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Gianni Schicchi and I Pagliacci

Gianni Schicchi by Puccini | Pagliacci by Leoncavallo

Gianni Schicchi, a one-act comic opera by Puccini. In a series of hilarious pranks, secret deals and one ridiculous plan…Gianni Schicchi succeeds in tricking a greedy family into making him rich and assuring a comfortable future of two young lovers.

Pagliacci, a one-act opera by Leoncavallo, is a play-within-a-play, in which actors re-enact on the stage a situation that has impinged on their personal lives. Balancing humor, romance and darkly violent moods, I Pagliacci tells the story of an acting troupe led by a jealous man who is ultimately driven to murder his wife and her lover.

Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, 2525 W. Taylorsville Road (5400 South), Taylorsville, UT

Dates:

  • Sat, February 11, 2023 at 7:00pm
  • Wed, February 15, 2023 at 7:00pm
  • Fri, February 17, 2023 at 7:00pm
  • Sun, February 19, 2023 at 3:00pm

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By entering Lyrical Opera Theater's performance facilities, employees and patrons voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci TV interview on PBS's CONTACT starring Lynnette Owens
Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci TV interview on PBS's CONTACT starring Lynnette Owens

Program

Click or tap below to view our phone-friendly digital program.

Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci digital program

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes, with 1 intermission.

CAST:

Cast A: February 11 & 15

Cast B: February 17 & 19

Gianni Schicchi

Gianni Schicchi: John Knight Allen (Cast A) Bennett Chew (Cast B) Bennett Chew, BaritoneBaritone
Lauretta, his daughter:Alyssa Powers (Cast A) Kahli Dalbow (Cast B) Soprano
Zita, Buoso's cousin: Sarah Neipp (Cast A) Alicia Fairbanks (Cast B) Mezzo-soprano
Rinuccio, Zita's nephew:Anthony Ruiz (Cast A) Josh Hooker (Cast B) Tenor
Gherardo, Buoso's nephew:Alex Harrelson (Cast A) Keanu Aiono-Netzler, Full Lyric Tenor José Miguel (Cast B) Tenor
Nella, Gherardo's wife:Michelle Dean (Cast A) Angela LeBaron (Cast B) Soprano
Giulia (Gherardino), their child:Emily Tuutau (Cast A) Smera Nair (Cast B) Mezzo-soprano
Betto, Buoso's brother-in-law:Hayden Höglund (Cast A) Jordon LeBaron (Cast B) Baritone
Simone, Buoso's cousin:Daniel Tuutau Bass
Marco, Simone's son:Matthew Castleton Baritone
La Ciesca, Marco's wife:Lily Peterson (Cast A) Madelynn Hunter (Cast B)Soprano
Master Spinelloccio, Physician:Ricky Parkinson Bass
Amantio di Nicolao, Notary:Ricky Parkinson Bass
Pinellino/Guccio, Shoemaker and dyer:Gary Later (Cast A) Kevin Burtenshaw (Cast B) Bass

Pagliacci

Canio, Pagliaccio: Antonio Miguellangelo (Cast A) Christian Holden (Cast B) Tenor
Nedda, Colombina:Madelynn Hunter (Cast A) Jin-Xiang Yu (Cast B) Soprano
Tonio, Taddeo:Matthew Castleton (Cast A) Layton Loucks (Cast B) Baritone
Peppe, Arlechin: José Miquel (Cast B) Anthony Ruiz Tenor
Silvio:Jordon LeBaron (Cast A) Hayden Höglund (Cast A) Baritone
Villager, soloists:Kevin Burtenshaw (Cast A) Gary Later (Cast B) Baritone
 Jaden Peterson Tenor
Villagers: Emily Anderson Mijarez Lauren Bohannan Chorus
 Deborah Siddoway Jocelyn van Wyk  
 Emily Jameson Amy Banta  
 Rod Hansen Gary Later  
 Kevin Burtenshaw Jaden Peterson  
 Travis Neiswender  
Choreographer:Carly Schaub  
Dancers: Severin Sargent-Catterton Nathaniel Woolley

Both operas

Wigs & Makeup:Kat Nelson  
Stage Manager: Matilda Black  
Stagehands: Kyra Dunyan Elise Parry 
  Steven Talley  
Lighting: Madison Dowd  

DETAILED ARTIST'S INFO:

John Allen, Baritone

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Gianni Schicchi in Gianni Schicchi

John Knight Allen has performed internationally both as a violinist and singer, and enjoys interpreting the standard repertoire as well as championing newer works. From Provo, UT, John has studied music at BYU, the U of U, and abroad in New York and Italy. Recent operatic credits include the title roles in Rigoletto and Gianni Schicchi, Germont in La Traviata, Leporello in Don Giovanni, and Bob in The Old Maid and the Thief. Upcoming roles include Scarpia in Tosca with Lyrical Opera Theater, and the title role in Sweeney Todd at Kingsbury Hall this April.

Bennett Chew, Baritone

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Gianni Schicchi in Gianni Schicchi

Bennett James Chew is currently a Junior in the Vocal Performance program at the University of Utah School of Music where he will receive his BMUS. He has performed in Amahl and the Night Visitors and A Christmas Carol (SoM Opera) for two years and Dialogues des Carmélites (SoM Opera). He has had the honor of being part of both the Michie Undergraduate Quartet and the University of Utah Chamber Choir for three years. Past accomplishments include performing on the Minskoff Stage on Broadway, being awarded Best Actor by the UHSMTA, and his high school's Sterling Scholar for Vocal Performance.

Alyssa Powers, Soprano

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Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi

Alyssa Powers caught the performing bug at age 10 and has been singing ever since. She has performed for community and professional theaters in her home state of CA, and in Utah where she now resides with her husband and 3 children. She has sung with the San Francisco Girl's Chorus, Utah Symphony and Opera Choruses, and has been a soloist with the West Jordan Symphony and Santa Rosa Symphony League. Alyssa is a member of "The Motley Wandering Minstrels," with whom she has performed leading roles in their Gilbert & Sullivan Operettas in Concert. She holds a B.A. in Music from BYU. She loves volunteering as Choir Director at Peruvian Park Elementary School!

Kahli Dalbow, Lyric Coloratura Soprano

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Lauretta (Cast B) in Gianni Schicchi

Kahli Dalbow is a lyric coloratura soprano and native of Pittsburgh, PA. She made her operatic debut in the role of The First Spirit in the Pittsburgh Opera's production of Mozart's The Magic Flute at the age of 15. Ms. Dalbow received her BFA in Vocal Performance from Carnegie Mellon University, and her MM in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. Most recently, she was seen as Flora in Lyrical Opera Theater's production of La Traviata. Some of her favorite performed roles include Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Gianetta in L'Elisir d'Amore, and The Vixen in The Cunning Little Vixen. Kahli loves helping others find their voice and enjoys teaching many voice students at her home studio in Draper.

AliciaFairbanks, Mezzo-soprano

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Zita in Gianni Schicchi

Alicia Fairbanks began studying voice at Mesa Community College. She completed an undergraduate degree in vocal performance at Brigham Young University. During that time she had the opportunity to teach BYU's Slavic Choir. Alicia earned a masters degree in voice at the University of Utah. Past roles include Berta in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Pitti Sing in the Mikado, Amahl in Amahl and the Night Visitors and Athamas in Semele. Alicia loves working with her voice students and watching them progress. She uses her spare time for painting, sculpting and sewing.

Sarah Neipp, Mezzo soprano

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Zita in Gianni Schicchi

Sarah Maxwell Neipp, mezzo, received her Bachelor's in Vocal Performance from SUU and her Master's in Vocal Performance from BYU. She has performed in both Musical Theatre and Opera productions ranging from Maria to Mother Abbess, Dorabella to Feather Duster Fifi, Mercedes to Mother of Amahl, and is enjoying this return to Zita in her premiere with Lyrical Opera Theater.

Anthony Ruiz, Tenor

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Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi and Peppe in Pagliacci

Anthony Ruiz has performed in various settings and with varying disciplines including chamber choirs, jazz, musical theatre, band, opera, and more! In fact, his introduction to the world of music began with instruments. That passion sewed by playing low brass instruments has driven him to explore vocal performance and many genres that have ultimately led him to where he is now: Performing on stage with Lyrical Opera Theatre. He is currently rehearsing in UVU's production of La Bohéme and A voice for Good's production of The Lamb of God by Rober Gardner, taking on the role as Peter. He participated in Utah Valley Vocal Arts Le nozze di Figaro by Mozart. Although he is only starting to explore the opera world, he's enamored by this classical art form and the opportunities it offers.

Josh Hooker, Tenor

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Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi

Josh Hooker grew up in the small town of Heber City, Utah. He is a current student at Utah Valley University majoring in Vocal Performance. It wasn't until recently that he decided to pursue opera as a career, and switched from his education degree to performance. His roles include: Arturo from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor, Frederic from Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance, Parpignol from Puccini's La Boheme, and Dr. Blind from Strauss's Die Fledermaus. When Josh isn't performing, you'll find him running his family's river rafting company, in a whitewater kayak, on a snowmobile, or on a horseback ride with his wife.

Alex Harrelson, Tenor

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Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi

Driven by an overarching love for story and song, Alex Harrelson delights in building a genuine connection between himself and his audience. He has brought this love of connection beyond the operatic stage, giving compelling recitals that reignite art song and song cycles to new audiences. Alex is currently a second year Masters student at the University of Utah, where he studies under Dr. Robert Breault. Recent opera performances for Alex include performing as Lindoro in Rossini's L'Italiana in Algeri as a part of the La Musica Lirica summer program. During the first year of his Masters program, he performed as Anthony in Sondheim's Sweeney Todd. He sang Ferrando in a selection of scenes and arias from Mozart's Cosi fan tutte.

José Miguel, Lyric Tenor

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Gherardo in Gianni Schicchi and Peppe in Pagliacci

José Miguel is a promising, eclectic, young Chilean tenor. He is currently pursuing his D.M.A. at the University of Utah. Past credits include Rodolfo in Puccini's La bohème, the Duke in Verdi's Rigoletto, Pirelli in Sondheim's Sweeney Todd, Arturo in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, among others. In October, 2021 José Miguel made his official directorial debut with De Falla's El retablo de Maese Pedro. This past summer, he launched his own summer series: "Arias of the Vine." His voice has been heard internationally in Chile, Costa Rica, Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico, Austria, Italy, and Canada. José Miguel is a native of Santa Cruz, Chile and holds a B.A. in Music from St. Lawrence University and a M.M. in Voice Performance from the University of South Florida.

Smera Nair, Soprano

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Gherardino in Gianni Schicchi and Villager in Pagliacci

Smera Nair takes vocal and piano lessons privately with Lynnette Owens. She is a talented singer and pianist and enjoys performing songs in English, Latin and Italian. She recently sang "Nella Fantasia" at the 2021 Italian festival in Salt Lake City. In her free time, Smera loves to go swimming, biking and spend time with her family and her pet dog, Buddy.

Hayden Hoglund, Baritone

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Betto in Gianni Schicchi and Silvio in Pagliacci

Baritone Hayden Höglund is a senior studying Vocal Performance at Utah State University. Recently, he covered the role of Dandini in La Cenerentola at Lawrence Opera Theatre. He performed as Figaro in the Vienna Summer Music Festival's production of Le nozze di Figaro. In April 2022, he appeared as a Wedding Guest in the premiere performance of the opera Uncovered, with music by Lori Laitman and libretto by Leah Lax, and was thrilled to perform in this world premiere of the opera with both the librettist and composer present. Other roles include Mars in Orphée aux enfers, Seneca in L'incoronazione di Poppea, and the Officer in Tartuffe.

Jordon LeBaron, Baritone

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Betto in Gianni Schicchi and Silvio in Pagliacci

Jordon LeBaron, baritone, has enjoyed performing since he was very young. He studied voice at Utah State University where he received his bachelor of music degree for vocal performance. Since then, he has enjoyed performing in many opera, oratorio, musical theatre, and jazz productions. Some of his recent credits include: Sciarrone (Tosca), Pharaoh (Joseph), Bass Soloist (Handel's Messiah), Frollo (The Hunchback of Notre Dame), and singing with his family, The LeBaron Singers, on YouTube. He is grateful for a supportive family that encourages him to pursue his love for singing, especially his wife, Angela, with whom he often shares the stage.

Daniel Tuutau, Baritone

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Simone in Gianni Schicchi

Daniel Tuutau, Baritone, is originally from Los Angeles, California. He holds BA & MM degrees in music from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Utah in Vocal Performance. He frequently sings with the Lyrical Opera Theater in Midvale, Utah, and is currently a regular member of the Utah Opera Chorus. He has worked as an adjunct professor in voice at the University of Utah in the Theater Department and also teaches private studio voice lessons throughout the Salt Lake Valley. He lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Brandy, and their four children.

Matthew Castleton, Baritone

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Marco in Gianni Schicchi and Tonio in Pagliacci

Matthew Thomas Castleton (Salt Lake City, Utah) is delighted to appear with Lyrical Opera Theater. While Mr. Castleton has a large swath of operatic and musical theatre experience, recent credits include La Bohème (Utah Opera 2017), Chabrier's L'Étoile (Sin City Opera 2017), and Lucia di Lammermoor (Utah Opera 2017). Mr. Castleton also was a young artist at the 2009 La Musica Lirica Opera Young Artist Program (Novafeltria, Italy). He holds both Bachelors (2010) and Masters (2014) Degrees in Music-Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. When he is not performing, Matthew also works as a head cashier at The Home Depot while making his home in Midvale, Utah.

Lily Peterson, Soprano

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La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi

Lily Peterson is a Senior at UVU and will graduate in April of 2023 with her Bachelors in Vocal Performance. Her most recent roles have been Antonia in The Tales of Hoffmann at her university November of 2022, as well as Nella in Gianni Schicchi with the UVAA summer Program 2022. Lily is currently studying with soprano Marina Costa-Jackson. When Lily isn't singing, she loves exercising with her husband and taking her dog on walks.

Angela LeBaron, Soprano

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Nella in Gianni Schicchi

Angela LeBaron, Soprano, holds a Bachelors in Music from USU and a Masters in Music from BYU both with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. She was a soloist with the Tabernacle Choir in their Book of Mormon Oratorio and soloed with the Utah Symphony in their Salute to Youth and Tribute to Brahms concerts. She has performed many principal roles in musicals and operas, including professional roles with Utah Festival Opera Company. Some of her favorite roles include Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, Martha in Martha, and Cosette in Les Miserables. She loves sharing the stage with her Husband, Jordon. Together, they have 3 children.

Michelle Dean, Soprano

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Nella in Gianni Schicchi

Michelle comes from small town Willard, Utah. She received vocal performance degrees from the University of Utah and Brigham Young University, where she enjoyed many opportunities in opera as well as singing as a concert soloist. Some favorite performances include Adele in Die Fledermaus, Mimi in La Boheme, Violetta in La Traviata, and soprano soloist in Eriks Esenvalds' Passion and Resurrection. Her expressive singing has won awards such as first place in the NATS Regional Competition in Hayward, California (2020) and the Encouragement Award at the MONC District Auditions in Salt Lake City, Utah (2019).

Ricky Parkinson, Bass

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Master Spineloccio and Amantio di Nicolao in Gianni Schicchi

Ricky's eclectic musical endeavors have taken him from a cappella groups (BYU Vocal Point, ICCA champions in 2006) to opera (Utah Opera Chorus) to early music (5 seasons with Utopia Early Music Ensemble) to musical theater. He has performed in musical theater productions at Pioneer Theater Company as Olin Britt in The Music Man, Hale Center Theater in Sandy as Smudge in Forever Plaid and Orem as Javert in Les Miserables, and Centerpoint Legacy Theater as Adam in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and Adam in Children of Eden. He was most recently seen as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady, and Ladahlord in James and the Giant Peach.

Gary Later, Baritone

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Pinellino/Guccio in Gianni Schicchi and Villager in Pagliacci

Gary Later's love of music is what got him involved in musical theatre and opera nearly a decade ago. Some of his favorite community theatre productions, have been The Music Man, Man of La Mancha, and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. His favorite musical theatre role—consistent with his love of music—was the part of the baritone in the barbershop quartet of The Music Man. He has sung with Utah Opera Chorus in the operas Norma and The Barber of Seville. Gary is excited to be singing in Lyrical Opera Theater's production of Madama Butterfly.

Kevin Burtenshaw, Baritone

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Pinellino/Guccio in Gianni Schicchi and Villager in Pagliacci

Kevin Burtenshaw grew up in Shelley, Idaho and currently lives in Riverton. He has enjoyed performing in musical theater productions on various stages along the Wasatch Front. Favorite roles include Emile de Becque in South Pacific, Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music and The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance. Recently retired from the aerospace industry and having enjoyed opera for years, this seemed like the right time to venture onto the opera stage. As the old saying goes – better late than never!

Christian Holden, Full Lyric Tenor

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Canio in Pagliacci

Christian Holden, tenor, is thrilled to make his Tosca debut with Lyrical Opera Theater and is extremely grateful for the opportunity. Originally from Maple Valley, Washington, he has studied voice for over 11 years in both Idaho and Utah, currently training with Christopher Holmes at Utah Valley University. He has participated in many scenes shows, performing roles spanning from Canio in Pagliacci to Hoffmann in Tales of Hoffmann to Don José in Carmen. However, this is his first opportunity to study a role in full, and he is excited to test his vocal mettle as Cavaradossi. He will also perform Hoffmann in full later this year with the UVU opera program.

Antonio Miguellangelo, Full Lyric Tenor

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Canio in Pagliacci

Antonio Miguellangelo was born in Brazil and immigrated to the United States in 1992. He started his career in music in 1999 and has performed for many audiences in Utah, California, Florida and New York. Antonio made his debut in a full opera production with the Lyrical Opera Theater performing the role of Don José in Carmen by Bizet.

Madelynn Hunter, Full Lyric Soprano

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Nedda in Pagliacci

American Soprano, Madelynn Hunter, grew up in Derby, Kansas. Ms. Hunter received her Bachelor's degree in Classical Voice Performance from Brigham Young University in 2021. This is her debut with Lyrical Opera Theater. Madelynn will perform Nedda in Pagliacci and La Ciesca in Gianni Schicchi. Ms. Hunter has competed in numerous competitions during the past two years. Most recently, she has been selected as a semi-finalist for the 2023 International Music Grand Prix competition. Ms. Hunter's teachers include Mindy Ammons and Darrell Babidge. She loves the opportunity she has to share beautiful music with those around her.

Jin-Xiang Yu, Full Lyric Soprano

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Nedda in Pagliacci

A recent transplant to Utah, soprano Jin-Xiang Yu grew up in Japan with roots from China, Korea, and Russia. Following her appearance as Elle in Poulenc's La voix humaine, The New York Times hailed her "compelling performance that traced the shifting moods vividly." In Jack Perla's An American Dream at Opera Maine, the Portland Press Herald praised "her bright, clear timbre and admirable vocal flexibility to create a moving portrayal of Setsuko." She currently teaches voice and piano from her studio in Cottonwood Heights while continuing her studies and performing. jinxiangyusoprano.com/

Layton Loucks, Baritone

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Tonio in Pagliacci

Originally from Morgan, Utah, Layton Loucks is a senior majoring in vocal performance at Utah State University where he studies under Grammy Award winning Tenor, Thomas Glenn. In his time at Utah State, Layton has had the opportunity to perform a variety of opera roles including the role of The Rabbi in the world premiere of Lori Laitman's newest opera, Uncovered. Most recently Layton has performed the title role in Utah Vocal Arts Academy's production of Puccini's Gianni Schicchi last summer as well as the role of Valens in the USU opera production of Handel's Theodora in January.

Emily Anderson Mijarez, Mezzo Soprano

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Villager in Pagliacci

Emily Anderson Mijarez is excited to be making her second appearance at Lyrical Opera. She played the role of Flora in Lyrical Opera's performance of La Traviata in 2019. However, she has spent most of her musical career on the musical theater stage. She has performed at The Hale Theater Orem in South Pacific and Guys and Dolls, as well as in many local community productions. Her favorite roles to date are Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde and Ms. Hannigan in Annie. Emily is extremely grateful to her family, friends and husband who encourage her daily to pursue her dreams. She is also very grateful to Lynnette Owens who continues to push her outside her comfort zone.

Lauren Bohannan, Soprano

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Villager in Pagliacci

Lauren (Cartwright) Bohannan began singing around the age of 10 when she joined a children's choir and with them toured Europe, Israel, Jordan and performed in Donny Osmond's last Broadway production of Joseph. She received a Bachelor of Music from the U of U and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance at Louisiana State University. She has performed around the country and in Italy in a variety of roles and rep. She currently performs with the Utah Opera Chorus and various local companies. Apart from singing, Lauren finds passion in cooking and event planning, in which she has forged a career. She has also recently become a mama and she loves her baby boy and family "to the moon and back!"

Emily Jameson, Soprano

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Villager in Pagliacci

This is Emily's first experience with opera. She is very excited to be a part of the Pagliacci Opera Chorus. Emily has been performing in musical theatre productions for the past four years. Favorite roles include: Fastrada in Pippin and Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins. Other favorite shows include Into the Woods and Addams Family.

Amy Banta, Soprano

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Villager in Pagliacci

Amy Banta didn't know she could sing until she was almost 30. Now she's making up for lost time. In Washington, D.C. she performed at The National Cathedral and with The Georgetown Gilbert and Sullivan Society, singing for prominent members of all branches of government. Locally, she's performed at The Empress Theatre and with The Motley Wandering Minstrels. She also sings and plays Celtic Harp (and occasionally the banjo) with her folk trio "The High Desert Harpies." This is Amy's first time performing grand opera. Thank you for being her first opera audience.

Deborah Siddoway, Soprano

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Villager in Pagliacci

Deborah Siddoway,soprano, has worked collaboratively and individually on a variety of concerts. As a classically trained musician, her primary performance focus is Opera and Broadway. Her performances include Kate Pinkerton and Mama in Lyrical Opera Theater's Madama Butterfly, chorus in Carmen, Tosca, and Falstaff and Gretchen in Beth Bruner's, The Grand Duke. Her concert soloist performances include singing Puccini's "O mio babbino caro" and Rossini's "Duetto buffo di due gatti" with Lyrical Opera Theater soloing in the Matsumoto, Japan/Salt Lake City sister city Gala and Lyrical Opera Theater Heart Song concert, and annual Masquerade party. She has been featured in the Italian festival "Ferragosto" and West Valley City, Mayor Mike Winder's Gala concert and enjoys singing at local church events and senior living centers. Her vocal repertoire includes, English, Italian, German, French and Latin. Although she holds a Master's in Business and certification in Human Resources her passion is in the arts. She is living proof you are never too old to follow your dreams.

Jocelyn van Wyk, Soprano

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Villager in Pagliacci

Idaho-raised soprano Jocelyn van Wyk is an actress, stage director, private voice teacher and owner of Sego Studios. She completed her Masters of Music in Opera Performance in the spring of 2020, from Longy School of Music of Bard College. She has performed many operatic and music theater roles. Most recently she was part of Utah Festival Opera and Music Theater's summer season. This is Jocelyn's third production with Lyrical Opera Theater. Jocelyn specializes in character development and loves telling beloved stories in new meaningful ways.

Rod Hansen, Tenor

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Villager in Pagliacci

This is Rod Hansen's operatic debut and he is thrilled at the opportunity to join the chorus as a tenor in Pagliacci. He has appeared in musical productions, such as Spamalot and Fiddler on the Roof. He is often found performing at Evermore Park in Pleasant Grove, or in other settings as a medieval style bard; singing, playing guitar, and juggling.

Jaden Peterson, Tenor

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Villager in Pagliacci

Jaden Peterson is a high school student who has had a love for acting since he was in a sixth grade production of A Midsummer's Nights Dream. His past performances vary from Fiddler on the Roof to Matilda. Jaden is excited to be expanding his horizons from school musical performances to opera. In his spare time, when he's not acting or doing homework, he loves to write stories, be with his friends and listen to an absurd amount of Elton John.

Carly Schaub, Dancer & Choreographer

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Choreographer & Dancer in Pagliacci

Carly Schaub lives in SLC, where she also completed her M.F.A. at the University of Utah in Modern Dance. Before SLC, she lived in ND, dancing and serving as Outreach Coordinator for Northern Plains Dance. She also has a B.F.A. in Theatre/Dance from the University of Wyoming. Carly is an adjunct for Salt Lake Community College, and Westminster College, and teaches Modern and Ballet at Wasatch Arts Center. She teaches Dance for Parkinson's for UofU's Skagg's Wellness Center and RDT. She has choreographed for Deseret Experimental Opera, Snow College, and Cache Valley Civic Ballet, Northern Plains Dance and teaches Baroque and Renaissance dance. Carly directs Dance Balletti, an early Ballet reconstruction ensemble and she also dances with Municipal Ballet.

Severin Sargent-Catterton, Dancer

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Dancer in Pagliacci

Severin Sargent-Catterton (she/they), of Ellicott City, Maryland, grew up immersed in various western dance techniques before setting sights on modern dance. Studying under Marilyn Byers, Severin practiced Nikolais technique before moving to Salt Lake City to continue her dance studies at the University of Utah. During her completion of her Honors Bachelor of Fine Arts at the School of Dance, Severin performed works by Anouk Van Dijk, Eric Handman, and others. She also performed Outdoors, Noa Zuk and Ohad Fishof, with Repertory Dance Theater during their Fall 2019 season. Post graduation, Severin taught for Johns Hopkins University. She has performed with sonderIMMERSIVE and Interdisciplinary Arts Collective, and Deseret Experimental Opera. Severin continues to create and move for various artists around the Salt Lake Valley.

Matilda Black, Stage Manager

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Stage Manager in Pagliacci

Matilda has been passionate about tech for 5 years now. She has worked on shows such as The Importance of being Earnest, Little Women, and Into the Woods. She also plays the piano, is absolutely nerdy, and has a deep fascination with science and the natural world.

Kyra Dunyan, Stagehand

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Stagehand in Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci

My name is Kyra and I have been able to do tech for theatre for 6 years now. I mainly focus in set building/designing, sound, and backstage work. I have also participated in a tech competition in the mastery of props and was able to score rather high. I love everything with theatre and plan to use it as much as I can in the future. The pictures above are of that before mentioned tech competition, as well as three of many shows I have built sets for. They are Les Mis, Beauty and the Beast, and Seussical which I also designed the set for. I am happy to be a part of this tech crew and all that I get to experience.

Elise Parry, Stagehand

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Stagehand in Gianni Schicchi and Pagliacci

Elise has been doing stage technology for two years but has been interested in theatre for many more. She has been both a spotlight operator and scenic painter at Hillcrest High School. Outside of school she generally works as a stagehand. Her recent work has been in Oliver! and Tosca. To her, theatre is a big commitment, but it is all worth it for the amazing experience.

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