An Homage to Josephine Baker - NOOA

The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series

TABLE OF CONTENTS Welcome 3 Board of Directors & Advisory Board 5 Mastersigners 6 Donors 7 Commemorative Gifts 10 Legacy Society 11 Josephine Baker 13 Cast and Creative Team 14 Marigny Opera Ballet 15 Tonight's Performance 16 The Ranney & Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series 18 Staff Listing 22 Institutional Underwriters 24 Women’s Guild 25 Sylvain Society 26 Opera Education 27 Music Credits 30 Upcoming Events 32 This program is produced for the New Orleans Opera Association by : Renaissance Publishing, LLC 110 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Ste. 123 Metairie, LA 70005 (504) 828-1380 | myneworleans.com New Orleans Opera Association 2504 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 529-2278 | Fax (504) 529-7668 neworleansopera.org Executive Editor Janet Wilson Editor Topher Danial Art Director Ali Sullivan Senior Account Executive Brooke Genusa Production Manager Rosa Balaguer Arostegui Production Designer Meghan Rooney Chief Executive Officer Todd Matherne

WELCOME Welcome to An Homage to Josephine Baker!

New Orleans Opera is proud to present the Gulf South premiere of this exciting double-bill celebrating the life of the renowned entertainer and activist. We are delighted to collaborate once again with the Marigny Opera Ballet, whose company was an integral part of our production of Rameau’s Pygmalion in 2018.

This Homage also incorporates the Opera’s premiere of Josephine by American composer, Tom Cipullo, whose operas and art songs are performed frequently throughout the United States. Following the opera, the Ballet will present a world-premiere of dance inspired by Josephine Baker herself, accompanied by the music that was popular during the height of her career. We also note the New Orleans Opera debuts of conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson, director Lauren E. Turner, and choreographer Lauren Messina, as the key artistic leaders of this production. It is a first for the company in engaging Black women for all of these important roles.

At its core, opera is the melding together of the greatest elements of the performing arts: music, theatrical intensity, visual spectacle, thrilling dance, and powerful storytelling. Through the lenses of music and drama, it reflects the essence of what it means to be human. New Orleans Opera is committed to bringing new works to New Orleans that give voice to a wide array of experiences with a universal resonance.

Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate the life of one of America’s great icons through music, storytelling, and dance. We hope that it’s just one of many thrilling and thought-provoking experiences that you have with New Orleans Opera this year and in seasons to come.

Clare Burovac, NOOA General and Artistic Director

Dwayne O. Littauer, NOOA Board President

Copyright 2022 New Orleans Opera Association and Renaissance Publishing, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. © New Orleans Opera Association

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NOOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer President Ms. Sonya Moore Vice President Mrs. Mary Chapman Albert Mr. Ron Austin Dr. Nicolas Bazan Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mr. Peter Brigandi Mrs. Betty Brooks Mr. Joseph Bruno Ms. Luretta Bybee Mr. Vance Ceaser Mr. A. J. Capritto Mrs. Serafina Charbonnet

Mrs. Pauline Hardin Secretary Mr. Emmet Geary, Jr. Treasurer Mr. Edgar L. “Dooky” Chase III Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Dr. Patrick J. Dowling Mrs. Diane S. Dupin Mr. Tim Fields Ms. Adrea Heebe Mrs. Rania Khodr Mrs. Elizabeth Mahorner Landis Mrs. Christine LeBlanc Mr. Edward F. Martin Mr. Jonathan C. McCall

Ms. Penny Baumer Development Chair Mr. James C. Gulotta, Jr. Immediate Past President Dr. R. Ranney Mize Ms. Ann Owens Prof. Cynthia Samuel Mr. Leopold Z. Sher Mr. Alfred E. Stacey IV Mrs. Harry C. (Claire) Stahel Mr. Philip Straub Ms. Catherine Burns Tremaine Dr. Rand Voorhies Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Mr. Joseph Young

NOOA ADVISORY BOARD Mrs. Virgene Biggers Mrs. Margie Breeden Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” Glaser Broekman Ms. Michelle Butler Dr. Mark Caldwell Mrs. Eileen Capritto Mrs. Kathy Christian Hon. Jacquelyn B. Clarkson Ms. Joan Coulter Dr. R.W. Culver Mr. Georges Daou Mrs. Thomas S. Davidson Mrs. Monique R. Gougisha Doucette Mrs. Betsy Dowling Mr. Brooke Duncan

Dr. Charles Dupin Ms. Marlene Duronslet Mr. Elroy W. Eckhardt Mrs. Melissa Mason Gordon Ms. Amanda Green Mr. Douglas Grundmeyer Mr. Timothy Hemphill Ms. Melissa Hess Mr. Neuville Hotstream Hon. Bernette J. Johnson Ms. Givonna Joseph Mrs. Rose LeBreton Ms. Lisa Leone Mr. Frank Maselli Mrs. Gail McKenna

Dr. Jane Cagan Miller Mrs. Cindy Mistrot Mr. Brian Monk Mrs. Pat Murrell Mr. Ernest L. O’Bannon Dr. Andrew Orestano Prof. Amy Pfrimmer Ms. Ashley Pradel Dr. Byron Scott Dr. Alan E. Sheen Mrs. Sonda Stacey Ms. Rebecca Thomson Dr. Peter M. Tufton Dr. Aysen Young

THANK YOU! New Orleans Opera Association would like to thank all the generous donors who made this season possible.

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MASTERSIGNERS Mastersigners are opera lovers committed to the financial stability of the New Orleans Opera. As major supporters, these contributors also receive benefits including invitations to exclusive private receptions, access behind the scenes to rehearsals, champagne receptions and more. This list reflects cumulative donations received from September 1, 2020 to the time of this program’s publishing.

Mastersigners ($100,000+) The Estate of J. Robert Pope Mastersigners ($50,000+) Drs. Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Mastersigners Platinum Circle ($25,000+) Mrs. Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Mr. Arthur A. Crais Jr. Jay Gulotta and Susan Talley Meredith L. Hathorn and Rawley M. Penick III Mr. Edward F. Martin Mr. John G. Turner and Mr. Jerry G. Fischer Drs. Rand and Terry Voorhies Maestro Circle Mastersigner ($10,000+) Drs. Nicolas & Haydee Bazan Jerry W. Zachary* and Henry Bernstein Mrs. Betty T. Brooks Mr. Tim Fields Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Ms. Adrea Heebe Mr. and Mrs. Erik F. Johnsen Dwayne O. Littauer Mr. Jonathan McCall Mrs. Louise H. Moffett Ann Owens Prof. Cynthia A. Samuel Eleanor and Philip Straub Mrs. Catherine Burns Tremaine Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Mr. Joseph Young Jr. and Dr. Aysen Young

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New Orleans Opera Association

Sustaining Mastersigners ($7,500+) Ms. Jo-Ann C. Adams Mr. Vance Ceaser Dr. and Mrs. Charles L. Dupin Pauline and Allain Hardin Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Z. Sher Mastersigners ($5,000+) Mr.*and Mrs. Herschel Abbott Doug and Mary Albert Ms. Penny Baumer Mr. Peter Brigandi Mr. and Mrs. Joseph M. Bruno Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Capritto Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Dowling Joan Hooper and Julian Feibelman Jr. Prof. Ellen Frohnmayer Mr. and Mrs. Bruce A. Gordon Rania and Hicham Khodr Mr. Donald I. Levy Ms. Sonya Moore Mr. George A. Rowbottom Mr. and Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV Mr. and Mrs. James F. Willeford Special Acknowledgement to Mr. Joseph Young Jr. for founding the Mastersigners in 1981.

INDIVIDUAL DONORS 2021-2022 Thank you to our individual donors for the 2021-2022 Opera season.

New Orleans Opera Association gratefully acknowledges the following individuals and family foundations for their generous support. This list reflects cumulative donations received from September 1, 2020 to the time of this program’s publishing.

To add your name to the roster of supporters, call Director of Development Joanna Sternberg at (504) 267-9526, visit neworleansopera.org, or send your check to New Orleans Opera Association, P.O. Box 52108; New Orleans, LA 70152; Attn: Development Office. Many companies will match employee and retiree gifts – ask your employer for a matching form to submit with your check. Contributions to the New Orleans Opera Association are tax-deductible as allowable by law (tax ID number 72-0272897). We are grateful for each contribution and we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of these listings as of the printing/publishing deadlines. To make a correction to your listing for future printings or, if you believe you have been omitted from the donor list, please call (504) 267-9526.

Benefactors ($2,000+)

Mr. Bill Banta

Mr. and Mrs. Donald P. Mitchell

Anonymous

Mr. Dorian Bennett

Mr. Ernest L. O'Bannon

Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth Adatto

Mr.* and Mrs. Dale C. Biggers

Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Pettit Jr

Beverly M. Boos

Dr. Archie W. Brown Jr. and Dr. Andrea S. Brown

Ms. Ashley Pradel

Prof. Luretta Bybee Ms. Ann R. Duffy and Mr. John Skinner

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Cadow Robin and Gary Chapman

Mr. Robert Redfearn

Prof. Robert Force

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Christian

Ms. Joanna Giorlando

Dr. and Mrs. George J. Dechet

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Landis

Eshleman Family

Ms. Kathleen A. Manning

Sarracenia Foundation

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Mrs. Jessica Hack

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Ms. Sharon Hayes-Roth Mr. and Mrs. Win Irwin Dr. Klaus Kallman Mr. and Mrs. V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Rose M. & Edward F. LeBreton III

Dr. Carolyn Clawson Prickett Ms. Sally E. Richards Mr. Robert Rome Mrs. Rita Satawa Mr. and Mrs. Claude A. Schlesinger Mr. Darryl R. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Harry Charles Stahel Ms. Beth Terry Dr. and Mrs. Peter M. Tufton Ms. Kristen Van Meerveld Hon. Janis Van Meerveld Earl and Katherine Vaughan Thomas and Rita-May Ward Walter and Martha Weil

Dr. William Long

Members ($500+)

Patrons ($1,000+)

Mr. Frank Maselli

Mr. and Mrs. Harry G. Barkerding

Anonymous

Karen and Frank Milanese

Mr. N. Buckner Barkley Jr.

Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Arensman

Jane Cagan and Bruce Miller

Mr. Howard Bautsch and Mr.

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Bruce Schluter

Dr. and Mrs. Olivier Thelin

Michael Mancuso

Ms. Margie Breeden

Ms. Yvonne Vonderhaar

Mrs. Carol Marx

Ms. Georgia M. Bryant

Mr. Raymond Washington

Robert and Nell Nolan Young

George and Lee Anne Carter

Dr. and Mrs. Robert G. Weilbaecher

Margaret Parker

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Mr. Gerald P. Price

Mr. Donald M. Clement Mary Len and Louis Costa

Dr. and Mrs. John T. Patterson

William Lake Douglas and Debbie De la Houssaye

Mrs. Rosemary Zuppardo

Ms. Marlene Duronslet

Supporters ($250+)

Mr. and Mrs. William D. Reeves

Mr. and Mrs. J. Wayne Anderson

Mr. Anthony M. Rotolo

Mr. and Mrs. John Ariail

Dr. Janet L. Schmid

Mrs. Ann Babington

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Shefsky

Ms. Cherry Bordelon

Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Sloan

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Mrs. Betty Speyrer

Ms. Kate Fagan Burgun

Ms. Stephanie M. Varns

Clare Burovac and Chris Mattaliano

Mrs. Elizabeth S. Viener

Mrs. Dianne L. Caverly

Mr. Norton Wisdom

Ms. Karen Early Ms. Deborah Fagan Jill B. Fatzer Dr. Erin O'Sullivan Fleming Dr. and Mrs. Juan Gershanik Marian M. and Lawrence C. Gibbs Dr. Robert Hammer Seth Harris and Julie Schwam Harris Mrs. Annette Hudson Bernard M. Jaffe M.D.

Kay Radlauer Carol Rausch

Mr. Edgar L. "Dooky" Chase III

Ms. Andrea J. Wilkes Mr. Arthur G.W. Wisdom

Mr. Alex Kelber

Hon. Jacquelyn Brechtel Clarkson

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Friends ($150+)

Ronald and Maline Levy-Berenger

John Stone Coulter Fund

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Ms. Norma McClain Dr. Christopher Merritt Dr. and Mrs. David H. Mielke Ms. Cynthia Molyneux Mr. Benjamin Motion Mrs. Joan Oppenheim Mr. and Mrs. Mark G. Otts

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New Orleans Opera Association

Elroy and Judy Eckhardt Kenneth and Melanie Ehrlich Dr. Maria J. Falco Mr. John Ford Mr. Alan Gandolfi

Ms. Louise Hobson

Crystal Domreis

Eric and Regina Wedig

Mr. Robert E. Leake Jr.

Ms. Laura J. Donnaway

Ms. Carmelite Wellman

Mr. Christian Lilje

Stephanie Doughty

Dr. and Mrs. Harold Young

Elizabeth Liu

Mr. Ronald Durnford

Ms. Joanne Mantis

Colonel Bruce J. Elliott

Mrs. Sarah Jane McMahon

Sybil M. and D. Blair* Favrot Family Fund

Mr. Kenneth Newburger Mr. Eric Nye

Betsy Fischer Martin

*deceased

Edwin King

Welcome to our first Founding OPERA SUSTAINERS who have committed to making a monthly donation to New Orleans Opera. Please visit our website if you would like to become part of this group or would like more information.

Mr. Neil Kleinberg

Mr. Alex Aho

Thomas F. Kramer, MD

Mrs. Xiomara Brewster

Dr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Kramer

Ms. Clare Burovac

Mr. Norman Krasne

Ms. Melissa Burovac

$75 for the 75th ($75+)

Jacquelyn Lothschuetz

George and Lee Anne Carter

Raymond and Rebecca Aceto

Ms. Judith Lubcher

Mr. Tony Currera

Mr. & Mrs. Allain C. Andry, III

Mrs. S. Ann Mahorner

Mr. And Mrs. Ed Edmiston

Anthony Bentley

Dr. Lynne Neitzschman

Mr. Bruce Giaimo

David and Lee Bergeron

Janice Piazza

Ms. Amanda Hembree

Ms. Angelle Bergeron

Mr. Gerald Price

Ms. Gina Klein

Judith and Thomas Bonner

Ravi Rau

Mr. Norman Krasne

Ms. Anne Bradburn

Virginia Roddy

Ms. Rebecca Moseley

Mark Klyza and Suzanne Butler

Mr. George Sanchez Sr.

Ms. Mary Penn

Ms. Susan Canavello

Ms. Sally S. Scheuermann

Ms. Hallie Sheck

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Carey

Ms. Helen L. Schneidau

Mr. Terrence Sims

Leslie Castay

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Mr. Alan Smason

Dr. Francis E. Cole

Dolores Shank-Samiec

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Ms. Marcia Cooke

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Mr. And Mrs. Alfred E. Stacey IV

Ms. Judith Cooper

Mr. B. Todd Sitzman

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Dr. Raquel Cortina

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Mr. Richard Velkley

Ms. Lillian Samardzija Jon and Sue Scharff Mrs. Margaret Shields Mrs. Diana Stieffel Ms. Kathleen Williams Elizabeth and Courtney Wilson Janet Wilson Dr. Lawrence and Joan Zaslow

Mrs Charles Goodyear J.C. and J.C. Harmon Shirley Henderson Ms. Elaine T Hymel Ms. Monique Kennedy

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COMMEMORATIVE GIFTS In Loving Memory of: Mercedes Vulliet Bonner Judith and Thomas Bonner Patricia Price Gerald Price Dale Biggers Elizabeth and Courtney Wilson Jules Bellone Ellen Bellone Yvonne Coe Mrs. Charles Kunz Guillermo Nanez-Falcon Margaret Shields Carolyn Clawson Prickett Mr. Edward F. Martin Deirdre P. Long Dr. William Long Marilyn Crilley Mr. George Rowbottom Evelyn LeJeune Katherine Roane Daniel J. Carroll Jr. Ms. Evelyn Arduini Daniel and Lisa Carroll Mr. Andrew Doran Mr. John Downer Phil Frohnmayer Ellen Frohnmayer

Hill Carter Riddle Mrs. Anne Riddle*

Ted and Sonda Stacey Patricia Manning Sharpe

Jerry Hudson Mr. and Mrs. Philip Straub

Dr. Valerie Francis Dr. Raquel Cortina

John and Julia Newsham Ms. Sally N. Inglis

Clare Burovac Mr. Matthew Baines Ms. Marilyn Crilley* George and Lee Anne Carter Dr. and Mrs. George J. Dechet Ms. Karen Early Mr. Robert Fischer Mr. Norman Krasne Drs. Fernando and Delores Leon Mr. Chris Mattaliano Mr. Jeffrey Thede

Karen Kalin Mrs. Julie Condy Diane Bennett Hammer MD Dr. Robert Hammer J. Robert Pope Mrs. Patricia Blair Emmet Geary Jr. Mrs. Barbara Kroeze Mrs. Carolyn McIntyre

In Honor of:

Robert Lyall Ray and Rebecca Aceto Mary and Doug Albert Adelaide Wisdom Benjamin Dorian Bennett Anthony Bentley Betty Brooks Leslie Castay Dr. Bernard Jaffe Jonathan McCall Drs. Emel Songu and Ranney Mize Philip and Eleanor Straub Beth Terry Janet Wilson Janis van Meerveld

Clare Burovac and Chris Mattaliano Mr. and Mrs. Robert Burovac Oliver Wilson-Ramos and Monty Ramos Janet Wilson Joanna Sternberg Mary Ann Sternberg Joan Oppenheim Jon and Sue Scharff Mrs. John Dunlap Jr. Alma & Bob Pettit Mr. and Mrs. Louis Freeman Alma & Bob Pettit Mrs. Susan Peters Alma & Bob Pettit

Audrey Fowler J.C. and J.C. Harmon

Mrs. Robert A. Schimek Alma & Bob Pettit

Ted Martin Mr. Kenneth Newburger

Mrs. Guy Wootan Alma & Bob Pettit

Rick Skelding Mrs. Carol Weiner

Jim and Elizabeth Landis William Lake Douglas and Debbie de la Houssaye

Mr. and Mrs. James Bean Alma & Bob Pettit

Irene Klinger Mr. Jim Eddy

Sonda Stacey Ms. Elizabeth Liu

Susan Caven Wisdom Mr. Norton Wisdom Ms. Trevor Wisdom Joan Ingram Ms. Jean Rice

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Janet Wilson Robert Lyall New Orleans Opera Association

Zara Zemmels Dr. Elizabeth Zemmels People of the City of New Orleans Alex Aho

PLANNED GIVING WITH NEW ORLEANS OPERA Help build the future of opera in New Orleans through your planned gift.

When you include the New Orleans Opera Association in your estate plans, you play a significant role in the continued success of top quality opera and opera education for generations to come. We are happy to assist you in identifying gift options that suit your financial and philanthropic goals – from a simple bequest in your will to a charitable trust or endowed fund.

Planned giving makes great art possible and helps sustain the activities of the Opera Association now and into the future. We thank the current Legacy Society members and invite you to join their ranks by notifying the Development Office that you have provided for the Opera Association in your estate plans. You can also request more information about the many kinds of gift options and underwriting opportunities you may choose to support.

Planned giving instruments can include: · Outright charitable gifts

· Gifts of appreciated property

· Bequests

· Revocable trusts

· Life insurance

· Retirement benefits

· Charitable remainder trusts JOIN US! Please consider joining the Legacy Society to help ensure the continued tradition of producing grand opera in America’s first city of opera.

Legacy Society Members as of October 2021 Anonymous (2) Drs. Stephen J. & Miriam R. Bensman Dr. Patricia Cook Dr. Maria J. Falco Mr. Emmet Geary Jr. Ms. Jacqueline Mae Goldberg Mr. Dwayne O. Littauer Robert Lyall Louise* & Ted Martin Drs. Emel Songu & Ranney Mize Dr. Andrew Orestano Meredith Hathorn Penick Xenia Krinitzky Roff

Alma A. Slatten Philip & Eleanor Straub Mrs. Norton L. Wisdom (Susan) Ms. Debby Hirsch Wood Major Planned Gifts 2008-2021 Bequests & Endowed Funds Garic K. Barranger The Estate of Abby Ray Catledge, in memory of her father Bryne Lucas Ray Rose Annette Chisesi Norma Jean Gross Lois and H. Lloyd Hawkins Jr.

Albert and Rea Hendler Gerald Kendal Victor Leglise The Estate of Guillermo Náñez-Falcón Mary Nell Porter Nolan The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund The Estate of James Robert Pope Rachel Sainton William H. Sholes Lynette Askin Stillwell James G. Viavant Jerry Walker Zachary

For more information, or to add your name to this list, contact Director of Development Joanna Sternberg at (504) 267-9526. All inquiries are confidential

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Josephine Baker

by Amrita Vijayaraghavan and Andrew Stephens Josephine Baker was possessed of true star power, which she wielded with flair befitting her flamboyant persona. She experienced a difficult childhood: struggling with poverty, leaving home early, and marrying twice before the age of sixteen.

After dogged persistence, Baker broke into the St. Louis vaudeville circuit as a dancer, and later headed for New York City. There, her magnetic stage presence landed her a featured place in the chorus lines of several Broadway revues including 1921’s smash hit Shuffle Along. However, Baker already felt frustrated with the racist limitations of her prospects in 1920’s America, and soon headed to Paris to seek her fortune there.

In her early work in Paris, she exploited those same racist and sexist tropes with tongue-in-cheek humor and a firehose blast of unadulterated, jaw-dropping glamor.

Subverting audiences’ hunger for bigoted narratives of primal, Black savagery, she instead cleverly turned these tropes on their head -- using the medium as a wry platform for sexualized choreography that kept audiences in thrall. She was always in control; she may have performed a faux-”tribal” routine topless with a skirt of bananas (her famous “Danse Sauvage”) but they were studded with rhinestones, she was dripping in pearls, and she sported the spit curls and smoky eyes of the most sophisticated jazzage “It Girl.” Paris was dazzled.

Yet she continued to have a troubled relationship with her home country -- experiencing backlash over her refusal to perform for segregated audiences, and even being effectively banned from the United States for ten years during the height of McCarthyism. She made France her primary home, becoming a citizen, and assisting the

French Resistance during World War II (as legend has it, smuggling classified information in invisible ink on her sheet music).

After a storied career, she assumed an over-the-top persona in later life -- keeping a pet cheetah on a diamond collar and leash, for starters. At the same time, she also built her renown as a humanitarian, raising twelve adopted children, and continuing her outspoken Civil Rights advocacy.

Josephine Baker died in 1975 just after debuting her final revue, Josephine a Bobino, celebrating her own life and triumphs. In footage from rehearsals, she appears in spangled bodysuits, glittering gowns, mile-high feather headdresses, and Marie-Antoinette style wigs. Her time as a spy is cheekily memorialized in an armyinspired skirt suit, flanked by a handsome cast of multiracial male dancers in uniform as she purrs “C’est Ci Bon.” Although she doesn’t always appear entirely steady on her feet, she’s regal, and her singing voice is shockingly clear and strong. Dignitaries, rock stars, and celebrities paid their respects to a legend at the opening performance -- she would pass away in her sleep of a massive stroke only a few days later; she was sixty-eight.

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AN HOMAGE TO JOSEPHINE BAKER CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

NEW ORLEANS OPERA ASSOCIATION

Tom Cipullo, Composer and Librettist

Lauren E. Turner, Director

Recently: • The Brooklyn Art Song Society presented Mortality Mansions, December 2021 • Stories and Song: A Grimm’s Fairytale Recital, October 2021 • The Berkshire Opera Festival presented Glory Denied, July 2021 Upcoming: • To be composer-in-residence at the Music Academy of the West, Summer 2022 • Opera Naples to present Glory Denied, March 2022 • The Husbands now available from E.C. Schirmer tomcipullo.net

Recently: • In The Red and Brown Water, No Dream Deferred NOLA • Founder of Equity and Justice for Institutional Change (EJIC) • Listed by American Theatre magazine as one of the "6 Theatre Workers You Should Know" Upcoming: • Don't Look Away Spring 2022 • Still Here: A No Dream Deferred community Audio Project www.nodreamdeferrednola.com

Jeri Lynne Johnson, Conductor

Laquita Mitchell, Josephine

Recently: • River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Houston, TX November 2021 • Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, Philadelphia, PA , October 2021 • Chicago Opera Theater, Chicago, IL , October 2022 Upcoming: • National Symphony Orchestra, March 2022 • Florida Grand Opera, May 2022 • Oregon Bach Festival, June 2022 www.jerilynnejohnson.com

Recently: • Soprano Soloist in Paul Moravec’s Sanctuary Road at Carnegie Hall • Josephine with Opera Colorado • Bess in Porgy and Bess with Grange Park Opera Upcoming: • Featured singer in The Promise of Living (also conceived by Ms. Mitchell), Opera Colorado • Soprano in Verdi’s Requiem, Long Beach Symphony • Julie in OMAR, Spoleto Festival USA www.laquitamitchell.org

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New Orleans Opera Association

MARIGNY OPERA BALLET

Lawrence Sieberth, Music

Recently: • Aguas de Decembre: A Brazilian Holiday, commissioned by the Marigny Opera Foundation, 2018/19 • An Evening In Paris, a recording of original compositions for jazz quartet, released 2021 • Musique Visuelle: Music for Piano Trio and Orchestra, a recording of original compositions recorded in New York & Nashville, released 2021 • New Orleans Jazz Nutcracker, an adaptation of Tchaikovsky's masterwork commissioned by the Marigny Opera Foundation, 2021 Upcoming: • VooDooTek, a recording underway with a performance at the Jazz & Heritage Festival 2022 • America: One Nation Under...A Musical Discourse, commissioned by The Threadhead Cultural Foundation

Dancers' Credits

Lauren Ashlee Messina, Josephine/Choreographer

Recently: • Dancer, Marigny Opera Ballet - Christmas Dances, Dec. 2019 • Dancer, Marigny Opera Ballet - Aureole, Jan. 2020 • Dancer, Marigny Opera Ballet - New Orleans Jazz Nutcracker, Dec. 2021 Upcoming: • Dancer, Marigny Opera Ballet - Aureole, Silk and Smoke, Jan. 2022 • Choreographer, Marigny Opera Ballet - New Voices premiere of new work, March 2022

Elle C. Jones, Dancer

Lauren Guynes, Dancer

Calvin Rowe, Dancer

Joshua Bell, Dancer

Headshot Photography by Bobby Bonsey

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The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series

o t e g a m o H n A er k a B ne i h p se o J Josephine, the opera

LPO Players

Directed by Lauren E. Turner

Jonathan Gerhardt, cello

Conducted by Jeri Lynne Johnson, The Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Maestro Chair

Douglas Devries, flute

Josephine – Laquita Mitchell

Douglas Sumi, piano

Music and Libretto by Thomas Cipullo

Supernumerary – Monty Ramos With The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

Zorica Dimova, violin

John Reeks, clarinet

Josephine, the ballet

Choreographed by Lauren Ashlee Messina

Crew

Lauren E. Turner, Stage Director Jeri Lynne Johnson, Conductor Kevin B. Griffith, Scenic Designer AYA Designs Global: Ja’nese Brooks-Galathe & Dana Leon, Costume Designer Mandi Wood, Lighting Designer Sarah McCall, Production Manager Keith Christopher, Technical Director Emily Barber, Stage Manager Gabriela Lopez Ruiz, Stage Management Intern

Music by Lawrence Sieberth Josephine – Lauren Ashlee Messina

Dancers

Lauren Guynes Elle C. Jones Joshua Bell Calvin Rowe

Crew

Olivia Winter, Props Coordinator

Bruce Barielle, Soundtrack Mastering

Lesly Davi, Wardrobe

Brooke Sauvage, Costumes

Douglas Sumi, Rehearsal Pianist

Lydia Kolda, Lighting

Beth Rota, Supertitles Prompter

Wesley Strain, Audio Julian Perez, Stage Manager

Sung in English with English supertitles

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Sam Eroche, House Manager

Produced by permission of ECS Publishing Group, St. Louis, MO Sole Agent for E. C. Schirmer Music Company, Publisher and Copyright Owner New Orleans Opera Association

On April 8, 1975, Josephine Baker took the stage for the last time before a packed audience of fans and celebrities in Paris: performing a revue that extolled her own five-decade career in spectacular fashion. Just four days later she would pass away.

Cipullo’s single-scene, one-act opera imagines a backstage moment with Josephine Baker before this final, exultant performance. She explains the soaring highs and the devastating lows of her life to an unseen journalist; the scene made especially poignant by our knowledge that this impending performance will be her last.

The new ballet is a recreation of a Parisian revue circa 1925, featuring six songs of the period mastered into a soundtrack by New Orleans jazz great Lawrence Sieberth.

Opera Running Time: 35 Minutes Ballet Running Time: 25 Minutes (no intermission)

New Orleans Opera’s production of An Homage to Josephine Baker is generously sponsored

by New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA).

Maestra Johnson’s participation is made possible with generous support from Ms. Meredith L. Hathorn and Mr. Rawley M. Penick.

Conductors for New Orleans Opera are generously sponsored by the Jerry W. Zachary and Henry Bernstein Fund for the New Orleans Opera Association.

Student Night Out Dress Rehearsals are made possible with generous support from The Louise Baehr Martin Memorial Fund.

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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THE RANNEY & EMEL SONGU MIZE CHAMBER OPERA SERIES

THE RANNEY AND EMEL SONGU MIZE CHAMBER OPERA SERIES

Drs. Ranney and Emel Songu Mize recently committed to creating The Ranney and Emel Songu Mize Chamber Opera Series, which will support. the production of operas at alternate venues in the greater New Orleans area for five years. New Orleans Opera will receive a cumulative gift of $350,000 to underwrite this new series, and we are grateful to the Mizes for designating An Homage to Josephine Baker as the inaugural opera.

“This is an incredible contribution that will enable New Orleans Opera to present new, contemporary, or less-recognized works each year and will help to broaden our audiences through an expansion of the traditional repertoire for the company,” said General and Artistic Director Clare Burovac. “The Mizes have a long-standing appreciation for operas that recount stories and experiences that are not as frequently represented in the more traditional canon. This series will enable New Orleans Opera to bring these productions to the stage and to reflect better the stories of the community we serve.”

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New Orleans Opera Association

New Orleans Opera is supported in part by a Community Arts Grant made possible by the City of New Orleans and administered by the Arts Council of New Orleans; by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council; and a grant from the New Orleans Theatre Association (NOTA).

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New Orleans Opera Association

STAFF

NOOA

IATSE STAFF

Staff

IATSE Local #39

Clare Burovac, General & Artistic Director

Keith Christopher, President

Gina Klein, Director of Operations

Alan Arthur, Business Manager

Artistic & Production Keith Christopher, Technical Director Sarah McCall, Director of Production Carol Rausch, Chorus Master / Music Administrator Development Joanna Sternberg, Director of Development Megan Franich, Major Gifts Officer

Mandi Wood, Lighting Designer IATSE Local #840 Theatrical Wardrobe Union Shannon Muhleisen, President Lesly Davi, Secretary / Treasurer Bonnie Haase, Business Agent Lesly Davi, Wardrobe

Courtney Randall, Development Operations & Special Events Coordinator Community Partnerships & Education Tara Melvin, Director of Community Partnerships & Education Marketing, Communications & Audience Experience Janet Wilson, Director of External Affairs Devin Johnson, Patron Services Manager ` Marketing Coordinator Dylan Trân,

Jenny Chapman, Support Group Liaison Robert Lyall, General Director Emeritus

H. LLOYD HAWKINS SCENIC STUDIO Keith Christopher, Technical Director Olivia Winter, Props Coordinator Keith Tujaque, Carpenter Nathan Arthur, Painter

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New Orleans Opera Association

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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INSTITUTIONAL UNDERWRITERS THANK YOU! New Orleans Opera Association thanks our business, foundation and government partners for their recent support!

New Orleans Opera works with each business and community partner to create a sponsorship package that suits your company’s particular needs. Whether you seek opportunities to entertain your clients, corporate visibility at performances, marketing partnerships, or all of the above, New Orleans Opera can assist you. Your sponsorship supports the Opera while providing exclusive benefits and visibility for your company.

$100,000+

$5,000+

Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Foundation Louisiana Economic Development New Orleans Opera Endowment Fund

An Anonymous Foundation in support of Opera on Tap-New Orleans Carol B. and Kenneth J. Boudreaux Foundation Goldring Family Foundation and Woldenberg Foundation Wm. B. Reily & Company, Inc. Luzianne Tea and French Market Coffee WWOZ

$50,000+ The Theresa Bittenbring Marque & John Henry Marque Fund Edward F. and Louise B. Martin Family Fund Erik F. Johnsen Family Foundation

$20,000+ Lois and Lloyd Hawkins Jr. Grand Opera Foundation Louisiana State Arts Council/ Louisiana Division of the Arts New Orleans Theater Association The Selley Foundation Fund

$10,000+ Bloomberg Philanthropies City of New Orleans/ACNO Entergy Charitable Foundation Greater New Orleans Foundation V. Price LeBlanc Jr. Fund Lexus of New Orleans McCall Fund Louise H. Moffett Family Foundation Wisdom-Benjamin Foundation

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New Orleans Opera Association

$1,000+ The Edgar “Dooky” Jr. and Leah Chase Family Foundation Community Works of Louisiana New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Foundation Josef Sternberg Memorial Fund Peoples Health Renaissance Publishing Ruth U. Fertel Foundation Sarracenia Foundation Van der Linden Family Foundation WWNO

We gratefully acknowledge matching and in-kind(*) gifts from the following institutions: Booth Bricker Fund ExxonMobil Foundation Freeport McMoRan Copper and Gold Foundation Martin Wine Cellar* MDRG (Market Dynamics Research Group, Inc.)* New Orleans Museum of Art* Shell Oil Company Foundation Stephanie Varns, CPA* Windsor Court Hotel*

WOMEN’S GUILD

The Women’s Guild has been in existence since 1947, serving the mission of “Keeping Opera Alive” in New Orleans. The membership of the Women’s Guild is comprised of women who are dedicated to fostering and promoting the cultural aspects of opera, creating fun and exciting fundraising events, as well as educational efforts, in cooperation with the New Orleans Opera Association.

The Guild Home is available for private events. Please contact Karen Villavaso at 504 453-7051 or Jenny Chapman at 504 267-9534 for availability and information.

2021-2022 Officers President – Sonda Stacey

Historian – Laura Franklin

Guild Home VP – Amanda Green

Recording Secretary – Sonya David

Architectural/Restoration VP – Stephanie Sheridan

Financial Secretary – Margie Breeden

Social VP – Karen Milanese

Corresponding Secretary – Jeanne Charlebois

Fundraising VP – Erin Fleming

Security VP – Kathleen Roberts

Education VP – Rebecca Moseley

Administrative VP – Joanne Mantis

Membership VP – Laura Franklin

Special Advisor – Virginia Eckholdt

Treasurer – Penny Baumer

Parliamentarian – Andrea Wilkes

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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SYLVAIN SOCIETY

Sylvain Society is the New Orleans Opera’s Young Professionals affiliate group. Established in 2017, their purpose is to connect the operatic arts to the Greater New Orleans community through events such as their annual Big Wig Ball fundraiser.

Sylvain Society membership is free for anyone age 21-45 and includes invitations to cultural events and membership mixers around the city.

Sylvain Society’s name is an ode to André Grétry’s “Sylvain” opera, the first documented opera performed in New Orleans at the Theatre de la Rue Saint Pierre on May 22, 1796.

2021-2022 Steering committee: Amanda Credeur Tricia Barrera Bianca Spears Ava McClain

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New Orleans Opera Association

OPERA EDUCATION

Teachers and Students: Join us for Student Night Out! Sponsored by the Louise Baehr Martin Memorial Fund Through the generous support of our sponsors, we are able to provide FREE tickets to our fullystaged dress rehearsals to students! Visit our website to request Student Night Out tickets for your school group or community-based organization. We can provide one (1) free chaperone ticket for every five (5) students who are confirmed to attend. Sign up on our website at www.neworleansopera.org/student-night-out.

Classroom Programming Community safety is New Orleans Opera’s top priority for the 2021-2022 season. Until COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have eased further, our classroom-based programs have been temporarily replaced with programming that will enable students to learn about singing and opera from the comfort of their classroom or at home. Learn all about it on our website at www.neworleansopera.org/education

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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New Orleans Opera Association

An Homage to Josephine Baker | NewOrleansOpera.org

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MUSIC CREDITS

MUSIC CREDITS "Paris Tour-Eiffel" Performed by Michel Emer et Son Orchestre Written by Michel Emer Published by Colgems EMI Music (ASCAP) c/o Sony ATV Music Publishing Courtesy of Marianne Melodie Records "Lina" Performed by Fred Mele's Symphonic Jazz Orchestre Written by Charles Bussac aka Craven and Frederic Mele Published by Editions Foucret Fils - Paris (SACEM) Courtesy of Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment "Zoulouland" Performed by Fred Mele's Symphonic Jazz Orchestre Written by Charles Bussac aka Craven and Frederic Mele Published by Editions Foucret Fils - Paris (SACEM) Courtesy of Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment "Rip Saw Blues" Written by Art Landry Courtesy of RCA Victor Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment

"El Castigo" Performed by Francisco Canaro Written by Juan Rezzano Published by Universal Music Publishing MGB Argentina SA Courtesy of Odeon Records and Universal Music Germany, under license from Universal Music Enterprises

"Tonight's My Night With Baby" Written by the Savoy Havana Band Written by Irving Caesar, Joseph Meyer, Bobby Butternuth, and Aileen Stanley Published by Bourne Co., Atlas Music Group, and Warner Chappell Music Publishing Courtesy of Columbia Records, a Division of Sony Music Entertainment

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New Orleans Opera Association

UPCOMING EVENTS

t er c on C a al G

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 Friday, February 11, 2022 | 7:30pm Sunday, February 13, 2022 | 2:30pm Running Time 90 MINUTES Conducted by ROBERT LYALL Music performed by THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Featuring the NEW ORLEANS OPERA CHORUS WITH GUEST SOLOISTS Sung in multiple languages with English supertitles

me è h a bo i’s

Puccin

L

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts 1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA 70116 Friday, April 1, 2022 | 7:30pm Sunday April 3, 2022 | 2:30pm Running Time 2 HOURS, 15 MINUTES Music by GIACOMO PUCCINI Libretto by LUIGI ILLICA and GIUSEPPE GIACOSA Directed by FENLON LAMB Conducted by JOSEPH COLANERI Music performed by THE LOUISIANA PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA Sung in Italian with English supertitles

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New Orleans Opera Association