Kathleen is excited to announce she will be joining the Savoyaires in their Fall production of Thespis, she will be singing the role of Nicemis.

The story follows a British acting troupe led by Thespis, the Greek father of drama, who decides to trade places with the greek gods on Mount Olympus who have grown old. Witnessing the mayhem in which Thespis and his troupe of actors and actresses ensue, the gods return to Mount Olympus and send the thespians back to earth.

Named for London’s famed Savoy Theatre, the Savoyaires were founded in 1964 by conductor Frank Miller (principal cellist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra) and writer Lilias Circle. The group’s charter was to bring the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas to audiences on Chicago’s North Shore, a mission that was pursued with intense dedication. By 1980, with a production of The Grand Duke (directed by Philip Kraus), the Savoyaires became the first U.S. company known to have produced the entire 14-operetta cycle, and Miller the first to have conducted them all. Since 1994 the Savoyaires’ productions have been presented in Evanston’s Chute Auditorium, marking a renewed dedication to bringing Gilbert & Sullivan to the community and introducing G&S to young audiences. In 2015 the company staged its 51st annual G & S production.

Thespis runs on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3pm
October 7-9 and 14-16, 2016. Get your tickets here!! http://www.savoyaires.org/now-showing.html

I had the privilege of participating with the Utah Vocal Arts Academy in Provo, UT July
5-30, 2016. UVAA is associated with the Utah Lyric Opera and I was honored to be accepted as a Studio Artist and sing the role of Rosalinda in Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus. I also had the opportunity to sing chorus in Le Nozze di Figaro, study acting, take master’s classes, sing at Opera in the Park and participate in the Death by Aria Competition.
While working in Utah I was able to learn from artists such as Deborah Voigt, Wendy Bryn-Harmer, Jennifer Welch-Babidge and Anthony Laciura.

Opera in the Park was a chance to perform scenes from Die Fledermaus as well as other arias to allow the audience to enjoy opera in a relaxed environment. The Death by Aria competition was a two day competition that allowed me to perform selections from three separate arias earning third place in the competition.

I had a wonderful time performing my first comedic opera role and had the privilege to work with an incredible cast, led by director Mark Reynolds and music director Michael Levitt.
Though I had several opportunities available this summer, I am delighted I attended UVAA and I enjoyed my time in Utah. Thank you to UVAA, Isaac Hurtado and Utah Lyric Opera for a wonderful summer.