From TOLEDO OPERA
Toledo Opera is holding auditions for small roles and chorus positions for “Suor Angelica”/”Cavalleria Rusticana” (September/October 2022 commitment), “The Merry Widow” (January/February 2023 commitment), and a concert of opera choruses and arias, “Celebrazione del Coro” (March/April 2023 commitment) on June 3-5. Auditions will be held at Toledo Opera Offices, 425 Jefferson Ave., Suite 601.
To be considered for small roles, one must accept a position in the chorus for the full season. To schedule an audition, email James Norman at jnorman@toledopera.org.
2022-23 Season Schedule
“Suor Angelica” & “Cavalleria Rusticana”
October 14 & 16
Valentine Theatre
Not seen by Toledo Opera audiences since 1982, Puccini’s “Suor Angelica” makes its triumphant return to the Valentine stage this fall paired with Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana.” Set in a convent in 17th century Italy, “Suor Angelica” deals with the hardship and social constructs placed on women who do not conform to the rules of society and religion in their everyday lives. Also dealing with societal and religious repression, Cavalleria Rusticana centers around the tempestuous relationship between villagers Santuzza, Turridu, Lola, and Alfio. Mascagni’s work is set in a 19th century Sicillian Village. Both of these one-act operas end in tragedy and are conducted by Maestro Geoffrey McDonald and staged by director Keturah Stickann.
“Suor Angelica” stars soprano Jill Gardner as Angelica and contralto Lauren Decker as the Principessa. “Cavalleria Rusticana” stars soprano Jill Gardner as Santuzza, tenor Brian Cheney as Turridu, baritone Corey Crider as Alfio, and mezzo soprano Lauren Decker as Mama Lucia.
“The Merry Widow” by Franz Lehár (in English)
February 10 & 12, 2023
Valentine Theatre
Just in time for Valentine’s Day! “The Merry Widow” dances into our hearts with its beautiful melodies and witty storyline. Hanna Glawari is a vastly wealthy young widow from the small and poverty-stricken Balkan province of Pontevedro. Ambassador Baron Zeta is anxious that when Hanna re-marries, it is to a Pontevedrian and not a Frenchman, to keep her money in the country and save them all from ruin. J. Ernest Green conducts this bubbly delight while Jamie Offenbach and James M. Norman bring the light-hearted comedy to life. Starring as the merry widow is Alyson Cambridge (Toledo Opera’s Carmen) and BGSU voice professor Keith Phares as Count Danilo.
“Celebrazione del Coro”
April 21 & 23
Valentine Theatre
Toledo Opera will present “Celebrazione del Coro,” a concert of Great Opera Choruses with conductor Kevin Bylsma leading the renowned Toledo Opera Chorus and soloists accompanied by orchestra. The Toledo Opera Chorus is at the heart of Toledo Opera’s musical activity and in this concert, we feature them. The Toledo Opera Chorus members are involved in almost every production, performing as everything from
priests and nuns, to townsfolk and milk maids to courtesans and everything in between! Highlights will include famous choruses and arias from popular operas by Bizet, Verdi, Puccini, Bernstein, Wagner, and much more.
