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Madama Butterfly | September 11, 15, 17 & 19, 2021

Opera in three acts, composed by Giacomo Puccini to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. Premiered in 1904.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THIS TIMELESS TALE OF PASSION AND BETRAYAL.

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

Dates:

  • Sat, September 11, 2021 at 7:00pm (Cast A)
  • Wed, September 15, 2021 at 7:00pm (Cast A)
  • Fri, September 17, 2021 at 7:00pm (Cast B)
  • Sun, September 19, 2021 at 3:00pm (Cast B)

FREE - open to the public, friends and family, PIANO PERFORMANCES will take place in the lobby 45 minutes before each opera performance. Enjoy local pianist, from intermediate to advance playing on a 9 foot Steinway provided by Daynes Music.

FREE pre-show lecture "Madama Butterfly...an insider's guide" inside the theater starting 1 hour prior to each opera performance.

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.

Program

Click or tap below to view our phone-friendly digital program. This new format still provides the great show and cast information you love to read...plus, we saved some trees along the way!

Madama Butterfly program

Click here to download a libretto with an English translation of Madama Butterfly

Photo albums

Madama Butterfly Album cover Madama Butterfly Album cover

CAST:

Madama Butterfly (Cio-cio-san): Melissa James (Cast A) Felicia Lundie (Cast B)Soprano
Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton:Daniel Perez (Cast A) Austin Toney (Cast B) Tenor
Suzuki: Lynnette Owens (Cast A) Demaree Brown (Cast B) Mezzo Soprano
Sharpless:Bennett Chew (Cast A) Bennett Chew, BaritoneBretton Floyd (Cast B) Louise Floyd, BaritoneBaritone
Goro:Anthony Buck Tenor
Yamadori/Imperial Commissario:Avery Li Matthew Castleton Baritone
The Bonze:Ricky Parkinson Bass-baritone
Yakuside:Marc Navez Baritone
Kate Pinkerton:Jessica Benson Soprano
Mamma:Deborah Siddoway Soprano
Cousin:Sasha Southwick (Cast A) Jamie Forchic (Cast B) Soprano
Trouble:Emily Tuutau Non-singing role
Geishas: Kyra Furman Betty Mathew Chorus
  Andrea Briscoe    
  Sarah Seamons  
Male Chorus: Gary Later Roman Southwick Chorus
Choreographer:Carly Schaub
Dancers: Constanza Murphy Peter Larsen
Stage Manager: Bri Bold  
Stage Hand:Katelyn Hales Sydney Leavitt  

Synopsis:

Act 1: In 1904, U.S. Naval officer, Pinkerton, rents a house on a hill in Nagasaki, Japan in preparation for his marriage to the geisha, Cio-cio-san, nick-named "Butterfly." He is marrying for convenience believing that when he returns to America, the marriage will be automatically dissolved. Upon learning that she is to marry an American, Butterfly secretly converts to Christianity. No sooner has the marriage contract been signed than her uncle, the Bonze (a Japanese Buddhist priest), who has discovered her conversion, comes to the house, curses and renounces her and orders all the guests to leave. Pinkerton comforts Butterfly and the two sing a love duet before retiring for the evening.

Act 2: Three years later, Butterfly is waiting for Pinkerton's return, as he had gone back to America shortly after their wedding. She stubbornly holds onto her faith that he will come back to her refusing to listen to anyone that counsels her otherwise. The American Consul, Sharpless, comes to the house with a letter he has received from Pinkerton which asks him to break the news to Butterfly that Pinkerton is coming back to Japan. On hearing that Pinkerton is returning, Butterfly's excitement causes Sharpless to not finish reading the letter to her. Sharpless asks Butterfly what she would do if Pinkerton were to never return. She reveals that she gave birth to Pinkerton's son after he had left and asks Sharpless to tell him.

Right after Sharpless leaves, Butterfly sees Pinkerton's ship arriving in the harbor. She and Suzuki prepare for his arrival, and then wait. Suzuki and the child fall asleep, but Butterfly stays up all night watching for his arrival.

Act 3: Suzuki wakes up in the morning and sends Butterfly to bed. Sharpless and Pinkerton arrive at the house, along with Pinkerton's new American wife, Kate who has agreed to raise the child. As Pinkerton sees how Butterfly has decorated the house for his return, he realizes he has made a huge mistake. He admits that he is a coward and cannot face her. He leaves and Suzuki, Sharpless and Kate must break the news to Butterfly. Agreeing to give up her child if Pinkerton comes himself to see her, she then prays to statues of her ancestral gods, says goodbye to her son, and blindfolds him. She places a small American flag into his hands and goes behind a screen, cutting her throat with her father's knife. Pinkerton rushes in, but too late.

Approximate Running Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes, with 1 intermission and 1 five minute pause.

Sinopsis:

Acto 1: En 1904, un oficial de la Marina de los Estados Unidos, Pinkerton, alquila una casa en una colina en Nagasaki, Japón, en preparación para su matrimonio con la geisha, Cio-cio-san, llamada "Butterfly". Se está casando por conveniencia creyendo que cuando regrese a Estados Unidos, el matrimonio se disolverá automáticamente. Al enterarse de que se va a casar con un estadounidense, Butterfly se convierte en secreto al cristianismo. Apenas se ha firmado el contrato matrimonial, su tío, el Bonze (un sacerdote budista japonés), quien descubrió sobre su conversión, llega a la casa de Butterfly, la maldice y ordena a todos los invitados que se vayan. Pinkerton consuela a Butterfly y los dos cantan un dúo de amor antes de retirarse por la noche.

Acto 2: Tres años después, Butterfly está esperando el retorno de Pinkerton, ya que había regresado a Estados Unidos poco después de su boda. Tercamente ella se aferra a su fe de que él volverá a ella, negándose a escuchar a cualquiera que le aconseje lo contrario. El cónsul estadounidense, Sharpless, llega a la casa con una carta que ha recibido de Pinkerton en la que le pide que le avise a Butterfly de que Pinkerton está regresando a Japón. La emoción de enterarse del regreso de Pinkerton hace que Butterfly no permita que Sharpless termine de leerle la carta. Sharpless le pregunta a Butterfly qué haría si Pinkerton nunca regresara. Ella revela que dio a luz al hijo de Pinkerton después de que él se fue y le pide a Sharpless que se lo diga.

Justo después de que Sharpless se va, Butterfly ve el barco de Pinkerton llegando al puerto. Ella y Suzuki se preparan para su llegada, y luego esperan. Suzuki y el niño se quedan dormidos, pero Butterfly se queda despierta toda la noche mirando la llegada de Pinkerton.

Acto 3: Suzuki se despierta en la mañana y envía a Butterfly a la cama. Sharpless y Pinkerton llegan a la casa, junto con Kate la nueva esposa estadounidense de Pinkerton, que ha aceptado criar al niño. Cuando Pinkerton ve cómo Butterfly ha decorado la casa para su regreso, se da cuenta de que ha cometido un gran error. Admite que es un cobarde y no puede enfrentarse a ella. Él se va y Suzuki, Sharpless y Kate deben dar la noticia a Butterfly. Butterfly Aceptan renunciar a su hijo si Pinkerton viene a verla, luego reza a las estatuas de sus dioses ancestrales, se despide de su hijo y le venda los ojos. Ella coloca una pequeña bandera estadounidense en sus manos y va detrás de un biombo, cortándose la garganta con el cuchillo de su padre. Pinkerton se apresura, pero llega demasiado tarde.

Fox13's Morning Show TV interview for Madama Butterfly | 2021



Madama Butterfly TV interview on KUED's CONTACT



Madama Butterfly...an insider's guide



Madama Butterfly, a synopsis in English



How to put on a theatrical wig turorial



Geisha makeup turorial



Madama Butterfly 2021 Costumes Preview



DETAILED ARTIST'S INFO:

Felicia Lundie, Full Lyric Soprano

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Madama Butterfly (Cio-cio-san) in Madama Butterfly

Felicia Lundie a lyric soprano from Farmington, New Mexico, holds degrees from Northern Arizona University (BM), and the University of Utah (MM). She has had a passion for singing from the early age of 6. Felicia has performed with the Utah Opera, Utah Opera Chorus, University of Utah's Lyric Opera Ensemble , West Jordan Symphony, as well as Lyrical Opera Theater. She has also performed internationally in Italy. She is an active recitalist and loves to perform in many venues. Her most recent roles include Alice in Falstaff, Madame Butterfly in Madama Butterfly, Suor Angelica in Suor Angelia, Beth in Little Women, The Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Dido in Dido and Aeneas, and scenes from La Boheme (Mimi) and Cosi fan Tutte (Fiordiligi). Felicia is eternally grateful for the early and constant support of her Mom, Dad and two sisters. She and her (incredibly patient) husband Steve live in West Jordan and are proud parents of their daughter, Elise.

Melissa James, Full Lyric Soprano

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Madama Butterfly (Cio-cio-san) in Madama Butterfly

Melissa James has a master's degree in vocal performance from BYU. Major roles include Fiordiligi from Cosi fan tutte, Alice from Falstaff and Maria in Utah Opera's production of Man of La Mancha. She is currently a member of the Utah Opera Chorus and sings weekly for the Christian Science church. She was recently featured as a voice teacher in The Story Book Home Journal published by Al Young Studios and will be singing the role of Maddalena in Lyrical Opera Theater's production of Rigoletto.

Daniel Perez, Full Lyric Tenor

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Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly

Daniel Perez, tenor, is originally from Mexico, now resides in Provo, Utah. He's currently a Vocal Performance student at Utah Valley University. Daniel's most recent roles include Arturo and Normano in Lucia di Lammermoor, Algernon Moncrief in the American premiere of The Importance of Being Earnest, Camille de Rossillon in the Merry widow, and Alfred in Die Fledermaus. He also has performed as an ensemble member for multiple performances with Utah Opera, Utah Lyric Opera and Utah Vocal Arts Academy. For his next upcoming role he will be singing Rodolfo from La Boheme in 2022. Daniel also works for the Hale Center Theater as a hair and makeup crew, and has designed for UVUs theatrical shows as well. "

Austin Toney, Full Lyric Tenor

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Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly

Austin Toney has studied classical voice for over a decade. A Utah resident he, has performed with Utah Opera, and studied Vocal Performance at Weber State. He teaches private voice lessons and is an owner and formulator at Cat & Cauldron, your local Spiritual and Metaphysical goods shop.

Demaree Clayson Brown, Full Lyric Mezzo-soprano

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Suzuki in Madama Butterfly

Demaree Clayson Brown, a mezzo-soprano from San Angelo, Texas, holds degrees from Brigham Young University (BM), the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (MM), and the University of Utah (DMA). While at the University of Utah, she studied with Professor Ariel Bybee and Dr. Robert Breault, and her research focused on art song from Spain and Latin America. Recently, Dr. Brown made her debut with Utah Lyric Opera in Provo, performing the role of Rosina in Il barbiere di Siviglia. Her voice was described as exuding a "warmth and richness" that allowed her to "portray her character vividly just through her singing." Her concert and oratorio work include being the alto soloist for Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and John Rutter's Feel the Spirit. Her most recent opera roles include: Mercedes in Carmen, Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro, Dame Quickly in Falstaff, Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Mrs. McLean in Susannah, Angelina La Cenerentola, Ottavia in L'incoronazione di Poppea, Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, Jade Boucher in Dead Man Walking, Marie in The Most Happy Fella, and La Principessa in Suor Angelica. In addition to performing, Dr. Brown taught high school and middle school choir in Nevada, Utah, Nebraska, and New Mexico. She and her husband, Marco, currently reside in Salt Lake City and are the proud parents of their son, Elliot.

Lynnette Owens, Mezzo Soprano

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Suzuki in Madama Butterfly

Lynnette Owens, mezzo soprano, is much more involved in the "behind the scenes" production aspects of opera these days, collaborating with Lyrical Opera Theater to produce Madama Butterfly, Tosca, La Bohéme, Carmen, Falstaff, La Traviata and now, Rigoletto. She loves nourishing our local Utah talent and providing a venue and means for them to grow and share their talent with the friends, family and our Utah community. She has a long history of performing experiences that prepared her for this new role like having been a concert soloist in Carnegie Hall and with distinguished orchestras such as the Utah Symphony. She has performed numerous leading operatic roles both nationally and internationally.

Bennett Chew, Baritone

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Sharpless in Madama Butterfly

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.

Bretton Floyd, Baritone

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Sharpless in Madama Butterfly

Bretton Floyd is a Los Angeles based Opera singer. Debuting operatically at Utah Valley Vocal Academy in 2017, they have sung and performed nearly a dozen roles in Utah and California. Upcoming roles include 'Conte di Almaviva' in Le nozze di Figaro, 'Masetto' in Don Giovanni, and 'Jupiter' in a new translation of Orfeo aux Enfers.

Anthony Buck, Tenor

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Goro in Madama Butterfly

Anthony Buck has directed, music directed, written, composed, stage managed, or performed in hundreds of productions. Equally comfortable in opera, musical theater, or theater, his primary love is story-telling. His libretti and translations of operas and operettas are gaining recognition across the country. He holds a DMA in Voice and Opera Direction from the University of Utah. He is adjunct faculty at UVU and SLCC, and is the Artistic Director of UVAA's Summer Opera Festival.

Avery Li, Baritone

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Yamadori and Imperial Commissario in Madama Butterfly

A musician of extraordinary sensitivity, Avery Li is a pianist with a rather unorthodox background. Self-taught until the age of 18, Mr. Li was relentless in his pursuit of artistry. His first great triumph came when he won the Skyline Concerto Competition, beating out many other qualified musicians to close out the show with Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor. In his first year at conservatory, Avery presented Frederic Chopin's Four Ballades in a single recital, sang with the Utah Symphony, and performed in the Tabernacle Hall at Temple Square. Mr. Li is currently pursuing his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Utah, School of Music.

Matthew Castleton, Baritone

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Yamadori and Imperial Commissario in Madama Butterfly

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.

Ricky Parkinson, Bass

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The Bonze in Madama Butterfly

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.

Marc Navez, Baritone

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Yakuside in Madama Butterfly

Marc Navez was born to be a theatre renaissance man. If it's theatre related, he can do it...hence his first Opera. He graduated from Snow College and Utah Valley University with Theatre Degrees and has performed all over the state. When he is not directing theatre, he is galivanting around the world and traveling, as he aspires to be a travel blogger. He just bought an RV and should be living in a different state by October. He mainly works as producer at the Draper Historic Theatre, but his final directing project there will be The Wizard of Oz, and looks forward to closing this chapter of his life."

Jessica Benson, Lyric Soprano

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Kate Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly

Jessica Benson gave her first, award winning performance at age six in her original home of Seattle. Ever since, she's continued to sing and act in concerts, theater and opera. She was last seen at LOT as Nannetta in Falstaff. Other favorite roles performed include Josephine in HMS Pinafore, Casilda in Gondoliers, Rapunzel in Into The Woods, and Antonia in Man of La Mancha. She has performed abroad in Italy and Canada as well as local stages including Kingsbury Hall for a public appearance of Stephen Sondheim. Other venues include Centerpoint Legacy Theater, Libby Gardner, The Tabernacle, Abravanel, Capitol Theater, and Eccles Theater. She performs with the Utah Opera Chorus and holds a BMus in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah.

Deborah Siddoway, Soprano

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Mamma in Madama Butterfly

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.

Jamie Forchic, Soprano

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Cousin in Madama Butterfly

Jamie Forchic, Soprano, is seventeen years old and has been singing and playing the piano under the tutelage of Lynnette Owens for 10 years. She has backgrounds in dance and musical theatre and has performed in a series of operas put on by Lyrical Opera theater, such as Tosca, Carmen, Falstaff, and more. She loves all forms of artistic expressions, with talents in visual arts as well. She is a senior in high school, a disciplined student dedicated to her studies. She loves to sing and perform with her band, take up new instruments.

Sasha Southwick, Soprano

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Cousin in Madama Butterfly

When Sasha was five years old she went to the musical Annie. After the show, she told her mom that she was going to be Annie someday and started the journey into the world of theater. Later that year she made her stage debut as small Alice in Alice in wonderland junior and never looked back. At age 11, her Annie dreams came true and the theater sold out all 15 shows! Her next big goal was to play Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and after a few more years of performing with Draper Historic Theatre, Off-Broadway theater and three ballet companies, she landed in Kansas after all and is currently performing in the Wizard of Oz at Draper Historic Theater through the end of September. As much as Sasha has loved working on musicals, the chance to be in a classic Opera is truly overwhelming and she is so grateful to Lyrical Opera for giving her this incredible opportunity to learn and grow in such a refined form of living art. In addition to musical and comedic theater, Sasha has also performed in 22 Ballet productions, plays piano and cello, rides horses, does archery and loves anything vintage Disney. She is currently serving as Vice President of Draper Historic Theatre Youth Council and secretary of Alta High's Lyrica choir.

Betty Mathew, Soprano

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Geisha in Madama Butterfly

Betty Mathew, Soprano, is relatively new in Salt Lake City, her work got her here, along with her wonderful husband and loving son. She is also relatively new to the world of Opera - but loving the experience and challenge so far. She has grown up singing in the church choir - her father is her guide and inspiration growing up, introducing her to the world of music and giving candid feedback for seeking to create better versions of oneself as a singer continually. She is currently a student with Lynnette and is, in her own words, "humbled and thrilled to be a part of this production".

Kyra Furman, Soprano

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Geisha in Madama Butterfly

Kyra Furman, a lyric soprano, holds a bachelor's in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. Kyra has performed with the Utah Symphony, Utah Opera Chorus, University of Utah's Lyric Opera Ensemble, Off-Broadway Theater Centerpoint Legacy Theater, and Hale Center Theater. Her most recent roles include Gwendolyn in The Wicked Wizard of Ahhs, Christine in The Phantom of the OBT, Flora in Phantom, and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni. Kyra would like to thank her friends and family for the constant love and support to follow her dreams.

Andrea Briscoe, Coloratura Soprano

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Geisha in Madama Butterfly

Andrea Church Briscoe is thrilled to start with the Lyrical Opera Theater! She is from the far off land of Lindon, Utah and actually grew up wanting to become a pianist. Things changed and she fell in love with opera, and has been privileged to perform at SUU and UVU opera in Little Women, Die Fledermaus, La Traviata, and Lucia di Lammermoor. Her upcoming shows include La Boheme and Suor Angelica in 2022. Andrea is grateful for all the friends, family, and teacher support, care, and love she has received to get to this point.

Sarah Seamons, Soprano

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Geisha in Madama Butterfly

Sarah Seamons grew up in Ogden Utah and was part of High School and Community Theater. Sarah has also sung with the Mormon Youth Chorus and is currently taking voice lessons with Lynnette Owens. Sarah sang Giovanna in Rigoletto and is the cover for Suzuki in LOT's Madama Butterfly. She was a soloist with Lyrical Opera Theater's Masquerade Party 2019 and on Salt Lake City's Festa Italiana. She has sung in the chorus of La Traviata and Falstaff.

Gary Later, Baritone

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Male Chorus in Madama Butterfly

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.

Roman Southwick, Baritone

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Male Chorus in Madama Butterfly

The only thing Roman Southwick enjoys more than performing in a show is rehearsing for another show! At 15 years, he has spent most of his life performing in musicals such as Oliver, Tarzan, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, Alice in wonderland, Dickens Christmas Carol, comedic musicals with Off Broadway Theater company including Littlest Mermaid, Wicked Wizard of Aaaaahhhhz, Cutie and the Beast, Dracula vs. the Adamns Family and is currently rehearsing for Dracula vs. Henry Botter. He has been a classical ballet dancer since age 3 and has performed in 22 productions including Sleeping Beauty, 9 Nutcrackers, Coppelia, Cinderella, Alice in wonderland and many more. He has spent this summer choreographing a special-needs production of Peter Pan, co- directing Lion King Junior, assistant directing Wizard of Oz and also preparing for the role of scarecrow. His big dream of singing and dancing on the Disneyland stage came true and has high hopes for returning there for permanent employment after college. Roman has a black belt in taekwondo, rides horses does archery and now he gets the honor of performing in his first opera! her is also an avid animal lover and loves hanging out with his two dogs, cat, horses, chickens, fish, rabbit and hedgehog named Rosie. Roman is also serving as President of the Draper Historic Theatre Youth Council and is already working on show plans for summer of 2022.

Carly Schaub, Dancer & Choreographer

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Choreographer & Dancer in Madama Butterfly

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.

Constanza Murphy, Dancer

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Dancer in Madama Butterfly

Constanza Murphy trained at North Star Ballet in Fairbanks, AK before receiving her BFA in Ballet Performance from the University of Utah. Throughout her career, she has worked with a wide range of classical, contemporary, modern, and opera companies across the country. Recently her work has brought her to the San Francisco Bay Area to companies such as Oakland Ballet, Bay Pointe Ballet, Sacramento Ballet. Notably, Constanza performed a variety of principal roles with Bay Pointe Ballet, including Tinkerbell, Sugarplum Fairy, and Lucy.

Peter Larsen, Dancer

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Dancer in Madama Butterfly

Peter C. Larsen is originally from the cold plains of North Dakota. He moved to Salt Lake City and studied dance at the University of Utah School of Dance and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Modern Dance in 2017. He is currently the President of Deseret Experimental Opera, a Salt Lake City arts nonprofit, and works as a local freelance dancer and light designer. Notable companies he has performed with include Municipal Ballet, Dance Balletti, Indie Kumari, VaVaVoom Cabaret, and the House of Stephens with artists Gia Bianca Stephens and Kay Bye. In light design and technical stage work, Peter has worked with many local artists including Molly Heller (founder of the Heartland Collective), Dat Nguyen (Co-founder of Queer Spectra Arts Festival), Deseret Experimental Opera, Nichelle Woods, and NYC based artists Rey and Maya Ciarrocchi.

Bri Bold, Stage Manager

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Stage Manager in Madama Butterfly

Bri Bold is pleased to be joining Lyrical Opera. Most recently, Bri has stage managed productions of Much Ado About Nothing and Coriolanus with New World Shakespeare.

Sydney Leavitt, Stage Crew

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Stage Crew in Madama Butterfly

Sydney Leavitt, Stage Manager: Sydney is so excited to be the Stage Manger for this production! This will be her first show she had managed for, but she has worked on production teams in the past, working as a Production Assistant on Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Costume Designer for Xanadu, both done at Woods Cross High School. Sydney also enjoys preforming, she has been seen on stage in Beauty and the Beast (Ensemble), Curtains (Ensemble), and Xanadu (Urania, Andrews Sister, Hermes, Aphrodite). Sydney loves to go on adventures, playing E-sports, and learning new things. She is currently attending Utah Valley University where she is studying Deaf Studies and Costume Design.

Katelyn Hales, Stage Hand

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Stage Hand in Madama Butterfly

I am excited to be working as a stagehand for the Lyrical Opera Theatre for the first time. I have recently graduated from Syracuse High School and have completed my first year at Brigham Young University. I have worked on many productions during my high school and college career including: Little shop of Horrors, Pirate Queen, Wizard of Oz, Cinderella, Hairspray, and more. I enjoy cross-stitching, painting, sewing, and the outdoors.

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