bonn), Avery Fisher Hall-Lincoln Center, Kennedy Center, Library of Congress, Strathmore Music Center, and the Smithsonian. Her master classes and lecture recitals at universities and conservatories around the world include Moscow State University, Tchaikovsky National Music Academy of Ukraine, Hochschule für Musik Franz Lizst in Weimar, Germany, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Ewha Womans University in Seoul, Korea. Miller’s students have garnered top awards in state, regional, national, and international competitions, including First Place at the National Opera Association Collegiate Scenes Competition. She has trained extraordinary young student artists who are now singing with major opera companies domestically and internationally, including Metropolitan Opera, Washington National Opera, Virginia Opera, Netherlands Opera, the “President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band and U.S. Army Chorus, and a Tony Award-winning Broadway revival. Miller has provided Mason students opportunities to study and perform abroad in Italy, Germany, France, Russia, and Korea. Professor Miller is a 2018 recipient of the John Toups Presidential Medal for Excellence in Teaching at George Mason University.
Dr. Soo Han (conductor) is the Director of Orchestral Studies at George Mason University’s Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music in Fairfax, Virginia; Music Director of the Elkhart County Symphony in Indiana; and a member of the
Board of Directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. He is a composer and arranger with Hal Leonard, and is also a contributing editor for Essential Elements for Strings. As an active conductor, Dr. Han has appeared with numerous professional and university orchestras He is a frequent conductor for all-state, regional, and honor orchestras, appearing in more than 30 states, and has conducted ensembles in Australia, Austria, China, and Thailand. He has produced multiple recordings of complete symphonies and has premiered several commissioned works for strings and full orchestras. Dr. Han has presented workshops and clinics internationally and for nearly every major national and state music conference. Dr. Han is a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician, and co-author, contributor, and managing editor for Teaching Music through Performance in Orchestra, Vol. 4, one of the leading orchestra pedagogical resources published by GIA. He is a past president of the Indiana American String Teachers Association and his high school orchestras were nine-time Indiana State School Music Association champions. Having taught in the public schools for fifteen years, he is a passionate supporter of school music programs, and continues to remain active in instrumental classrooms throughout the country. Soo received his Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education degree from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where he studied piano under Edward Auer. He received his Master of Science in Education from the Indiana University School of Education, and his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the Michigan State University College of Music, where he studied under Kevin Noe. Soo grew up in rural Pennsylvania, and now resides in Arlington, Virginia, where he has a beautiful view of the monuments of Washington, D.C. He enjoys distance running, eating amazing food, and traveling near and far with his partner, Gregory, and his faithful canine companion, Lenny.
Joe Walsh (Music Coach) has presented and served as music director for opera and musical theater productions in Virginia, across the country and internationally. He served on the musical staff at Virginia Opera for 17 years where, most, recently, he held the positions of Associate Artistic Director and Associate Conductor. Joe was music director for Riverside Dinner Theater’s acclaimed production of The Pirates of Penzance during the summer of 2019. He has been a regular Music Director with the In Series and Alexandria’s Metro Stage. He is on the faculty at Levine Music and has served as artistic advisor for the National Society of Arts and Letters Vocal Programs, Washington D.C. chapter. Joe has judged the Middle Atlantic Region of the MET National Council auditions, as well as The Partner for the Arts, National Society of Arts and Letters and many other voice competitions. Joe is a member of the faculties of both the School of Music and the School of Theater at George Mason University. At Mason, he has served as music director for productions of Head Over Heels, Cendrillon, Footloose, Gaining Ground, Spring Awakening, Rags, Merry We Roll Along, Big River, Dido and Aeneas, and Hansel and Gretel, among many others.
Dr. Eunae Ko Han (Opera Coach/Pianist) received her DMA in Collaborative Piano at the University of Maryland in College Park (UMCP). She has extensive experience as an accompanist and a chamber musician, performing in numerous concerts and recitals throughout United States, Korea, China and Japan. She held positions as opera coach at Seoul National University and UMCP, and has wide repertoire of vocal works including operas, oratorios, choral and song literatures. She received the McCoy Award for Collaborative Pianist, First Place in Ulrich Competition at UMCP and received rave reviews from the Washington Post for her performance of Mozart’s opera, The Impresario, at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. She made several recordings including a chamber music CD and a classical CD with renowned artists. She currently is the music director for New Life Foundation (NLF), a non-profit organization that supports young, underprivileged musicians; music director for Christian Art Mission (CAM); and an Adjunct Professor of Music at George Mason University. She actively performs throughout the Greater Washington Metropolitan area as well as in New York/New Jersey. Recently, she performed with chamber groups at various conservatories at Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyztan.
Dr. GaYoung Lee, renowned for her sensitive playing, colorful timbres, expressive tone, and her ability to seamlessly "blend the sound and elevate musical synergy" with fellow musicians, has established herself as both a solo pianist and a collaborative pianist across various distinguished venues.
Currently pursuing her Doctoral degree in Piano Performance at George Mason University under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Linda Apple Monson, Director of the School of Music, GaYoung Lee also contributes as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) in collaborative piano. In this capacity, she enriches the musical education of instrumental and vocal students by offering guidance in recitals, lessons, and masterclasses, in addition to providing invaluable rehearsal coaching. GaYoung's academic journey encompasses a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from George Mason University, a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the Catholic University of Korea, and supplementary studies at the Ewha Womans Graduate School of Music in Seoul.
Sean Cox (Lighting Designer) is the Assistant Director of Event Services at George Mason University and is thrilled to join the creative team for the Mason Opera for this production. A graduate of George Mason University with a MA in Arts Management and Auburn University with a BFA in Theatrical Production & Stage Management, he served as Production & Company Manager for Olney Theatre Center from 2008 to 2010. He also has worked on the creative team for several productions and attractions at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, including scenic designs for Entwined, Gloria, and Open Casket Previous designs have been featured at NextStop Theatre Company in Herndon, VA, including lighting design for Snow White, The Giver, and 45 Plays for 45 Presidents as well as projections design for Urinetown, 45 Plays for 45 Presidents, and Godspell.
Laurel Dunayer (Costume Designer/Costume Shop Supervisor) has been with George Mason University since 2006 as Costume Shop Supervisor for CVPA. Laurel received her MFA in Theatre-Costume Design from the University of Illinois, then moved to NYC to work in Broadway costume shops. Favorite projects at Carelli Costumes include The Rocky Horror Show (2000), Kiss Me Kate(1999), and Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002); Other experience: The Alley Theater in Houston, TX, American Players Theater in Spring Green, WI, (six seasons, various costume shop positions) and The Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder, CO (seven seasons, Master Draper). Laurel’s specialties include patternmaking and advanced construction techniques.
Past designs at GMU include; (for Mason Opera), HMS Pinafore (2012), The Magic Flute (2013), The Marriage of Figaro (2014), Iolanthe (2017), La Cenerentola (2022) and The Impressario and In the Classical Style (2024), and for Musical Theater; The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2014), The Gondoliers (2017), Rags (2019) and 110 in the Shade (2024) Laurel also received a BFA in Theater from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX.
Jonathan Dahm Robertson (he/him; Scenic Designer) DC AREA: Kennedy Center: Look Both Ways; Signature Theatre: Passing Strange; Round House Theatre: Nollywood Dreams; Theater J: Two Jews Walk into a War, The Christians; Mosaic Theater Co.: The Agitators, Oh God!; 1st Stage: The Mamalogues, Member of the Wedding, the Nance; Theater Alliance: Day of Absence, Blood at the Root; REGIONAL: American Stage: Indecent; Totem Pole Playhouse: Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery, Footloose, the Sound of Music, Murder for Two, and more; The Barnstormers Theatre: Into the Woods; Cape Fear Regional Theater: Wait Until Dark; OPERA: The Princeton Festival: Nixon in China, Fidelio, Peter Grimes; Opera in the Heights: Candide, Un Ballo En Maschera, Cosi Fan Tutte
Caleb McMurtry is excited to be working as the Props Designer for 27. He has previously worked as the Props Manager for the Fall Opera, Love, Betrayal, and Forgiveness. He holds a BA in Theater from George Mason. He would like to thank his family for all of their love and support as well as the entire Production/Creative team for their wonderful collaboration throughout this production!
Donna Reinhold (Stage Manager) is a freelance Manager and Director for professional theatre and events. Donna has been working in the DMV area for 15 years, and has dozens of credits throughout the DMV and NYC. This is Donna’s third semester working for Mason Opera, and she was most recently seen Co-Directing The Shawshank Redemption at NextStop Theatre and Production Managing at Synetic Theatre for Hamlet: The Rest is Silence and Teen Hamlet. Favorite Stage Management credits include Jay Armstrong Johnson’s I Put a Spell on You: Aliiive at Webster Hall in New York City, the 2023 and 2024 Helen Hayes Awards, The Second City’s Love, Factually and Twist Your Dickens at the Kennedy Center, Mom, Baby, God at Taffety Punk Theatre Company, and the annual Ford’s Theatre Gala. Up next she will be returning to The Kennedy Center as Stage Manager for MAROONED! A SPACE COMEDY. Donna has a love for unconventional theatre, devised works, and theatre for young audiences. When she’s not backstage or in rehearsal rooms she can often be found in the audience with her children, playing D&D with her friends, or packing up the car for a road trip to visit family.
Rachel Leary is excited to be Assistant Stage Manager for her first Opera this semester. She's recently Stage Managed More Dogs and Once Upon a Mattress for the GMU School of Theater and Wannabe: the Remix at Capital Fringe 2024, and she currently works as one of the Props Interns in the GMU Scene Shop.
MEET THE CAST
Aiden Breneman-Pennas has performed in multiple Opera and Musical Theater productions at George Mason. Last fall, he was Leporello in Love, Betrayal, and Forgiveness, Bluff in The Impressario, Tonic/Don Giovanni in The Classical Style as well as Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 to 5: The Musical the previous fall. He is currently working on his application to Law School.
Ross Calvin is a senior Vocal Performance major at Mason studying with Professor Richard Leech. Since Spring 2022, he has performed with Mason Opera, portraying roles such as Alfredo in La Traviata, Eisenstein in Die Fledermaus, the Defendent in Trial by Jury, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, and Haydn in The Classical Style. An experienced music educator since 2015, Ross is passionate about teaching voice and guitar. He looks forward to completing his Bachelor of Music in Spring 2025 and plans to continue pursuing opportunities in opera and theater after graduation.
Hannah Cayem, soprano, is acclaimed by ArtSong Update for her “impressive vocal talent, acting ability and a winning openness in communicating.” Her recent credits include Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni with Varna International, as well the partial roles of Butterfly (Madama Butterfly), Giulietta (Tales of Hoffmann), Fiordiligi (Così fan tutte), and Donna Anna (Don Giovanni) with Mason Opera. Her upcoming engagements include Painting I in Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27. Hannah won her category in the 2024 Virginia NATS Competition and was a semi-finalist in the 2025 Dewberry School of Music Concerto Competition. She recently placed 3rd in the 2025 Mid-Atlantic Regional NATS Competition and looks forward to competing in the National Preliminaries. Ms. Cayem has appeared as a soloist in oratorio performances including Bach’s Gloria and Vivaldi’s Magnificat. Hannah obtained undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the Ithaca College School of Music, where she studied with Dr. Ivy Walz. She is currently pursuing a Masters in Vocal Performance at the Dewberry School of Music at George Mason University, under the tutelage of Professor Patricia Miller, where she serves as a Peterson Vocal Studies Artist-Scholar.
Kaylee Cobb is currently in her third year of her undergraduate studies at George Mason University pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Her credits from Mason Opera include Subdominant Chord in The Classical Style, Ensemble in Die Fledermaus, and partial roles of Juliet in Romeo and Juliet, Tzeitel in The Fiddler on the Roof, Zerlina in Don Giovanni, and Dorabella in Così fan Tutte. Kaylee studies under Professor Jennifer Casey Cabot.
Annie French is a soprano in her junior year at George Mason pursuing a Vocal Performance degree. Studying under Patricia Miller, Annie is preparing for her junior recital in Fall 2025. She has most recently won the George Mason University Concerto Competition and placed 2nd in her category at the Virginia NATS Vocal Competition. In her opera scenes repertoire, she has performed scenes as Marcelline in Fidelio, Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro, Hanna in Die Lustige Witwe, and Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte. When Annie isn’t singing, she is spending time with family, reading fantasy and romance novels, and practicing her German.
Samuel Flamenco is a Junior Music Education Major whose favorite part of Opera this semester was meeting the composer of this opera production, Ricky Ian Gordon. Some hobbies of his include soccer, basketball, gaming, and singing with friends.
Lincoln Hop is a tenor, and a freshman music technology major.
Kyla Larkin is a BM vocal performance student studying under Professor Richard Leech. Fae have previously performed as Poppea (L'incoronazione di Poppea), Hansel (Hänsel und Gretel), and Despina (Così fan tutte) in Mason Opera's Scenes programs, and as Frosch (Die Fledermaus), Henry Snibblesworth (The Classical Style), and Bartender (The Classical Style) in full operas. They also perform at Fairfax United Methodist Church.
Reed League is a senior History Major graduating this Spring. He joined the Mason Choir Program in 2022, has attended several acting camps during his primary school years, and, in his spare time, plays two instruments and sings at his local church. 27 will be his first performance with the Mason Opera.
Lucia Ku is a junior pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, studying under Richard Leech. Recent performance credits include the Fall 2024 Scene Showcase, chorus roles in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury and Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, and their junior recital earlier this semester. In addition to classical repertoire, Lucia creates original music, which is available to stream anywhere. She is ecstatic to work with Ricky Ian Gordon and perform his beautiful opera, 27, and extends her biggest thanks to everyone who made this show possible.
Maria Mantalvanos is a BA Vocal Performance major in her second semester at George Mason.
Ash Mattos is so excited to play Leo Stein/ Man Ray / Ensemble in the GMU Opera’s performance of Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27. Ash is currently a Sophomore Music Education major studying under Richard Leech.
Julia Messner is a freshman vocal performance major. She is an alto in the chorus and is also in the gris trio. This is her second semester in the opera. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Jennifer Mills is a junior at the George Mason Dewberry School of Music pursuing a Bachelor in Vocal Performance. She is in the studio of Professor Jennifer Casey Cabot. Jennifer placed Third at the 2025 Virginia NATS Student Competition. She has had multiple roles with the Mason Opera including Donna Anna and Musicologist in The Classical Style, Blind in Die Fledermaus and was in the ensemble in Ahmal and Night Visitors, scenes program of Gilbert and Sullivan and has had partial roles of Countess in the Marriage of Figaro and Annio from La clemenza di Tito. Jennifer sang with La Musica Lirica in 2021, where she performed the role of Una Novizia in Suor Angelica and partial role of Nerillo in L’Ormindo. Jennifer holds her associate's in music from Northern Virginia Community College.
Samira Plummer-Brown, soprano, is a native of Washington DC. Samira is a second-year master's student studying voice with Professor Patricia Miller at George Mason University. After graduating from the Duke Ellington school of the arts, she went on to complete her Bachelor of Music degree in voice performance from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, on full scholarship. Miss Brown was the first winner of the Virginia E. Hayes Williams Opera Prize Endowment Fund, which was created to support the training of young singers who wish to pursue a career in opera. Miss Brown has participated in the Tyrolean Opera Program, Amalfi Coast Music Festival, and AIMS in Graz Opera Program. Miss Brown has been featured in La Traviata as Violetta, Lucia di Lammermoor as Lucia, Mozart’s The Impresario as Gloria Silverpeal, and The Classical Style as Mozart.
Eva Shifflett is a current freshman BFA Musical Theatre major and is so excited to be performing in her first opera! She would like to thank her friends and family for their support, especially her parents, and all the incredible artists who have made this a wonderful experience.
Huijie Sun is an operatic mezzo-soprano and a Doctor of Musical Arts student in Voice/Opera at George Mason University, studying under renowned American tenor Richard Leech. Huijie’s principal roles include Lady Murasaki in Murasaki’s Moon with Hub City Opera and Dance Company in New Jersey, and Prince Orlovsky in Die Fledermaus with Peabody Opera in Baltimore. Her versatile repertoire spans from the classical works of Mozart to contemporary compositions, showcasing her ability to bring both depth and nuance to her characters. Huijie currently teaches at the Mason Community Arts Academy in the United States. In China, she collaborates with Petrof Artists - Czech pianist Richard Pohl and his wife soprano Xingxing Wang–Pohlová, helping students and artists build international artistic connections and opportunities. Ms. Sun holds degrees in Vocal Performance/Opera from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee.
Hana Tawil is a theatre major and music minor in the studio of Professor Patricia Miller. Her roles with Mason Opera include Adele in Die Fledermaus, Miss Silverpeal in The Impresario, and Angelina in Trial By Jury. As part of the Ghostlight Players, she played Philoclea in Head Over Heels and Margaret in Nine To Five. Regional credits include: Brooklyn in BKLYN (Silhouette Stages), Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde (The Fredericktowne Players), Heather McNamara in Heathers (Dominion Stage), and Helena Landless in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Workhouse Arts Center).
Elycia Woodham is a mezzo soprano trained at Spelman College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in political science. Currently a graduate of vocal arts at George Mason University, her academic pursuits laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of various artistic forms and their historical significance. Elycia’s resilient dedication to the arts and academic excellence has earned her accolades and recognition in the National Association of Teachers Singing and a spot in the inaugural class of the LA Opera’s HBCU Career Comprehensive Program. Throughout her career, she has performed at renowned locations such as the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Salt Lake City Tabernacle. Inspired by the transformative power of music, Elycia aspires to continue exploring and challenging artistic boundaries, making a meaningful impact through her creativity and scholarly pursuits. Her favorite genres include popular music, jazz, classical, musical theater, and rhythm and blues.
Mason Opera Angels
The Vocal Studies Division and Mason Opera gratefully acknowledge Carolyn Peterson and the Peterson Family Foundation for their generous Leadership Support of Mason Opera and Vocal Studies Endowed Scholarships.
The Vocal Studies Division would like to thank all who have contributed to Mason Vocal Studies & Mason Opera from January 1, 2024-April 15, 2025.
Estate of John S. Aler, III
Dr. Peter R. Barcher
Sally Bennett
Pat and Pat Carroll
Lucy C. Church
The Friends of Music at Mason
Dr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Kanyan
Jacqueline B. Mars
Robert and Ida Portland
Mary Ballard Postma
Norma Jean Reck
Isaac W. K. Thweatt and Jay Butler
Bob and Pat Warakomsky
George Mason University Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music
For more information and a complete listing of concerts and recitals, visit the web site at music.gmu.edu
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