The Marriage of Figaro

MARCH 31 & APRIL 2, 2023 ORPHEUM THEATER

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CONTENTS PAGE TITLE Letter from Allison Swenson ����������������������������������������������� 4 Board of Directors ����������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Opera Omaha Staff ���������������������������������������������������������������� 7 Major Contributors ����������������������������������������������������������������� 9 Conductor's Note ���������������������������������������������������������������� 10 Director's Note �������������������������������������������������������������������� 13 Title Page ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 15 Synopsis �������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 16 Artist Biographies ��������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Supernumeraries ����������������������������������������������������������������� 22 Production Staff ������������������������������������������������������������������ 23 Omaha Symphony ��������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Poetry & Music Project ������������������������������������������������������ 26 Craftsman’s Guild ���������������������������������������������������������������� 28 Opera Omaha Guild ����������������������������������������������������������� 29 Fall 2022 Cotillion Graduates ������������������������������������������� 31 Holland Community Opera Fellowship �������������������������� 34 Opera Omaha Donors �������������������������������������������������������� 36 Opera Omaha 2023 Gala �������������������������������������������������� 40 Fortissimo Society & Special Funds �������������������������������� 42 Corporate & Foundation Donors ������������������������������������ 43 Memorials & Tributes ��������������������������������������������������������� 44 Repertoire History �������������������������������������������������������������� 46 OPA Board and Administration ���������������������������������������� 48 OPA General Information ������������������������������������������������� 49 Get Involved ������������������������������������������������������������������������� 50

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FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR

WELCOME TO OPERA OMAHA

Dear Friends, Welcome back to the Orpheum Theater for the final production of our 2022/2023 season: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.

Even though Mozart wrote Figaro in 1786, almost 240 years ago, the characters are people we would know today. They are deeply human, flawed in the most relatable and endearing ways.

There is the central romance between Figaro and Susanna, the Count and Countess’ troubled marriage, and Cherubino’s adolescent exuberance. We meet Bartolo and Marcellina, and their past history reveals itself at a crucial moment.

The music is as timeless as the story. Even if you are not a regular opera goer, you will probably recognize the overture. It is so famous that my hometown grocery store in central Pennsylvania used it in commercials and to advertise in-store sales over the P.A. system!

We use the term “classical music” to describe a broad genre of music, but it specifically applies to music written between 1750-1820. Mozart’s musical style, which is clear, balanced, and structured, defines the classical period.

In Figaro, I have a particular fondness for Susanna’s aria “Deh vieni, non tardar.” It is elegant and nuanced, and I always want to hear it more than once. Maybe you will call for an encore!

Figaro was my first opera at age 11. I hope it stays with you like it did with me, and that you find delight and catharsis in this production.

As our season comes to a close, please know how grateful I am for your warm welcome to Omaha. It has been a sincere pleasure getting to know you, and I look forward to our paths continuing to cross as excitement builds for our 2023/2024 season.

Sincerely,

Allison Swenson GENERAL DIRECTOR

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EDWARD POLOCHICK MUSIC DIRECTOR

22-23 SEASON Champion (Terence Blanchard)

The Met: Live in HD 2022-2023 October 22 - June 7 MARCH 11 7:30 PM LIED CENTER

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

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OPERA OMAHA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIR

Elisa B. Davies VICE CHAIR

ADVISORS Linda Andersen Jo Bartikoski

Linda Burt Rebrovic

Dr. Jawed Bharwani

TREASURER

Nicholas Bjornson

Maria Carlson

Sandra Bruns

SECRETARY

Dr. Viv L. Ewing

Carol E. Domina ADVISORS CHAIR

Jim Winner

COMMUNITY PANEL REPRESENTATIVE

Camtrice Bexten Anne Bruckner Kiley Freeman Dr. Ali Khan

David Gardels Lisa Hagstrom Dr. Fred Hanna Dr. Michael Hilt Carter Jones Mark Allen Maser Sheila McNeil

Dr. Joanne Li

April Nebel

Dr. Cheryl Logan

Dr. Debra Reilly-Culver

Jerry O’Flanagan

Mary Ann Strasheim

Terri Sanders

Jerry Syslo

Jara Sturdivant-Wilson

Dr. James Tracy

.

Shelby VanNorsdstrand

EMERITUS BOARD

Cindy Weil

Terrence J. Ferguson

Deb Peterson

Robert E. Owen

OPERA OMAHA GUILD PRESIDENT CRAFTSMAN’S GUILD PRESIDENT

Chris Gannon-Tombrello

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OPERA OMAHA

STAFF GENERAL DIRECTOR

Allison Swenson

ADMINISTRATION

OPERATIONS

WEITZ FELLOW

PRODUCING DIRECTOR

OFFICE MANAGER

HOLLAND COMMUNITY OPERA FELLOW

Rebecca Chen Cydnea Hoff

DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGING DIRECTOR

Shannon Walenta

GRAPHIC & DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

Rachel Austin

AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT & SALES MANAGER

Kurt Howard

Taylor Adams

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Mark Blice

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATOR

Kai Song Chan

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

Katherine Clanton

COMMUNITY OPERA FELLOWSHIP MANAGER

Wendy Kaiser

DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Lauren Medici

Howard Coffin

HOLLAND COMMUNITY OPERA FELLOW

DONOR STEWARDSHIP & EVENTS MANAGER

HOLLAND COMMUNITY OPERA FELLOW

Rebecca Ihnen

Charisa Ramsey

Jaime Marie Webb

DEVELOPMENT DATABASE & ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Laura Jaros

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Joe Prickett

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Kyle Thomas

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WITH GRATITUDE

FOR OUR CONTRIBUTORS Opera Omaha honors Richard D. Holland and the Holland Foundation for unyielding major support over the years and the entire Simon family and Omaha Steaks for their generosity and multi-year sponsorships.

With our sincere gratitude, we acknowledge the following foundations and businesses that make our programming a reality. Opera Omaha would also like to recognize the institutions and corporations that provide operating support or sponsor our community engagement programs, which are designed to educate, uplift and enrich our community.

SEASON SPONSORS

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

Cindy & Mogens Bay

Mary & Richard Parrish

Dr. Katie Weitz & Tim Wilson

Gail & Michael Yanney

ADDITIONAL SEASON SUPPORT Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation

Anonymous

William R. Patrick Foundation

Rose Blumkin Foundation

Robert E. Owen Giger Foundation Whitmore Charitable Trust Jetton Charitable Fund

Mammel Family Foundation

Adah and Leon Millard Foundation

GENEROUS PUBLIC SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this program through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.nebraskaartscouncil.org for information on how the Nebraska Arts Council can assist your organization, or how you can support the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

CONDUCTOR’S NOTE

CONDUCTOR STEVEN WHITE INTERVIEWS HIMSELF ABOUT MOZART’S THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

SW: Thanks for letting me pick your brain about a subject that I know means a great deal to you—namely, Mozart’s great masterpiece, Le nozze di Figaro. Do you have anything you’d like to say to get us started?

SW: Well, why don’t I just state the obvious.

SW: OK. I’ve noticed you do that fairly often.

SW: There is no higher manifestation of mankind’s ability to rise above the squalor of routine than through the sublimely insightful beauty that Mozart has bequeathed us, most particularly in this, the first of his three great collaborations with his librettist, Lorenzo Da Ponte, the other two being…

SW: Yes, we know: Don Giovanni and Così fan tutte. Please don’t feel compelled to give us a music history lesson at every turn. Tell us more about what you mean about rising “above the squalor of routine.”

SW: Almost every aspect of The Marriage of Figaro, from the musical notes on the page, to the structure of the entire piece, and, of course, to Mozart’s treatment of the characters— in all these elements, he has taken things that we could perhaps call “common” and has transformed them into treasures that are exceedingly “rare.”

SW: Tell us what you mean by “common,” and how Mozart pulled off these various transformations.

SW: Well, let me just speak in the broadest terms first. The Marriage of Figaro is a comedy.

Operatic comedies were all the rage around 1786—very common, you might say. Opera buffa is what the genre is called, and there is simply nothing funnier than Mozart’s opera!

Mozart went “all in” for the laughs. Yet… SW: I knew a “yet” was coming.

SW: Yes, you know me pretty well by now. As I was saying, Mozart unabashedly plays to his audience’s “common” sense of humor, yet he gives us music, combined with dramatic circumstance, that is as sublimely profound as anything ever created by a human being!

And don’t accuse me of exaggerating.

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SW: I’d never do that. Give us an example of the profound.

SW: Well, I’m somewhat reluctant to give away too many plot details, but at the end, when the Count is finally revealed publicly to be a preposterous cad (I’m speaking euphemistically), he begs forgiveness of his wife with a line of such poignancy that it seems like nothing could match it in its sheer beauty. Yet the Contessa immediately forgives him with music that can only be described as other-worldly. And THEN...the entire ensemble sings that same music in a communal hymn that brings “common” humanity as close to the transcendent “divine” as any theater music ever has or ever could. It’s quite simply “music of the spheres.” You notice, I can’t even talk about it without getting tears in my eyes!

SW: Are there other moments in the piece that affect you that way? I’m talking about the juxtaposition of comedy and profundity.

SW: Are you kidding me? On virtually every page! And, to make a larger point, this is characteristic of Mozart—throughout his life, in all his music, not just opera. And, of course, that’s what separates him from everyone else. The elegance and buoyant vitality that immediately charms our ears is always underlined by a sometimes-indefinable depth that earns our deepest affection. But getting back to The Marriage of Figaro…

SW: I was going to suggest that.

SW: Quite literally, I could make this same point in every number of this opera. But for the sake of time, I’ll simply point out the fact that in the Act III sextet, we discover dramatic circumstances that are just over-the-top hilarious. Yet, while completely supporting the almost slapstick absurdity of the moment, the music takes us to a higher plane of rarified contentment and ineffable joy. Mozart himself was particularly happy with his achievement in this movement.

SW: Would you say that there are other “desert-island” moments in the opera?

SW: The whole opera, of course…but specifically, how could one possibly be expected to carry on without "Sull’aria", the Susanna/Contessa duet in the third act? Or both Contessa arias? Would you want to live in a world without Susanna’s "Deh vieni non tardar"?

SW: Of course not! Nor would I want to live in a world without Cherubino’s "Voi che sapete".

SW: Right! It’s an absolute Grecian urn of equipoise and sentiment—as perfect an operatic “song” as there could ever be. And this, from a teenage boy whose voice has yet to change!

Do you think Mozart saw any of himself in Cherubino?

SW: Probably so! But listen, I think we need to wrap it up. Is there anything else you’d like to add…quickly?

SW: Oh, my goodness. We’re just getting started! How I wish we had time to talk about the Act II finale, or the Act I and Act II trios!

SW: Well, some other time, perhaps.

SW: Alright. Then I’ll close by saying that Le nozze di Figaro is a masterpiece of endless musical and dramaturgical detail that has been analyzed in countless scholarly volumes. But the bottom line, and the real reason for its enduring popularity is that Mozart, wielding one of the most divinely gifted intellects and spirits in the history of humanity—like cupid with a bow—strikes us in the center of our hearts with his music, kindling the spark of divinity that exists in all of us, common human beings that we are.

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Experience the best of live theatre at the Omaha Community Playhouse!

April 14 – May 7

June 2 – 25

April 28 – May 21

June 9 – 25

6915 Cass St. | (402) 553-0800 | OmahaPlayhouse.com

by Lloyd Suh

March 30–April 23 SPONSORED BY

Bruce Reneuad & Kerry Dobson

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Jannette Davis

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ARTWORK BY SARAH ROWE

The Chinese Lady

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Often, when processing another production of Le nozze di Figaro that I have the privilege to direct, I think, what can go wrong? It’s Le nozze di Figaro!

The structure, the pace, the material, the clarity, the art of this masterpiece feels like I’ve been given a golden plate and all I need to do is gently pass it over with the utmost care and respect.

For me, this work is a dream based on its physicality. The characters stemming from commedia dell'arte lend themselves to how these characters move, intertwine, scheme, and even outwit each other, and it is all processed with the physical work these performers and characters create. In my mind, Mozart fully understood this and masterfully created a rhythmic structure that is so clear and honestly, quite easy to follow.

Where I love to live in this work is what Mozart gives us musically before, and in between the vocal lines. How his musical trajectory fully sets us up dramatically for the text, the next thought, or action, and even the tempo of the movement. I believe I have to trust that and not get in the way. The complete experience of Le nozze di Figaro is on the pages of the score.

Living in this work both as a stage director and a performer has enlightened my entire existence of this art form. My job, pass this golden plate to you the audience with gratitude. Enjoy…

— Dean Anthony DIRECTOR

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(Le nozze di Figaro) Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte Performed in Italian with English supertitles

March 31 & April 2, 2023 Orpheum Theater, Slosburg Hall | Omaha, Nebraska First performance: Burgtheater, Vienna May 1, 1786

CREATIVE

CAST

CONDUCTOR

FIGARO

DIRECTOR

SUSANNA

SCENIC & COSTUME DESIGNER

COUNT ALMAVIVA

LIGHTING DESIGNER

COUNTESS ALMAVIVA

WIG & MAKEUP DESIGNER

CHERUBINO

Steven White Dean Anthony Leslie Travers*

Tláloc López-Watermann* Ronell Oliveri

Sidney Outlaw* Vanessa Becerra Michael Adams

Mary Feminear Kristen Choi MARCELLINA

Victoria Livengood DR. BARTOLO

Rod Nelman DON BASILIO AND DON CURZIO

Graham Brooks* ANTONIO

Matthew Sommer BARBARINA

Karina Brazas

*Opera Omaha Mainstage Debut

The Omaha Symphony Scenery for this production was constructed by Lyric Opera of Kansas City. Costumes for this production were constructed by Kansas City Costume Company. This production is jointly owned by Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Opera Philadelphia, San Diego Opera, and Palm Beach Opera.

The performance runs approximately 3 hours with one 20-minute intermission The use of flash equipped cameras, audio recorders, video cameras or any other recording device during the performance is strictly prohibited.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO

SYNOPSIS ACT I A MANOR HOUSE NEAR SEVILLE.

Figaro, servant to Count Almaviva, is preparing to marry Susanna, the Countess’s maid. He measures a room for a bed, but Susanna is concerned that the room is too close to the Count’s chamber. She explains to Figaro that Almaviva is pursuing her even though he has abolished feudal right. Furious, Figaro vows to thwart the Count’s plans.

Doctor Bartolo enters with his former housekeeper, Marcellina. Marcellina is angry at Susanna for stealing Figaro away from her, declaring she has a contract binding Figaro to her, while Bartolo is angry at Figaro for making a fool of him in the past. Marcellina and Susanna are sarcastically polite with one another until Marcellina and Bartolo leave.

Cherubino, a young page, rushes in seeking advice from Susanna. Count Almaviva caught him alone with the gardener’s daughter, Barbarina, and he is now to be sent away. He is smitten by all women, he explains, and cannot help himself. Before Susanna can offer advice, they are interrupted by the arrival Count Almaviva himself.

Cherubino hides while Almaviva attempts to set up a tryst with Susanna. Yet, when Don Basilio, the music teacher, knocks on the door, the Count himself is forced to hide. Basilio tells Susanna that everyone knows of Cherubino’s supposed crush on the Countess. Outraged, the Count reveals himself, stating that he is sending Cherubino away, and relates the scene in the gardener’s daughter’s chambers. As he does, Almaviva discovers a hiding Cherubino. Almaviva is fuming, for Cherubino has overheard him propositioning Susanna. Before the Count can accost Cherubino, Figaro returns, having assembled a hoard of festive townspeople to sing the Count’s praises. Put on the spot, Almaviva is forced to bless them. In retaliation, he vows to get rid of the lad by giving him a military commission.

ACT II COUNTESS ALMAVIVA'S BOUDOIR.

Alone, the Countess sighs the loss of her husband’s love and attention. She and Susanna discuss Count Almaviva’s advances. Figaro tells the Countess that the betrothed couple has a plan: Almaviva will receive a forged letter from Basilio informing him that his wife has taken up a lover. At the same time, Susanna will set up a rendezvous with Almaviva, but will send a disguised Cherubino in her place. This way they will catch the Count in his scheme. Cherubino arrives. At Susanna’s insistence, he sings a song of love for the Countess. He presents to them a commission letter that the Count forgot to seal. Setting the disguise, the women begin to undress him and make him up as a woman. Suddenly, the Count knocks. Having locked the door, they have time to hide Cherubino. Almaviva unexpectedly arrives to speak with his wife about the letter from Basilio, written and planted by Figaro. Noticing the Countess’s agitation, Almaviva is instantly suspicious. He jealously demands entry into the locked closet where Cherubino is hiding, but the Countess refuses to open it, claiming Susanna is inside trying on her wedding dress. Almaviva, taking the Countess with him, leaves the room to get a crowbar. After they leave, Susanna locks herself into the room and Cherubino exits the Countess’s chamber through the window. Unaware of the switch, the Countess confesses everything to her husband upon their return. She is shocked when Susanna exits the locked room. Ashamed of his suspicion and accusations, Almaviva begs forgiveness, as the Countess and Susanna chide him. Figaro arrives to gather up the group for the wedding. Backed into a corner and trying to buy time, the Count asks Figaro if he knows who wrote Basilo’s letter. Figaro counters by claiming ignorance.

Antonio, the gardener, enters, fuming. Someone, jumping from the Countess’s balcony, has crushed his flowers. Figaro, the Countess and Susanna call him a drunkard. To confuse the Count further, Figaro claims it was he who jumped. The gardener reveals Cherubino’s dropped commission, which Figaro claims he was holding to get the Count’s seal. Marcellina, Bartolo and Basilio enter. Contract in hand, they lay claim that Figaro is obliged to marry Marcellina to pay off an outstanding debt.

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INTERMISSION ACT III A GREAT HALL.

Acting on her lady’s insistence, Susanna approaches Count Almaviva. He once again asks her to meet him in the garden. She promises. On her way from the room, the Count overhears Susanna tell Figaro that his legal troubles will soon be over. He is furious at the apparent deception. Marcellina and Bartolo, their attorney Don Curzio in tow, confront Figaro. Figaro tells them that being of noble birth – though stolen away by thieves as an infant – he can only marry with the consent of his family.

To prove his tale, he shows the crowd his birthmark. Immediately, Marcellina and Bartolo recognize the mark as belonging to their son, and the three joyfully reunite. Figaro embraces his long-lost mother as Susanna rejoins the crowd, having just secured the money to pay off his debt from the Countess.

She misunderstands the embrace as infidelity and rages at Figaro. Marcellina explains the situation, and everyone is happy. Everyone that is, except the Count. The reunited family leaves. Barbarina takes Cherubino to dress him as a woman. The Countess mourns the lost sense of peace in her life.

Antonio reveals to the Count that Cherubino is still in Seville and is dressed as a woman. The Countess dictates a letter from Susanna to the Count and seals it with one of her own pins. She plans to surprise Almaviva in the garden herself. Barbarina and other village girls, including the disguised Cherubino enter to give the bride flowers. Antonio rushes in, seizes Cherubino’s hat, revealing him to the Count.

Barbarina, recalling the Count’s promises made to her in moments of passion, asks that he give Cherubino to her in marriage. Figaro returns, trying again to gather everyone for the wedding. Antonio attempts to thwart him by disproving his alibi with Cherubino’s confession of jumping from the window.

But Figaro claims that they both must have jumped. Celebrations begin. During the presenting of the wedding couples, Susanna slips the Count her letter, and Figaro notices the pin.

ACT IV THE GARDEN AT NIGHT.

In the garden, Figaro meets the gardener’s daughter Barbarina, who Almaviva has entrusted to return to Susanna the pin used to seal the letter. Figaro assumes Susanna is cheating on him and vows to catch her mid-tryst. Marcellina, believing in Susanna’s innocence pines over the cruelty of men. Figaro returns, planning to publicly humiliate Susanna. Bartolo and Don Basilio comment on the foolishness of passion. Figaro returns to hide, vowing it madness to trust women. As he hides, the Countess and Susanna appear, each dressed as the other. Knowing Figaro is concealed there, Susanna pretends to declare her love for the Count. Cherubino comes to the garden to meet with Barbarina. He spies the Countess and, thinking she is Susanna, leans in to kiss her. Instead, he kisses Almaviva, who goes to punch him, but hits Figaro instead. The Count declares his love for Susanna, who is really the Countess, while Figaro tells the Countess, who is really Susanna, about the tryst. Susanna forgets to disguise her voice, and Figaro figures out it is she under the Countess’s cloak. Their embrace is noticed by the Count, who is about to expose them to all when his wife takes off her own disguise. Almaviva is shamed and apologizes to his wife for both his jealousy and his infidelity. She forgives him. They all return to the celebration.

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ARTIST

BIOGRAPHIES Steven White

Dean Anthony

Maestro Steven White returns to Opera Omaha after most recently conducting Eugene Onegin. Mr. White made his acclaimed Metropolitan Opera debut in 2010, conducting performances of La traviata starring Angela Gheorghiu. In the past several seasons he has returned to the Met to participate in critically fêted productions of Don Carlo, Billy Budd, The Rake’s Progress and Elektra. This season brought Maestro White to Wexford Festival Opera, where he triumphed in performances of Félicien David’s once popular but now forgotten opéra-comique, Lalla-Roukh. He returned to Arizona Opera to conduct a much-anticipated Ariadne auf Naxos and collaborates again with the Met as assistant conductor for Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer. With a vibrant repertoire of over sixty-five titles, notable engagements include performances with New York City Opera, L’Opera de Montréal, Vancouver Opera, Opera Colorado, Pittsburgh Opera, Detroit Opera, and many more.

Dean Anthony returns to Opera Omaha after last directing Opera Under the Stars. Mr. Anthony holds a comprehensive career as a performer, director, educator, producer, and administrator.

Most recently, Mr. Anthony was named Producing Director of Knoxville Opera along with his position as Director of Opera at the Janiec Opera Company of the Brevard Music Center. In 2020, he received the Charles Nelson Reilly American Prize Stage Director Award for his work on Tom Cipullo’s world premiere opera, Mayo. His productions in 2023 include, La Boheme, Glory Denied, The Marriage of Figaro, Sweeney Todd, La Traviata, Turn of the Screw, Into the Woods, and Falstaff. A major producer and promoter of new opera works, Mr. Anthony has helped facilitate, create and develop numerous projects including Glory Denied, Mayo, Fleecing the Flock, Supper’s Ready, Falling Angel, Sister Carrie, and Change the World, It Needs It!. In collaboration with composer Michael Ching, Mr. Anthony conceived and created the opera Speed Dating Tonight!, which has garnered nationwide attention and has been booked for over 100 different productions to date. As a character tenor, Mr. Anthony performed over 100 roles on the operatic stage and garnered acclaim for his keen vocal, dramatic, physical, and acrobatic abilities, earning him the nickname “The Tumbling Tenor.”

Conductor

Tláloc López-Watermann

Director

Ronell Oliveri

Lighting Designer

Wig & Makeup Designer

Tláloc López-Watermann makes his Opera Omaha debut in The Marriage of Figaro. Mr. LopezWatermann’s designs have been seen at IN Series, Salisbury University, Alabama University, Opera Columbus, Hawaii Opera Theatre, Lakes Area Festival, Pittsburg Opera, Opera Grand Rapids, The Castleton Festival, Tri-Cities Opera, North Carolina Opera, Toledo Opera, Utah Festival Opera, Opera Roanoke, Amarillo Opera, Guerrilla Opera (Boston, Mass.), Crested Butte Music Festival, DiCapo Opera (N.Y.C.), Brevard Music Festival, and many others. He is the owner of Light Conversations LLC, a lighting and video design company based in New York City. He has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Cornish College of the Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts in design from NYU/Tisch. He was the 2002 Allen Lee Hughes Lighting Fellow at Arena Stage in Washington, DC.

Ronell Oliveri has been designing wigs and makeup for opera, theater, ballet, and film for the past 20 years for such companies as Minnesota Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Central City Opera, and The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. In 2007, she was a Prime Time Emmy Award nominee as key makeup artist for her work in television. As a wig and makeup artist her professional credits include engagements with Chicago Lyric Opera, LA Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, and Boston Ballet. Her work can also be seen in several Broadway shows including Wicked, All The Way, and Waitress. Other recent engagements include Boston Lyric Opera’s Cavalleria Rusticana, Opera Omaha’s Eugene Onegin, and Opera Colorado’s Die Tote Stadt.

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Sidney Outlaw

Vanessa Becerra

Baritone Sidney Outlaw makes his Opera Omaha debut in The Marriage of Figaro. This season, Mr. Outlaw will also sing Schaunard in La bohème with Greensboro Opera and Dizzy Gillespie in Yardbird with New Orleans Opera. On the concert platform, he makes his debut with Boston Baroque as soloist in Handel’s Messiah, returns to Oratorio Society New York as soloist in Bach’s B Minor Mass and joins Youngstown Symphony Orchestra for Mahler’s Lieder eines Fahrenden Gesellen. The 2021-2022 season featured Mr. Outlaw as Salieri in Mozart and Salieri with Opera San Jose, Jake in Porgy and Bess with Greensboro Opera, and Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Pensacola Opera and Opera Saratoga. Mr. Outlaw has been a featured recitalist with Warren Jones at Carnegie Hall and performed Elijah with the New York Choral Society. He traveled to Guinea as an Arts Envoy with the U.S. State Department, where he performed a program of American music in honor of Black History Month and in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr..

His debut album, Lament, recorded live with Warren Jones, was released by Emitha LLC in 2021.

Soprano Vanessa Becerra returns to Opera Omaha after last performing as Lise in Les Enfants Terribles. Ms. Becerra began the 22-23 season with a debut at Boston Lyric Opera as Juliet in Romeo & Juliet followed by debuts with Florida Grand Opera for El matrimonio secreto as Carolina, and will debut this summer at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in Così fan tutte as Despina.

This season includes returns to Minnesota Opera for La fille du régiment as Marie and Houston Grand Opera for El Milagro del Recuerdo as La mujer. On the concert stage, she will debut with the newly formed San Antonio Philharmonic and perform with Opera Delaware for their Opening Night at the Grand celebration. Last season she made role/house debuts at The Metropolitan Opera in Cendrillon as Noémie and Intermountain Opera Bozeman in Il barbiere di Siviglia as Rosina, returned to Washington National Opera for Sankaram’s Rise as Alicia Hernández, part of the world premiere tetralogy Written in Stone, and debuted with Austin Opera in Fidelio as Marzelline and Opera Parallèle for La Belle et la Bête as Belle. In concert, she debuted with Minnesota Opera in Ópera Afuera and returned to Fort Worth Opera for Entre Amigos.

Figaro

Michael Adams

Susanna

Mary Feminear

Count Almaviva

Countess Almaviva

Baritone Michael Adams returns to Opera Omaha after last performing in Opera Under the Stars. This season, Mr. Adams will also sing the Count in Le nozze di Figaro with Madison Opera, Castro in La fanciulla del West with the Cleveland Orchestra, Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia with Opera Idaho, and Eugene Onegin with Vallejo Festival Orchestra. Last season, he made two company and role debuts: Sharpless in Madama Butterfly with Dallas Opera and Count in Le nozze di Figaro with Austin Opera. He also returned to the Deutsche Oper Berlin as the Count and Herald in Der Schatzgräber and Utah Opera for Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Other recent performances include Les pêcheurs de perles with Gran Teatre del Liceu; Eugene Onegin, Così fan tutte, and L’elisir d’amore with Seattle Opera; La bohème, Alcina, and Don Giovanni with Grand Théâtre de Genève; Die Zauberflöte, Silent Night, Alcina and The Little Prince with Washington National Opera; Manon with Des Moines Metro Opera, Pagliacci, Il barbiere di Siviglia, and La bohème with Utah Opera; and Show Boat at Glimmerglass Festival.

Soprano Mary Feminear returns to Opera Omaha after last performing in Opera Under the Stars. This season Ms. Feminear will also perform the title role of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah with Wichita Grand Opera and Alice Ford in Verdi’s Falstaff with Maryland Lyric Opera. Her previous performances include the Countess Almaviva with Maryland Lyric Opera, Micaëla in Bizet’s Carmen and Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni at the Grand Théâtre de Genève, where she was also a member of the Troupe des Jeunes Solistes, Ginevra in a workshop of Handel’s Ariodante at the Opera Omaha One Festival, the soprano soloist in Mariana Sadovska’s The Wreck at the Opera Omaha ONE Festival, and Amore in Cavalli’s Il Giasone at the Château de Versailles. Other opera credits include the title role in Handel’s Semele at Opera Omaha and Seattle Opera, Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte with Pacific MusicWorks, Proserpine in Charpentier’s La Descente d’Orphee aux Enfers with Gotham Chamber Opera, and Polissena in Handel’s Radamisto at Juilliard.

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ARTIST

BIOGRAPHIES Kristen Choi

Victoria Livengood

Mezzo-soprano Kristen Choi returns to Opera Omaha after last performing in Opera Under the Stars. Most recently Ms. Choi was seen as Suzuki in Madama Butterfly with performances at Opera Omaha and Opera Philadelphia. In 2022-2023, she returns to Opera Philadelphia in Toshio Hosokawa’s The Raven, makes her Lubbock Symphony and Detroit Opera debuts as Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, joins the roster of The Metropolitan Opera as the Dimitri cover in Fedora, and joins Opera Delaware for a workshop of Derrick Wang’s Fearless as Mother. She will return to Opera Philadelphia and Dallas Opera in roles TBA in 2024.

Mezzo-Soprano Victoria Livengood returns to Opera Omaha after last performing as Filippyevna in Eugene Onegin.

As an internationally renowned Metropolitan Opera star, Ms. Livengood is a GRAMMY-winning mezzo-soprano that has been hailed by audiences and critics worldwide for her multi-faceted and powerhouse performances in a remarkably varied repertoire.

Her busy 2022-2023 season also includes Marthe in Faust at Detroit Opera. Recent seasons have included a return to the Lyric Opera of Kansas City for dual roles as the Mother and the Witch in Hansel and Gretel, reprising her role as Eunice in A Streetcar Named Desire for Hawaii Opera Theater, a return to the Seattle Opera for a role debut as Kabanicha in Katya Kabanova, a company and role debut with Opera Omaha in Jonathan Dove’s Flight, the Mother in The Consul with Long Beach Opera and Chicago Opera Theater, soloist in the The Defiant Requiem- Verdi at Terezin at UNC Charlotte, the Old Lady in Candide with Anchorage Opera, and Madame Flora in The Medium with New Orleans Opera.

Rod Nelman

Graham Brooks

Bass-Baritone Rod Nelman returns to Opera Omaha after last performing as Judge Turpin in Sweeney Todd. Mr. Nelman has performed leading roles at numerous opera companies including Washington National Opera, Arena di Verona Teatro Filarmonico di Verona, Florida Grand Opera, New York City Opera, Opera Nante, Kentucky Opera, Utah Opera, Indianapolis Opera, Detroit Opera, Florentine Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Long Beach Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, amongst others. He has also been on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera since 2009. On the concert stage he has appeared with both The New World Symphony and Chicago Opera Theatre as bass soloist in Stravinsky’s Pulcinella conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, the Orpheus Chamber Symphony in Rossini’s Signor Bruschino, the Milwaukee Symphony and El Paso Symphony as bass soloist in Mozart’s Mass in C minor, the Virginia Symphony as bass soloist in Handel’s Messiah, Michigan State University Orchestra as bass soloist in the Verdi Requiem, Lansing Symphony in a recital of Copland’s Old American Songs, Orlando Philharmonic in Mozart’s Concert aria Per questa bella mano, and the Jacksonville Symphony and Orquestra Sinfónica Nacional de Panamá as bass soloist in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.

Tenor Graham Brooks makes his Opera Omaha mainstage debut in The Marriage of Figaro.

A young, versatile singer from Omaha, Nebraska, Mr. Brooks has sung operatic roles in repertoire spanning five centuries. Most recently, he was featured as a guest artist in Simpson College's Spring 2023 production of Amy Beach's Cabildo, where he sang the role of Dominique. In the summers of 2021 and 2022 with Utah Vocal Arts Academy, Mr. Brooks presented the featured roles of Pluto in Offenbach's Orpheus in the Underworld and The Prince in Dvorak's Rusalka. During the quarantined summer of 2020, he helped produce virtual programming as a Young Artist with the Ad Astra Music Festival. Additionally, his favorite collegiate credits include Giovanni in Catàn's La hija de Rappaccini, Laurie in Adamo's Little Women, both Tamino and Monostatos in separate productions of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, and Don Pelagio in Haydn's La Canterina. Mr. Brooks credits his artistic and vocal development to Simpson College, Florida State University, and his voice teachers Matthew Lau and David Okerlund.

Cherubino

Dr. Bartolo

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

Marcellina

Don Basilio and Don Curzio

Matthew Sommer

Karina Brazas

Baritone Matthew Sommer returns to Opera Omaha after last performing in Opera Outdoors.

Mr. Sommer graduated with a Master's in music in 2014 from Colorado State University where he sang in productions of Il matrimonio segreto, The Merry Widow, and Cendrillon among several others. During this time, he also participated in productions of Faust and The Ballad of Baby Doe with Opera Fort Collins. He has been a part of the opera community in Omaha for several years, having made his debut with Opera Omaha in A Flowering Tree as a member of the chorus. He has performed as a chorus member with Opera Omaha in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, La bohéme, Cosí fan tutte, Sweeney Todd and many others.

Soprano Karina Brazas returns to Opera Omaha after last performing in Suor Angelica. Recent engagements include joining the Omaha Symphony as the soprano soloist for their Choral Collaborative program and as a pops soloist, Young Alyce in Glory Denied with Union Avenue Opera in Saint Louis, as the Soprano 1 soloist in Mozart's C Minor Mass as the Nursing Sister in Suor Angelica with Opera Omaha, and her role debut as the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Résonance Vocal Ensemble. Other credits include Pamina in The Magic Flute with Shreveport Opera, the soprano soloist in Stravinsky's Pulcinella with the Omaha Symphony, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni, also with Union Avenue Opera. Ms. Brazas is an alumna of Central City Opera’s apprentice program and the Shreveport Opera resident artist program.

Antonio

Barbarina

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OPERA OMAHA

SUPERNUMERARIES Russell Bleakney

Nola Jeanpierre*

Laura Petry

Mary Carrick

Ryan Lorchick*

Michael Petry

Elyssia Finch

Natalie McGovern*

Gavin Rasmussen

Carole Jeanpierre

David Petry

Rocio Valle

*Opera Omaha Debut

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

OPERA OMAHA

ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION STAFF STAGE MANAGER

Angela Turner

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Adam Da Ros*

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Anthony Rivera

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Jeron Dooling

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Rebecca Chen*

REHEARSAL ACCOMPANIST AND HARPSICHORDIST

Michael Sherman

PROPERTIES MASTER

ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Laura Peters

Curran, Chad+

LIGHTING PROGRAMMER

HEAD PRODUCTION CARPENTER

Aaron Craig

Al Dusek+

COSTUME SUPERVISOR

HEAD PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN

Amanda Jones

Scott Wasson+

WARDROBE COORDINATOR

HEAD PRODUCTION AUDIO

Alethea Larson

Brian Kinnaman+

WIG & MAKEUP ARTIST

ENGAGEMENT ASSISTANT

Candace Leyland

Patrick McEvoy

SUPERTITLE OPERATOR

ENGAGEMENT DRAMATURG

Nicole Thoms

Sarah Lynn Brown

*Opera Omaha Debut

+IATSE Local 42 Stagehand Services are provided by IATSE Local 42.

Wardrobe Services are provided by IATSE Local 831.

Opera Omaha is a member of OPERA America.

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OMAHA

SYMPHONY Ankush Kumar Bahl, Music Director

FLUTE

ARTISTIC OPERATIONS

Ernest Richardson, Resident Conductor & Principal Pops Conductor

Maria Harding, Principal

Jennifer Boomgaarden, President & CEO

VIOLIN 1

Susanna Perry Gilmore, Concertmaster Ahra Cho, 1st Associate Concertmaster Henry Jenkins, 2nd Associate Concertmaster Christopher Hake, Assistant Concertmaster Phyllis Duncan Rebecca Kia-Mills Anne Nagosky Ricardo Amador VIOLIN 2

Keith Plenert, Principal 2nd Violin Frank Seligman, Associate Principal 2nd Violin Kevin Tompkins, Assistant Principal 2nd Violin Scott Shoemaker

Lisa Meyerhofer, Assistant Principal OBOE

Alexandra Rock, Principal Heather Baxter, Assistant Principal CLARINET

Carmelo Galante, Principal Rosiario Galante, Assistant Principal

Marshall Carby, Assistant Director of Operations & Production Jimmy Lewis, Operations & Production Manager Emily E. Duffin, Orchestra Personnel Manager

BASSOON

Lindsay Corbin, Operations Coordinator

James Compton, Principal

Sara Baguyos, Head Librarian

Nicholas Nelson, Assistant Principal

Tracy Bass, Librarian

HORN

Mark Haar, Assistant Librarian

Brett Hodge, Principal Austin Ruff, Associate Principal TRUMPET

Scott Quackenbush, Principal Federico Montes, Associate Principal

Tracy Dunn

TIMPANI

Dan Fletcher

Jack Rago, Principal

VIOLA

Thomas Kluge, Principal Tyler Sieh, Associate Principal Margo Romig-Motycka Alexa Brown CELLO

Paul Ledwon, Principal Gregory Clinton, Associate Principal Samuel Pierce-Ruhland, Assistant Principal Tim Strang BASS

William Ritchie, Assistant Principal Robert Scharmann

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Kyra Hansen, Director of Operations & Production

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

John Coate, Stage Manager Jeff Baron, Assistant Stage Manager

ED ITIN

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U.S. $4 .95

OMAHA MAGAZINE – it’s about all of us.

Omaha Magazine publishes stories about interesting people who live next door and fascinating former Omahans. It is the place to read stories about the arts, the food, the music, and the events that are making Omaha the cultural epicenter of the Midwest.

OmahaMagazine.com/Pages/Subscribe THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023 THE

E ISSU

od Issue Fo

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Now in its sixth year, the Poetry & Music Project connects student poets and their words with composers to create original music and explore the connections between poetry and music.

Opera Omaha and the Nebraska Writers Collective invited Nebraska and Iowa students in grades K-12 to submit works of poetry on the theme of “Finding Your Voice.”

Opera Omaha is thrilled to announce the selection of 16 poems for the 2022-23 Poetry & Music Project.

These original poems, written by Nebraska students grades 3 through 12, were selected from a pool of 135 submissions from 117 poets across 14 Nebraska counties.

22/23 SELECTED POEMS: “Un Corps” Addison Bryant, Anselmo-Merna Public School

“Untitled " MaKenna Love, Norfolk Catholic

“I want my voice to be… " Theodore Bullis, Castle Hill Academy

“Burning Stars " Athiei Majuec, Logan Fontenelle Middle School

“Capturing the essence of your voice " Maggie Dendinger, Cedar Catholic High School

“A Thing Called Life " Patience Miller, Omaha Street School

“Not all of us live the same " Claire Gunn, Gretna Middle School

“Joy " Ava Noecker, Cedar Catholic High School

“You Are Beautiful " Emma Kaiser, Portal Elementary

“Universe’s End " Kylie Remm, Douglas County West High School

“I’ll Grow " Aarya Khobare, Millard North Middle School

“Sweet Little Lullabies " Meyiah Sanchez, Omaha Street School

“Voice Emotions " Makayla Klinefelter, St. John the Baptist School

“The Land I Call Home " Ava Stewart, Cedar Catholic High School

“I am not Alone " Lucie Lautenschlager, Palmer Public School

“Love, Heart, Kind " Kim Valquier, Hayward Elementary School

All 135 submitted poems will be available in the Poetry & Music Project Book, available online, shared at the concert, and as part of the Omaha Public Library Zine Collection.

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

These selected poems will be set to music by professional composers Gabrielle Herbst and J.E. Hernández. This spring, poets will further develop their pieces in music workshops with the composers by collaborating in the behind-the-scenes artistic process.

Gabrielle Herbst

J.E. Hernández

HEAR THESE NEW WORKS LIVE AT THE POETRY & MUSIC PROJECT CONCERT May 7 | 1:00pm | Benson Theatre | FREE Admission The original works will be performed by Opera Omaha artists and students from the University of Nebraska – Omaha School of Music. The concert will also be livestreamed.

PRODUCING PARTNER

ADDITIONAL PROJECT PARTNERS

SUPPORTED IN PART BY

OPERAOMAHA.ORG/POETRY THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

27

Opera Omaha productions are made possible, in part, with significant support from the Craftsman’s Guild.

Cindy & Mike Baumer

Saprina Hansen

Betty Beach

Patti Jaynes

Jenny Bruce

Mark Kalal

Ian Bugeja

Christine Lund

Tom Burton

Julie Mead

Gina Carusi

Christine & Patrick Peters

Mary Fieber

Hilarie Price

Melissa Fritz

Dick Serpan

Kate & Chris Gannon - Tombrello

Margret Sexton

Bill Gaus

Leslie Vann

Nora Mae & John Gibson

Annika Weber

“Such high production values and careful casting make DMMO a find...”

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

2023 FESTIVAL SEASON JUNE 30 - JULY 23 BIZET CARMEN BARTÓK BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE PROKOFIEV THE LOVE FOR THREE ORANGES KANDER/GUMBEL dwb (driving while black) REDLER/DYE THE FALLING AND THE RISING

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

DMMO.ORG | 515-209-3257

The Opera Omaha Guild is a dedicated group of men and women who actively support Opera Omaha’s fundraising, community engagement and education programs. Members plan and promote events such as Cotillion (etiquette classes for area sixth graders), social luncheons, educational activities, opera study groups, and pre-performance parties.

If you are interested in joining the Opera Omaha Guild, please call (402) 346-7372 or visit www.operaomaha.org for additional information.

We appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing from you soon!

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT

Deb Peterson PRESIDENT ELECT

VP SOCIAL

AT LARGE BOARD MEMBERS

Lora Kaup

Betty Foster

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Sheila McNeill

Erin Sample

Vivian Davis

PAST PRESIDENT

RECORDING SECRETARY

Mary Ellen Mulcahy

Kelly Sanford

Mark Maser

Jon Nebel

VP EDUCATION

TREASURER

Pauline Quinn

VP FUNDRAISING

COTILLION LIAISON

Josie Wadman April Nebel

Gwen Olney Lisa Hagstrom

Dorene Sherman Sherry Taxman Sara Young

VP MEMBERSHIP

Connie Kinnear

2022-23 National Performance Season

Saturday April 22 7:00 PM

Lightwire Theater: The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare

Lightwire Theater has been featured as semi-finalists on NBC’s America’s Got Talent and winners of Tru TV’s Fake Off. The performance combines theater and technology to bring stories to life in complete darkness.

With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings the classic tale of The Tortoise and the Hare into new brilliant light.

SHARE YOUR OPERA EXPERIENCE #FigaroOmaha @operaomaha

PURCHASE TICKETS: 712.388.7140 | artscenter.iwcc.edu THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

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Making a difference.

Husch Blackwell proudly supports Opera Omaha’s 2022-2023 season and celebrates its ongoing mission to enrich the quality of life in our community by creating professional opera that expresses humanity’s deepest emotions and highest aspirations.

huschblackwell.com

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David E. Gardels, Partner Opera Omaha Advisors david.gardels@huschblackwell.com | 402.964.5027

Arizona | California | Colorado | Illinois | Massachusetts | Missouri | Nebraska | Rhode Island Tennessee | Texas | Washington, DC | Wisconsin | The Link (Virtual Office)

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

OPERA OMAHA GUILD

FALL 2022 COTILLION GRADUATES Marley Atlas Peter Ayoub Basel Barari Jolie Bauer Harper Beller Jack Beran Louie Biven Andrew Blair Maeve Blakeman Lara Blume Grace Bogard Ali Boone Charlie Borgmann Charlotte Bowman Bridget Brennan Megan Brennan Olivia Bryant Aven Buda Jack Burke Jack Chickinell Baya Clark Samuel Clauser Emery Clure Jackson Clure Aniston Clure Edward Codr Miles Davies Samantha Deupree Mallory Douglas Olivia Enenbach Maura Fay Ava Fink Benjamin Fischer Ceci Fisher Beatrix Gabrial Gallagher Irish Gabrial Gallagher Abigail Gaughan Aydin Gholami Moses Glassman Sam Gorringe Giovanni Gutgsell Avery Guy Lauren Hagstrom Austin Haifley Jude Hasiak Olivia Headlee Claire Hebert Lily Hefflinger Charlotte Hegarty Sophia Hegarty

Bobby Hockney Bethany Holcomb Logan Hollins Molly Horgan Wes Horn Barrett Houghton Jack Illian Annie Illian Amelia Johnson McKenley June Myra Kandel Hannah Karimjee Kate Karnes Maria Kenny Ashford Kenny Zoey Key Bodey Koesters Cole Krehbiel Ava Kumm Conor Langan Tony LaPuzza Lucy Lauer Elliott Lierman Devon Lieurance McKenzie Lieurance Jacob Love William Marshall Scarlet Martin Max Martinez Harper Mausbach Ruby Mausbach Ella McMahon Sloan Mikuls Tenley Miller Ella Montgomery Evan Moore Isla Moore Finley Moylan Annil Mukherjee Jonathan Nebel Charlie Oakes Delaney Ochsner Clare Oxley Drew Parker Molly Patterson Beau Pedersen John Pedersen Caroline Petsick Dylan Pogge Emmy Pogranicy

Betsy Potthoff Leo Poulos Sean Quinlivan Dossett Quinn Reese Redding Charlotte Regan Claire Richards Quinn Richards Hank Ricketts Blake Rider Lucas Robson Leo Robson Maximus Roland Lydia Royal Gabriella Ryan Tony Sauser Gabrielle Schanbacher Ronan Schlueter Ella Shanahan Layla Sidoruk Bennett Sierawski Camden Siner Gavin Siner Elijah Smith Clara Stalnaker Matthew Strunc Evie Swanson Charlotte Swantek Eloise Swartz Taylor Tauber Isla Theobald June Tompsett Louie Troia Varam Vel Isabel Vik Cora Vondra Charles Walenz Beau Walker Louise Walker Mara Weisenburger Finn Welsh Caroline Wetta Elsa White Corinn Wigington Lucy Witt Laiel Woita Skylor Wright Lyla Wulf Alexander Yale William Zimmermann

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

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OPERA OMAHA

23/24 SEASON A R E O U R C I R C U M S TA N C E S A LW AY S T H E C O N S E Q U E N C E O F O U R C H O I C E S ?

D O W E R E A L LY G E T W H AT W E D E S E R V E ?

W H AT D O W E B R I N G U P O N O U R S E LV E S A N D W H AT I S P R E D E S T I N E D B Y FAT E ?

Next season Opera Omaha examines the fruit of the seeds planted by characters searching for love, independence, and fulfillment. Three heroines, one crafting her love, one preserving her love, and one memorializing her love, each tend the paths given to them in hopes of a different outcome.

M AY 3 & 5 , 2 0 2 4

EL ÚLTIMO SUEÑO DE FRIDA Y DIEGO

OCTOBER 27 & 29, 2023

DON PASQUALE Composed by Gaetano Donizetti Libretto by Giovanni Ruffini Hijinks and hilarity flourish in this delightful comic opera. A crochety miser is thwarted in his attempts to thwart his nephew out of

F E B RUA RY 1 6 & 1 8 , 2 0 2 4

LA TRAVIATA Composed by Giuseppe Verdi Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave

(The Last Dream of Frida and Diego) Composed by Gabriela Lena Frank Libretto by Nilo Cruz

By the light of candles, through the fragrance of marigolds, the famous muralist

an inheritance. With the guise and wit of a

One of the most iconic, romantic, and tragic

Diego Rivera longs to see his deceased wife

clever young woman and a family friend, the

stories of all time. Scandalous love between

Frida Kahlo just once more before he dies.

old man becomes tangled in the vines of his

a courtesan, the iconic Violetta, and an

With the pathway back to earth open on

own buffoonery.

upper crust young man blissfully blooms

Día de los Muertos, Frida and Diego

until societal expectations force her to

imagine their tumultuous love and passion

confront what sacrifices she is willing to

by journeying through her paintings and

make in exchange for his honor. This

memories, blossoming their relationship and

exquisite, traditional staging of one of the

exploring the cultivation of their lives.

art form’s most popular operas flourishes with the passion, hope and costs of love.

LEARN MORE AT OPERAOMAHA.ORG/23-24

Above: Gotta Be Me Heartlight Choir performing as the opening of Opera Outdoors 2022.

Upper left: Ollie Webb Center, Inc. The Art of Imagination participants perform their original piece , Almost Famous: A Pop-era in December 2022.

Lower left: MICAH House guests and staff attending Suor Angelica.

MEET OUR 22/23 HCOF FELLOWS

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TAYLOR ADAMS

CHARISA RAMSEY

JAIME MARIE WEBB

Taylor is a multiple awardwinning scenic designer focused in creating community through art.

Charisa is a teaching artist, actor, director, and playwright.

Jaime is a coloratura soprano and teaching artist.

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

OPERA OMAHA

HOLLAND COMMUNITY OPERA FELLOWSHIP The Holland Community Opera Fellowship works collaboratively with community partners to co-create programming that helps individuals, organizations, and communities reach their goals, serving as a creative and artistic resource to the community.

HCOF is transformational, and as a result supports the creation of an inventive, creative, empathetic and inclusive community that inspires joy, self-discovery, kinder discourse, and opportunity for all.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS & PROGRAMMING We bring our artistic talents and resources to the table to partner with experts in the field who are actively working to solve the most pressing issues in our communities, like homelessness, income disparity, immigration, and segregation.

We create responsive programming that acknowledges the specific strengths of each participating individual or community partner. Opera is our toolbox and all forms of art and creativity that make up opera make their way into programming.

22/23 PROGRAMMING PARTNERS

Sarpy County Juvenile Justice Center

THE COMMUNITY PANEL

22/23 COMMUNITY PANEL

The HCOF Community Panel represents a cross-section of the community including organizations, businesses, neighborhoods, and community groups. Those serving on the Community Panel develop a partnership with Opera Omaha to engage in meaningful conversations around community issues, program development, potential partners and opportunities across different neighborhoods and sectors.

Ang Bennett, Inclusive Communities Camtrice Bexten, NU Foundation Tiffiny Clifton, Gotta Be Me Rachel Morgan, Nebraska Arts Council Erin Painter, Learning Community Center of South Omaha Rita Paskowitz, Storyteller Paula Wallace, Artist/Hot Shops Angie Williams, MICAH House Gwyn Williams, Independent Leadership Coach Nancy Williams, No More Empty Pots

FIND MORE INFORMATION AT OPERAOMAHA.ORG/FELLOWSHIP THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

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OPERA OMAHA

DONORS It is our honor to recognize community members who, through their generosity to Opera Omaha’s Annual Fund, enable the company to create this season's large-scale opera productions and deliver groundbreaking, free community programming, including the nationally acclaimed Holland Community Opera Fellowship, that engage tens of thousands of people in meaningful, artistic experiences.

This listing reflects gifts received between September 1, 2021-February 1, 2023

CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE

$100,000+

Richard D. Holland* Annette and Paul Smith

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE $50,000- $99,999

Ann Mactier* Mary and Richard Parrish Julie M. Schroeder Katie Weitz and Tim Wilson

PRODUCER $25,000-$49,999

Anonymous Cindy and Mogens Bay Carol and David Domina Catherine and Terrence Ferguson Joan Gibson* and Donald Wurster Vernie and Carter Jones Joan O'Brien* Robert Owen Meredith and Drew Weitz Gail and Michael Yanney

BACKER

$10,000-$24,999

Anonymous Sharon and Randy Blackburn Anne and Stephen Bruckner Sandi and Bill Bruns Sylvia B. Cohn Kyoko and Jonathan Fuller Vivian and Allen Hager Janet and H. Frederick Kuehl Susan and Michael Lebens Linda Burt Rebrovic and John Rebrovic

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Mary Ann Strasheim Kate and Roger Weitz

BENEFACTOR $5,000-$9,999

Sara and Jawed Bharwani Roger Blauwet Barbara Person and Scott Burger Debra Reilly-Culver and Robert Culver, Jr. Linda and David Gardels Jerry C. Gose Ali Khan Vicki and David Krecek Joanne Li and Frank Stalla Sheila McNeill Sharee and Murray Newman Katherine and Jerry O'Flanagan Ann and Paul O'Hara Rita and Donald Otis Pauline Quinn Silvia Greene Roffman Constance Ryan Ellen and Richard Slosburg Ann and Kenneth Stinson Janet and Jerry Syslo Dr. and Mrs. James Tracy

GUARDIAN $3,500-$4,999

Anonymous Jo Bartikoski and Don Westling Elisa and Drew Davies Betty Foster Carol and James Healy Mary Beth and James Winner Sarah and Adam Yale

SUSTAINER $1,500-$3,499

Emma and Lee Addams Linda Matson Andersen Dr. Betty L. Beach

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Maria Carlson Janet* and Samuel Cohen Linda and Tim* Daugherty Kiley Freeman Linda and Jerome* Gordman Mary Jetton Mr. and Mrs. James H.* Keene III Joanne and David Kolenda Deana and Michael Liddy Carolina and Michael Mapes Cheryl and Luke Matranga Joan and Robert Miller Connie and H. Don* Osborne Kim and James Simon Shirley and Michael Sorrell Kara and Joe Spitzenberger Ginger Talbot Phyllis and Delmer* Toebben Dr. Terry Tomcsik Shelby VanNordstrand Gail and Irving Veitzer Cindy Weil

PATRON

$750-$1,499

Laura and Bryan Alexander Samuel M. Bierner Teri and David Black Ann and David Burkholder Murray Joseph Casey Hillary Nather-Detisch and John R. Detisch Viv and John Ewing Dr. Jon Flanagin Diana and Robert Foster Kate and Chris GannonTombrello Jeffrey Grinnell and Daniel Gallagher Lisa Hagstrom Belle and Ryan Hansen Dr. Gerald Christensen* and Ms. Mary Clare Haven Sally Kaplan Sandra and Jon Kayne Alfred G. Kelley

Marilyn and Mark Kirchhoff Barbara and Marshall Kushner Katie LeDoux Paul Ledwon and Mark Allen Maser Janet and Louis Pol Ana Lopez Shalla and Hassan Shalla Anne Stoddard Sherry and Jeff Taxman Susan Thomas and Steven Hutchinson Patricia Victor Verne Weber Melanie and John Wright John A. Yost

ADVOCATE $300-$749

Susan Grant and Rex Beck Nicholas Bjornson Kathleen Joan Bradley Katie and Corey Broman Thomas Carr Tiffiny Clifton Cora and Maurice Conner Melissa and John Dahir Mary Dragoo Mary and Ronald Ferdig Sarah Marie Ferneding Mary Fieber Judith and Craig Fuller Elizabeth and John Fullerton Carey and Brian Hamilton Marilyn and Robert Hansen Constance Heiden Kammandel and Henry Kammandel Mary Helms and Kenneth Olson Stanton Hoppe Dr. Linda Matson and Mr. Michael Howland Annette and Steven Huff Susan and Craig Ihnen Jeffrey Johnston Sally and Kenneth Kampfe

*Deceased

Mike Klug Wende and John Kotouc Heike and Adam Langdon Julie and Joseph Lecci Lourdes Secola and Sheldon Lerner Cheryl Logan Deborah and John McCollister Dorothy* and Daniel McKinney Angenette and Bob Meaney Jim and Christine and Jim Medici Karen and Paul Mullen Karen and Larry Nelsen Gwendolyn Olney and Scott Peters Jeanie and Donald* Owen Elizabeth and Jerry Powell Casimiro Rangel and Erik Henningsen Tom Richter Greta Vaught and John Ritland Victoria and Edward Roche Joan and Charles Shapiro Kay M. Shilling, M.D. Eleanor Shirley and Daniel Cox Sissy Katelman Silber Donald Slaughter Andrew R. Smith Joan Squires and Dan Hamann Ann Stephens and John Vasiliades Jaymi Victor Raymond W. Vondrak Ann and John Williamson Laura Wilwerding James Wink Mary and Anthony Yonkers

FRIEND $1-$299

Anonymous (6) Laureen Ackermann Megan Addison Elvira Lizeth Ahkothe Elaine and Chris Allen Marian Andersen Ann Antlfinger Cheryl Arends Kelsey E Arends Ronald Bailey Marti Baumert and Richard Jeffrey Susan Baumert Erna Beach Lorrraine Beadell and Greg Love Mark Beck Janelle Bender Alicia Bennett

Denise and Robert Bennett Mayrene Bentley Tamien Blackamore Franz Blaha Amy Bones Abby Borgmann Crystal Bothel Lyn and Stephen Bouma Lisa and Martin Braun Mary Brennan Kate W. Brown Kelleen Browning Rob Buckley Janice and Mario Buda Janet* and Donald Bumgarner Gertrude L. and Donald Burge Judeen Bursovsky Clare and Tom Burton Thad Call Karen and David Campbell Leanne and Mark Carlson Karlyn and Richard Carson Carol Casey Tom Chandler and Bill Schaffer Melanie and Jeffrey Chapman Susan Chenoweth Tina and John Cherica Lynne Chesire Christine and Bob Chilcoat Jay Chlebinski Philip Chung Holly and John Cimino Joan and Don Cimpl Joseph Clanton Julie Clawson Patricia Cody Mary Jo and Richard Coffey Shannon Monique Coleman Elizabeth A. Collins Lindsay Coppock Miller Kara Cordell Carmelita Cox Eileen M. Crinklaw Alexander Dahlquist Susan Schonlau and David Danielson Timothy F. Daugherty Jennifer and James Davenport Jaclyn Joan Davis Vivian and Spencer Davis Carole DeBuse Linda and Charles Duckworth Rosemary and Bernard Duhaime Michael Eason Martha Elias Amanda and Alex Ely Delores Ericson Karla Ermel Marleen and Timothy Evans Karen and Richard Everett

Mary A. Ferdig Kim and Adrian Ferguson Rick Fortner Mollie and Terry Foster Hon. Marcena Hendrix and Dr. Howard Fox Sandra Franklin Andrew Frost Kyle Galas Mary and Barry Gerken Leanne Gifford Lauren T. Anderson Rose Glock Paul Godinez Ann and Donald Goldstein Sarah E. Goucher Sonya and Christian Gray Bob Graybosch John K. Green Mary Green Barbara Mueting and Herman Greenwald Susan Greni Jan Grimes Rex-Ann Gualco Taylor Gunnels Carol Gutchewsky and Leslie Valentine Carol and Peter Gwilt Cindy Hadsell Judy and George Haecker, Jr. Suzanne Hafey Daniel Hamann Nancy and Randall Hanson Ellen Hargus William and Gretchen Harvey Adam Haverman Jane and Edward Hawks Cheryl and Joe Hazel Erica Heiden Jennifer Helms Michael Hennessy Ann and Gary Henningsen Eddiy Hilliard Jefferson Hillman Marilyn Hoegemeyer Shari Hofschire T. Hepfinger Courtney Holland Margaret Horvath Ann and Don Hosford Emily Hough Nikolas Huffman Karyn and William Huffman Christopher Jackson Bonnie and David Jaros Laura Jaros Stephen Jensen Vibeke Jensen Ms. Kelly M Johns Nancy Johnson

Barbara Johnston Emili Carter Jones Donna and James Kalar Zachary Kallman Sean Kelly and Sam Tepanossian Kendra and Victor Kelly LaNita Kirby Victoria Kirilloff Julia Kleinschmit Krysten Knott Dr. Merlyn Knudson and Mr. James F. Davis Maria Knudtson Paul Koenig Victoria and Joe Kohout Derek Kordash Elaine Kruse Barbara Kuhn Eugenia Kuhn Leslie Kuhnel Ronna and Joe Kutlas Robert Kuzelka Dr. Timothy J. Crowley and Ms. Celann LaGreca Carole and Wayne Lainof Julie Langholdt Pattie Anderson Gary Oscar Laun O'Terrell Dane Leatherman Della and Jack Lee Elaine Leise Ryan P. Lewis Stan Lewis Sherryl and Hiram Lilley Emily and Tom Lischer Linda Moorman and Douglas Little Megan Loberg Kathleen and John Lohr Jeffrey B. Loomis Laura Loughran Jan and Blake Lund Masood Mahdavifar Nicole Makovec Candi Marcantel Charles Mason Mary Mattingly Charles Mausser Catherine and Marcus Maydew Joan and Ed McCarthy Bruce McKeefry and Geoff Yeoman Nicholas McMIllan Lauren Medici Taliah Merritt Jane and Philip Meyer Ann Jansen Michelson and Brent Michelson Robert Miller Cindy Miserez

*Deceased

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37

OPERA OMAHA

DONORS Donald Moran Richard Morris Sue Moskovits Matthew Munderloh Rose Ann Murphy Tari Hendrickson and Clayton Naff Anne Nagosky Ann Nelson Heath Nopens Tirimba Obonyo Neil Odonnell Tom Olsen Ellen Osborn Sean Otterberg Jennifer and Thomas Pansing Diane and Robert Peabody Michael Pellecchia Susan Petersen Deb and Eric Peterson Rick Peterson H. Margo Prentiss Abigail Kutlas-Prickett and Joseph Prickett Emily Pulley James Pyrzynski Barbara K. Rainey Silva Raker TaTanisha Ranney Cynthia and David Rector Toni Reese Laurance Ring Patricia and William Ritchie Noyes W. Rogers Dr. Debra J. Romberger Molly Romero Laura Roost Kathleen and Robert Rose Steven Roselli Jane and Ralph Ross Courtney Rudick Carol and Richard Russell Rev. David Rykwalder Cherie Sadler Sawsan Saeed Judy* and Larry Sampier Erin Sample Jon Austin Linda and Paul Sather Larry Saxton Kathryn Riesz Schapper and Aaron Schapper Rita and Dean Schechinger Susan Scherl Nancy Schultz

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Lila Cassandra Shakur MacKenzie Shinbara Jean and Thomas Sitzman Scott Slegl Kim Smith-Ferguson Erin Sobansky Kim Sosin Sandra Spellmire Mary Spurgeon John Stavropoulos Glenda and George Steinsberger Marika and Peter Stone Barb Stratman Mary A. Sturek Renee Sullivan Cathy Swanson Geralyn Terwey Monte and Duane Thompson Lindsey J. Tomaso Michael Torkelson Judy Torrens Donaciano Torres Ginny Tworek Jerry Tyrrell Judi Unger Ann Van Hoff Holly Vander Anthony Vargas Alison Vaughan Bonny Venditte Mary Lee and John Vitton Windy Vo Natalie N Wallace Corinne Wardian Sarah Watson Carolyn B. Weber Barbara and Wallace Weitz Nancy Williams Terrie L Wood Cody Joseph Wooldrik Timothy Held and Jay Worden Pamela and David Wright Sara and John Young Edith and Robert Zahniser Susan and John Zeilinger Michael Zimmerman

*Deceased

THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

The Nebraska Cultural Endowment Proudly Supports Insert Nonprofit Name Here OPERA OMAHA Learn more about how the Nebraska Cultural Endowment ensures an endless tradition of arts and humanities in our state, visit NebraskaCulture.org

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Investment Products are: Not FDIC Insured | Not Guaranteed by the Bank | May Lose Value THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

39

OPERA OMAHA GALA 2023

HONORING ROGER WEITZ AND WELCOMING ALLISON SWENSON

On February 25, between performances of Suor Angelica, Opera Omaha celebrated a watershed moment in the company’s history: its 2023 Gala honoring outgoing General Director Roger Weitz and welcoming its new leader, Allison Swenson. More than 300 of Opera Omaha’s cherished friends, patrons, and benefactors gathered at The Granary to commemorate Roger’s transformational 11-year tenure and enthusiastically welcome Allison to Omaha. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner in a space reimagined by Director of Production Katherine Clanton, inspired by the inflection point where the physical properties of sound meet our hearts and minds. Board Chair Elisa Davies served as the evening’s emcee, and Mogens Bay announced the completion of a $1.7 million campaign to establish a new fund in Roger’s honor: the Roger Weitz Legacy Fund. Following dinner, world-renowned soprano Amanda Majeski – accompanied by Janna Ernst – performed a handful of selections to thunderous applause. To conclude the evening’s program, industry luminary Charles MacKay gave remarks underscoring Roger’s exceptional leadership throughout the world of opera as well as his excitement for and unwavering belief in Allison as she assumes the role of General Director.

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

Clockwise from top left: Outgoing General Director Roger Weitz, Board Chair Elisa Davies, and new General Director Allison Swenson.

Allison and Hunter Swenson.

Roger and Kate Weitz.

Industry luminary Charles MacKay delivers remarks congratulating Roger and Allison.

World-renowned soprano Amanda Majeski performs.

Mogens Bay announces the $1.7 million Roger Weitz Legacy Fund.

SPECIAL THANK YOU We wish to thank the following individuals and corporations for their exceptional generosity in support of this event and Opera Omaha’s critical mission and vision:

2023 GALA HOSTS

GALA DONATIONS

Cindy and Mogens Bay Betty Foster and Roger Blauwet Anne and Stephen Bruckner Domina Law Group pc llo Catherine and Terry Ferguson The Holland Foundation Vernie and Carter Jones Dan McCarthy Sharee and Murray Newman Betiana and Todd Simon Annette and Paul Smith Dr. Katie Weitz and Tim Wilson Sarah and Adam Yale Gail and Michael Yanney

Linda Matson Andersen Fred and Sally Bekins Foundation Katie Broman Kate W. Brown Sandi and Bill Bruns Barbara Person and Scott Burger Maria Carlson Eileen Crinklaw Debra Reilly-Culver and Robert Culver, Jr. Elisa and Drew Davies Christine and Mauro Fiore Kate and Chris Gannon-Tombrello Linda and David Gardels Judy and George Haecker Jane Hill Annette and Steven Huff Ree and Jun Kaneko Ruth H. Keene Michele and Bryan Kinghorn Mike Klug Joanne and David Kolenda G. Wade Leak and John A (Jay) Yost Katie and Craig LeDoux Paul Ledwon and Mark Allen Maser Dr. Cheryl Logan Nancy and Michael McCarthy Sharon McGill Mary Ellen Mulcahy Jon Nelson and Jerry Tyrrell Sharee and Murray Newman Ann and Paul O’Hara Linda Burt Rebrovic and John Rebrovic Debra Romberger Clark Rosenlof Carol and Rick Russell Kelly and Mark Sanford Security National Bank Sissy Katelman Silber Ellen and Richard Slosburg Joanne Li and Frank Stalla Mary Ann Strasheim Janet and Jerry Syslo Ginger Talbot Sherry and Jeff Taxman Jo Bartikoski and Don Westling Mary Beth and Jim Winner

PLATINUM TABLE HOSTS Cindy and Mogens Bay The Holland Foundation Mary and Richard Parrish Dr. Katie Weitz and Tim Wilson Weitz Family Foundation Gail and Michael Yanney

GOLD TABLE HOSTS Domina Law Group pc llo Vernie and Carter Jones Omaha Steaks

SILVER TABLE HOSTS Anonymous Betty Foster and Roger Blauwet Anne and Stephen Bruckner Sylvia B. Cohn Catherine and Terry Ferguson FNBO Fraser Stryker HDR Kiewit Corporation Dan McCarthy Annette and Paul Smith Union Pacific Corporation University of Nebraska Medical Center Valmont Industries, Inc. Meredith and Drew Weitz Weitz Family Foundation Sarah and Adam Yale

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41

A tangible legacy – investment in the future of both Opera and Omaha Members of Opera Omaha’s Fortissimo Society have made arrangements to support Opera Omaha and its innovative role in the cultural vibrancy of our region for generations to come. By establishing bequests, gifts of life insurance, IRAs, trusts, and other estate plans, Fortissimo Society members demonstrate their commitment to the transformative power of opera in our community. Their legacies are tangible investments in our cutting-edge, human-centered work that is leading and redefining the future of opera.

We proudly recognize the following Fortissimo Society Members Peppy* and Norman* Bahr Jo Bartikoski and Don Westling Betty L. Beach, PhD Kathleen Joan Bradley Sandra L.E. and William C. Bruns Debra and Bob Culver Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation Linda and David Gardels Connie and Geof* Heiden Mary and Charles* Heider Mary* and Richard* D. Holland Aline Hosman* Sally and Gary* Kaplan Joanne and David Kolenda Graham Lusk* Ann* and Allan* Mactier

Sharee and Murray Newman Ephraim L. Marks* and David M. Rice* Mark Allen Maser Joan F.* and Richard* L. O’Brien Ann and Paul O'Hara Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Owen Mary and Richard Parrish Thompson H. Rogers Ruth and William Scott Eve and Fred* Simon Dr. and Mrs. Michael Sorrell Dr. Judith Stoewe* Mary Ann and Jerrold* Strasheim Janet and Jerry Syslo Bruni and Roy* Thylin Mary Beth and James Winner

We are grateful to the following individuals who designated a portion of their estate to support Opera Omaha, upon their passing.

Rabbi Myer S.* and Dorothy Kripke* Pauline D. Nelson* Howard Silberg* Margaret Wiltse* Annie F. Zinn*

SPECIAL FUNDS We thank the donors who have established restricted funds to honor a family, friend and loved one. These named funds provide important ongoing support through Opera Omaha’s endowment.

The Barbara Willson Fund The Jane Hill Education Fund The William Randolph Hearst Fund

For more information about ways to give, sample language for bequests, or to inform us of your inclusion of Opera Omaha in your estate plans, please reach Joe Prickett, Director of Development at (402) 346-7372 or jprickett@operaomaha.org. *Deceased

OPERA OMAHA

CORPORATE, FOUNDATION & GOVERNMENT DONORS CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE $100,000+

Anonymous (2) Douglas County Board of Commissioners Holland Foundation Omaha Steaks Peter Kiewit Foundation Weitz Family Foundation

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE $50,000-$99,000 Bailey Lauerman FNBO

PRODUCER

$25,000-$49,999

Iowa West Foundation Jetton Charitable Fund Mutual of Omaha National Endowment for the Arts Nebraska Arts Council

Nebraska Cultural Endowment Omaha Magazine University of Nebraska Medical Center Valmont Industries, Inc.

Giger Foundation Husch Blackwell LLP RSM US LLP Whitmore Charitable Trust William R. Patrick Foundation

BACKER

ADVOCATE

$10,000-$24,999

Adah and Leon Millard Foundation Conagra Brands Foundation Domina Law Group pc llo Gilbert M. and Martha H. Hitchcock Foundation HDR, Inc. Kiewit Corporation Kinghorn Gardens Rose Blumkin Foundation Inc. Union Pacific Corporation University of Nebraska Omaha

BENEFACTOR $5,000-$9,999

Heider Family Foundation Fraser Stryker

$1-$4,999

Anonymous Backer Family Charitable Trust Barnhart Press The Fred and Sally Bekins Foundation Classical 90.7 KVNO Cobank Edward and Lida Robinson Charitable Trust Humanities Nebraska Koley Jessen P.C., LLC Lincoln Financial Group Minnesota Opera Nebraska Tourism Commission OPERA America Paypal Giving Fund Stowell, Geweke & Piskorski Strauss Charitable Fund U.S. Bank

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

April 7

Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center

May 13 & 14 Orpheum Theater

amballet.org/tickets THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

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OPERA OMAHA

MEMORIALS & TRIBUTES Donors who made gifts to the Annual Fund in honor or in memory of a loved one are recognized below.

This listing reflects gifts received between September 1, 2021-February 1, 2023

IN MEMORY OF: HARRIET BECKENHAUER

Anonymous Carol Casey Kara Cordell Mary Dragoo Martha Elias Delores Ericson Sarah Marie Ferneding Mary Clare Haven Stephen Jensen Mary Jetton Kelly M Johns Victor and Kendra Kelly Krysten Knott Mary Ellen Mulcahy Stowell, Geweke & Piskorski

EDWARD CARUSI

Gina Carusi

PETER CLOGG

Victory Sedlacek

GLORIA DUNBAR Victory Sedlacek

JOAN GIBSON

Tom Chandler and Bill Schaffer Janice and Robert Egermayer Lauritzen Gardens James and Susan Tracy

BRUCE HANEY

Joanne and David Kolenda

ANDA HOWE

Tom Chandler and Bill Schaffer

DIANNE L. JONES

Jon Anderson Tom Chandler and Bill Schaffer

SALLY LUSK

IN HONOR OF: ANN MACTIER

Joanne and David Kolenda Mary Ellen Mulcahy

SANDY MATTHEWS

Sissy Katelman Silber

HOWARD COFFIN

Sheldon Lerner and Lourdes Secola

Mary Ellen Mulcahy Kate and Roger Weitz

JOYCE DIXON AND JOHN KIDD

HELEN AND FRANK MATTHEWS

Anonymous

Joan and Robert Miller

JOAN AND RICHARD O’BRIEN Joanne and David Kolenda Mary Ellen Mulcahy Mary Ann Strasheim Kate and Roger Weitz

BETSYE PARAGAS

Tom Chandler and William Schaffer Sherry Fletcher Sharon Hofschire Kate and Roger Weitz

ROBERT G. RUETZ

Bill L. Gaus Joanne and David Kolenda Mary Ellen Mulcahy

CHERYL SANWICK

Betty L. Beach Clare and Thomas Burton Annika and Allen Weber

MARY SCHROEDER Ruth Keene

FRED SIMON

Carmen and Toma Ovici

MIMI TANNER

Victory Sedlacek

Tom Chandler and Bill Schaffer Joanne and David Kolenda Sheila McNeill Mary Ellen Mulcahy

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TOM CHANDLER AND BILL SCHAFFER

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Mary Mitchell

HAL FRANCE RICHARD PARRISH’S BIRTHDAY Betty L. Beach Mary Jetton

JAMES F. PYRZYNSKI Bill L. Gaus

KELLY AND MARK SANFORD

Taylor Gunnels

SHANNON WALENTA Erin Sample

ROGER WEITZ

Sheldon Lerner and Lourdes Secola Minnesota Opera Mary and Richard Parrish Nicholas Russell Gail and Irving Veitzer Anne and Arnold Weitz

SARA YOUNG

Betty Foster Ellen and Richard Shubart

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45

OPERA OMAHA

REPERTOIRE HISTORY 1958-59

Madama Butterfly Tosca Oklahoma!

Hansel and Gretel

1959-60

Carousel Pagliacci/Quivera

1960-61

1971-72

Rigoletto The Tales of Hoffmann

1972-73

Madama Butterfly Romeo and Juliet Un Ballo in Maschera

1973-74

Die Fledermaus La Traviata

Tosca The Marriage of Figaro The Elixir of Love

1961-62

1974-75

The Merry Widow La bohème

1962-63

Carmen La Périchole

1963-64

Aida The Barber of Seville

1964-65

Lucia di Lammermoor The Marriage of Figaro

1965-66

Rigoletto Madama Butterfly

1966-67

Il Trovatore The Ballad of Baby Doe

1967-68

La bohème Lucia di Lammermoor La Périchole

1975-76

La traviata Manon Bilby’s Doll The Barber of Seville

1976-77

Aida The Merry Widow Don Pasquale Don Giovanni

1977-78

Madama Butterfly The Abduction from the Seraglio* The Bartered Bride

1978-79

Tosca La bohème

The Barber of Seville Werther La bohème

1968-69

1979-80

La Traviata Carmen

1969-70

Faust Cavalleria Rusticana/ Pagliacci

1970-71

Aida Die Fledermaus

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Die Fledermaus* La Traviata* The Pirates of Penzance

1980-81

Così fan tutte Susannah Rigoletto

1981-82

The Daughter of the Regiment Carmen The Magic Flute

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1982-83

Don Pasquale Faust Madama Butterfly

1983-84

Aida* The Tales of Hoffmann Don Giovanni

1984-85

Tosca Falstaff Gianni Schicchi/Pagliacci

1985-86

Turandot Lucia di Lammermoor The Marriage of Figaro

1986-87

La Traviata The Barber of Seville Porgy and Bess

1987-88

The Turn of the Screw* The Juniper Tree* Where’s Dick?

Amahl & the Night Visitors* Carmen La bohème

1988-89

Oklahoma!

Partenope+ The Diary of One Who Vanished White Rose A Celebration of Bel Canto Rigoletto Manon

1989-90

Plácido Domingo in Concert Show Boat Madama Butterfly Romeo and Juliet*

1990-91

Carousel Angelina Reaux in “Stranger Here Myself” Maria Padilla+ The Golem+ Il Trovatore* The Magic Flute

1991-92

My Fair Lady Tosca Don Giovanni*

1992-93

Ermione+ The Gardens of Adonis*** Autumn Valentine*** Eugene Onegin* The Flying Dutchman

1993-94

Vive Toulouse!

Requiem Variations*** Fidelio The Pirates of Penzance

1994-95

The Merry Widow La Traviata Carmen

1995-96

The Daughter of the Regiment* Turandot The Barber of Seville

1996-97

Così fan tutte* La bohème Faust

1997-98

Don Pasquale Madama Butterfly La Cenerentola Opera Omaha 40

1998-99

Eric Hermannson’s Soul***† Aida The Marriage of Figaro

1999-00

2008-09

Samuel Ramey in “A Date with the Devil” Samson et Dalila Tosca*

The Blizzard Voices***† The Pirates of Penzance La bohème

2000-01

Amahl & the Night Visitors* Carmina Burana/Pagliacci Falstaff Man of La Mancha

Night for American Song Pagliacci Brundibár The Marriage of Figaro So in Love with Broadway*

2001-02

2010-11

All-American! Concert Amahl & the Night Visitors Otello Little Women Don Giovanni

2002-03

Richard Rodgers’ America Concert Carmen The Turn of the Screw* H.M.S. Pinafore Bloodlines***†

2003-04

La bohème Lucia di Lammermoor Cold Sassy Tree*

2004-05

The Threepenny Opera* The Tender Land* Dream of the Pacific***† Turandot La Traviata

2005-06

Paul Bunyan Madama Butterfly* The Abduction from the Seraglio*

2006-07

Tosca Wakonda’s Dream***† The Barber of Seville

2007-08

All The King’s Men* The Tragedy of Carmen* Aida*

2009-10

Opera for the Cure* Don Giovanni Madama Butterfly

2011-12

This is Opera!* Hansel and Gretel* The Marriage Contract* The Mikado

2012-13

La Traviata The Magic Flute* Bluebeard’s Castle*

2013-14

Opera Outdoors* Carmen Agrippina* La cenerentola

2014-15

Opera Outdoors* Rigoletto* A Flowering Tree* Fidelio

2015-16

Opera Outdoors* The Barber of Seville La fanciulla del West Semele*

2016-17

Opera Outdoors* La bohème Così fan tutte* Flight* Stranger from Paradise***†

2017-18

Opera Outdoors* Tosca* Falstaff* Medea* Proving Up*† ONE Festival***

2018-19

Opera Outdoors* Pagliacci The Elixir of Love (L’elisir d’amore) Les Enfants Terribles* Faust*+ ONE Festival***

2019-20

Opera Outdoors* Madama Butterfly The Abduction from the Seraglio

2020-21

Opera Outdoors Broadcast dwb++ Miranda++ MODULATION++ Concert with the Omaha Symphony: Bizet, Mahler and Chausson Opera Under the Stars* La boheme++

2021-22

Opera Outdoors* The Capulets and the Montagues* Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* Eugene Onegin*

2022-23

Opera Outdoors* X, The Life and Times of Malcolm X* Suor Angelica The Marriage of Figaro * New production + American Premiere *** World Premiere † Commissioned Work ++ Film/Digital Premiere

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47

OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS Omaha Performing Arts is the local non-profit arts organization that manages the Orpheum Theater and owns and operates the Holland Performing Arts Center.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF

Jack Koraleski, Chair

Joan H. Squires, President

D. David Slosburg, Vice Chair

Arnold Reeves, Senior Vice President and CFO – Finance and Administration

Michael S. Cassling

Bianca Harley, Vice President of Human Capital & Inclusion

Dr. H. Dele Davies

Sabrina Weiss, Vice President of Development

Margaret Lauritzen Dodge

Aaron Ott, Director of IT

Scott C. Heider

Bev Carlson, Director of Public Relations and Communications

Todd L. Johnson

Andy Cassano, Vice President of Programming and Education

Rodrigo López

Ryan Murray, Senior Director of Operations

Carl G. Mammel

Alyssa Stieren, Director of Finance

Sharlon Rodgers

Lee Turkovich, Vice President of Marketing and Communications Ashley Voorhees, Associate Vice President of Administrative Services

John Gottschalk, Chair Emeritus

Charles Shanahan, Director of Food & Beverage Operations

John K. Boyer, Secretary

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

GENERAL INFORMATION COVID PRECAUTIONS

PARKING

Nothing is more important than the health Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our patrons, staff, artists, volunteers and community. To ensure the safety of those who work at and visit our venues, we’ve implemented a number of changes to provide the best performing arts experience.

• Masks are recommended for this performance • Enhanced cleaning and sanitation • Virus filtering heating and cooling • Staff and patron precautions • Touchless experience

Orpheum Theater – nearby and conveniently located garage parking is available at OPPD with entrances on Howard Street between 16th and 17th streets and on 17th Street. OPPD garage closes one hour after final curtain. Surface lot and street parking are also available.

For more information, please visit o-pa.org/covid. Thank you for your cooperation in helping us create a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

FIRE OR TORNADO NOTICES

FOOD SERVICES The Orpheum Theater and Holland Center are served exclusively by O-pa Food and Beverage Services, who deliver a range of offerings, including pre-performance and intermission service. Beverages with lids purchased in the lobbies may be brought into halls at both venues. Menus are available for private parties, special events and meetings that are tailored to individual needs and event budgets. For more information or to book an event in either venue, contact (402) 345-0202 or events@o-pa.org.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY Doctors, parents or patrons expecting phone calls are advised to leave their seat location (shown on the ticket) with the appropriate parties and with the house manager or head usher. The emergency telephone number during performances is (402) 661-8555. The attendant will forward calls to the appropriate venue.

Holland Performing Arts Center – easyaccess garage parking is available in Omaha Park 8 directly north of the Holland Center with entrances on Dodge or Capitol streets. Park 8 closes one hour after final curtain. Street parking are also available.

In the event of fire, tornado or other emergency, patrons will be given instructions regarding evacuation of the facility or relocation to areas of refuge.

Please do not run; walk to the designated areas as directed.

LOST AND FOUND Lost articles may be retrieved by speaking with an usher. If you have already left the venue, please call Omaha Performing Arts Security: (402) 661-8555.

ACCESSIBILITY FEATURES Omaha Performing Arts is committed to ensuring every patron’s performance experience is convenient, safe and remarkable. Both the Orpheum and Holland offer a wide range of accessibility features. Unique requests may be accommodated by contacting Ticket Omaha in advance.

• Accessible seating throughout the hall.

• Accessible parking adjacent to the theater.

• Accessible restrooms.

• Accessible backstage accommodations for performers and technicians,

including accessible entries, dressing rooms and restrooms.

• American Sign Language interpretation and Outlook Nebraska audio description is scheduled on select Saturday Broadway matinee performances at the Orpheum but may be arranged in advance of other performances by calling Ticket Omaha.

• The Orpheum is equipped with hearing loop technology. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) are also available for all performances in both venues. Ask the house manager or usher for assistance.

• GalaPro for closed captioning for select Broadway performances and other performances can be requested in advance via box office.

• Guide and service dogs are welcome.

If you have any special requests or concerns, please contact Ticket Omaha, toll free at 866.434.8587 or locally at 402.345.0606. Or email ticketomaha@opa.org. We are pleased to assist you with your needs.

TICKET OMAHA Tickets for all performances at the Orpheum Theater and Holland Performing Arts Center are purchased through Ticket Omaha online at TicketOmaha.com; by mail at 1200 Douglas Street, Omaha, NE 68102; by phone toll free at (866) 434TKTS (8587) or (402) 345-0606, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; or in person at the Ticket Omaha box office, 13th and Douglas streets, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ENTRY INSPECTION All guests attending events at our venues are subject to visual and bag inspections conducted by Omaha Performing Arts security. Visit TicketOmaha.com/faqs for a list of items not permitted in the Holland Center and Orpheum Theater.

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49

OPERA OMAHA

GET INVOLVED Without the dedication and perseverance of outstanding volunteers and support groups, our productions would not be as beautiful, our bottom line would not be as sound, and our sense of community would not be as strong. For these, and many other reasons, we extend a heartfelt thank you to the following organizations.

We invite you to get involved and become a volunteer or member of one of our support groups.

For more information about the following opportunities, please visit: operaomaha.org/get-involved or email opera@operaomaha.org.

OPERA OMAHA GUILD

VOLUNTEERS

The Opera Omaha Guild is a dedicated group of men and women who actively support Opera Omaha’s fundraising and community engagement and education activities. Members plan and promote events such as Cotillion (etiquette classes for area sixth graders), social luncheons, educational activities, opera study groups and pre-performance parties. If you are interested in joining the Opera Omaha Guild please call us at (402) 346-7372 or visit our website for additional information.

Volunteers help Opera Omaha complete essential tasks like assisting with community events, ushering at concerts, or providing additional office support.

It is clear without their help, Opera Omaha would not be able to bring world class opera to Omaha stages or the community. Students can also fulfill required community service hours for groups like National Honor Society by volunteering with Opera Omaha. For more information, please fill out the inquiry form at operaomaha.org.

CRAFTSMAN’S GUILD Integral to Opera Omaha’s success since 1962, the Craftsman’s Guild members donate stagecraft skills in the areas of wardrobe, makeup/wigs, concessions, and parties. Focused on meeting the backstage needs of guest artists and the production, members enjoy the camaraderie and reward of helping to create top notch performances for the Omaha community.

SUPERNUMERARIES Supernumeraries appear on stage in non-speaking, non-singing roles, much like being an extra in a movie. Being a “super” takes some time and patience, but is a lot of fun and a great learning experience.

Super roles are varied but might include servants, soldiers, peasants, priests and priestesses, dancers, bartenders, waiters, ragamuffins, pickpockets, and sometimes even animals! All ages, including children, are needed.

ADVERTISING For Opera Omaha program book advertising, please contact: Gil Cohen, Omaha Publications Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing 402.884.2047- O 402.612.9378- C gil@omahapublications.com

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THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO | MARCH/APRIL 2023

OPERA OMAHA CHORUS The Opera Omaha Chorus is comprised of professional singers from Omaha, Lincoln and surrounding communities. Please contact the company for the next audition date. You must be at least 18 years old to audition. Prospective candidates will be assigned a time slot and asked to present two selections; one in a foreign language, one in English, and neither selection can exceed five minutes in total. Arias, art songs, or church solos are all acceptable as audition pieces. Please provide printed music for the accompanist, who will be available at no cost.

TWEET SEATS Social media savvy people with great knowledge of the Twitterverse attend the final dress rehearsal of each opera and tweet throughout the production offering real-time reviews of the productions before opening night.

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DUET Omaha Steaks is proud to support Opera Omaha and the local arts.

96th & J Street North of L Street

Lakeside Plaza 17390 West Center

Tower Plaza 78th & Dodge

1.800.228.9055 | OmahaSteaks.com Omaha Steaks, Inc. 22PR2723