Any photos, video, or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited.
The performance will run 2 hours and 45 minutes.
There will be one 15-minute intermission
in between Acts II and III.
Select arias will be sung in the original Italian. English subtitles will be projected.
Dear Audience Members,
Thank you for attending this 2024–25 performing arts season production. The outstanding show you are about to enjoy is part of a thoughtful and carefully selected lineup designed to provide a wide array of entertainment experiences. I would like to acknowledge Dillon McArdle, director of the Viterbo Fine Arts Center, and his incredible staff for their hard work in making this season possible.
Allow me to also extend my gratitude to you—our patrons, benefactors, sponsors, volunteers, and students—for your continued support in bringing the best of the arts to the region. We are fortunate to live in a place with so many cultural and artistic opportunities, just as the members of the Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration envisioned when they built this wonderful facility.
We are very happy to have you join us. On with the show!
“Pace e Bene”
Peace and all good
Rick Trietley
Viterbo University President
Welcome to our 2024-25 season at the Conservatory!
We’re thrilled to invite you on a journey that only live theatre can offer. This season, prepare to experience a diverse array of stories—from gripping mysteries to joyous musical adventures.
We begin our season with the chilling tale of the infamous Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, brought to life by the genius of Stephen Sondheim. By spring, we’ll plunge miles under the sea, where a singing sponge named “Bob” awaits your company.
In between these remarkable tales, we’ll share the community joy of our annual holiday tradition, A Viterbo Christmas: Star of Wonder.
Your journey through the season also features a Tony Award-winning comedy, a powerful true story of courage, a timeless Mozart opera, and an inspiring evening of dance featuring talented young performers on the brink of their professional careers.
You are why we’ve embarked on this journey. Thank you for being with us, and we hope you’ll join us for every moment!
Rick Walters
Executive Artistic Director
Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Welcome to one of the great operatic comedies, The Marriage of Figaro!
Mozart and librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte based their 1786 opera on the second play in Pierre Beaumarchais’ Figaro trilogy. In the first play (The Barber of Seville-the basis for a famous opera by Rossini), barber Figaro helps Count Almaviva win the hand of Rosina over the protestations of her guardian, Dr. Bartolo. Three years later, The Marriage of Figaro rejoins the characters on the day of Figaro’s wedding to Susanna, both of whom are in the employ of Count and Countess Almaviva. As the Count attempts to woo Susanna and enforce a bygone right of the aristocracy to sleep with a new bride on her wedding night, the heartbroken Countess joins forces with Susanna and Figaro to carry off their wedding and unmask his betrayal. All of the zany action in The Marriage of Figaro takes place on one day, from morning scheming to an afternoon wedding to evening escapades.
We have moved the story from 18th century Spain to 1940 America, where the themes of class conflict, gender inequality, infidelity, and forgiveness are as relevant as ever. As in much great art, this opera uses comedy to highlight truths of the human experience while entertaining us. Figaro has been one of my favorite operas since I first saw it, and performing Susanna (who is on stage for almost the whole night!) has been one of the highlights of my singing career. I am thrilled to be making my directorial debut with this piece, and even more thrilled to be doing it alongside these amazing student performers and a fantastic production team. I hope you enjoy watching their creativity and care onstage tonight, underscored by the brilliance of Mozart. As the end of the opera entreats: “Let’s make merry!”
–Jeni Houser
Welcome to Viterbo University’s newest adaptation of the timeless classic, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. This is Viterbo’s 5th production in over 50 years, and I would venture to say that they keep getting better with time!
The story of Figaro and Susanna, two servants planning their wedding amidst the amorous advances of their master, Count Almaviva, is as relevant now as it was 250 years ago. It explores themes of class struggle, love, and fidelity, reminding us that human nature has remained remarkably consistent throughout history.
Beyond its entertainment value, opera provides a valuable educational experience for our students. The intricate recitatives and ensemble numbers demand exceptional vocal technique and musicianship. Our students have embraced this challenge, dedicating countless hours to learning and perfecting their roles. Their hard work culminates in this fully staged production, where they can showcase their talents alongside professional artists.
Bringing live opera to our community is a privilege and responsibility. We hope that this production will inspire a new generation of opera lovers, fostering an appreciation for this art form's beauty and complexity. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and drama.
–James Wilson
ACT I
An unfinished bedroom in the Almaviva manor
ACT II
The Countess’s room
–INTERMISSION–
ACT III
A hall in the manor
ACT IV
The garden of the manor
Susanna: Beth Anderson, Skye Hermsen
Figaro: Dylan Woodman
Count: Lukas Nederloe
Countess: Ellyn Werner
Cherubino: Maya Dawson
Marcellina: Gwendolyn Mahoney
Bartolo: David Dewey
Barbarina: Lauren Huserik
Basilio: Tom Hartl
Curzio: Jeremiah Robinson
Antonio: Adam Kurbat
Ensemble: Gigi Marceille, Kieran Sween (Barbarina Understudy), Lynn Barnet, Mackensy Benish, Anastasia Sieren (Cherubino Understudy), Joey Gonzalez, Ethan Blakeney, Andrew Mukka
Conductor/ harpsichord: James Wilson
Concert Master/ Violin I: Wes Luke
Violin I: John Madura, Isabel Carter
Violin II: Marianne Buchanan, Olivia White, Molly Breitlow
Viola: Melissa Madura, Agnes Falter
Cello: Derek Clark, Alex Fowler
Bass: Paul Jewson
Flute: Jonathan Borja
Oboe: Mary Beth Hensel
Clarinet: Mike Chesher
Bassoon: Viva Graff
Horn: Thomas Hunt
Timpani: Tammy Fisher
Director: Jeni Houser
Music Director: James Wilson
Production Stage Manager: Noah Blackburn
Costume Designer: Jennifer Van Buskirk
Scenic Designer: Kit Mayer
Lighting Designer: Patrick Strain
Sound Engineer: Douglas P. Wilken
Properties Designer: Kelsey Taunt
Hair and Makeup Designer: Jennifer Van Buskirk
Rehearsal Pianist: James Wilson, Mary Ellen Haupert
Production Manager: Jason Underferth
Technical Director: Chad Kolbe
Assistant Stage Manager: Alli Austin
Choreographer: Ethan Blakeney
Fight Choreographer: Zach Buhl
Lead Electrician: Jason Underferth
Costume Shop Supervisor: Jen Brown
Prop Shop Supervisor: Kelsey Taunt
Assistant Costume Designer: Sydney Ellis
Paint Charge Artist: Madi Bollinger
Supertitles Operator: Phoebe Schwarz
Carpenters: Kit Mayer
Hair and Makeup Supervisor: Vee Jacobson
Wardrobe Supervisor: Isaac Glen
Stage Management Mentor: Teddy Eck
Light Board Operator: Afton Fuson
Sound Board Operator: Ayawyn Conner
Sound Run/Microphones: Hallie Utterback
Costume Run Crew: Isaac Glen, Vee Jacobson
Scenic Run Crew: Sam Asid, Lainie Brown, Alanna Sawall
Costume Build Crew: Jen Brown, Anna Graham, Lisa Lock, Braeden Jackson, Sydney Ellis, Makayla Taylor, Xavier Carnicom, Annie Voss, Malia Meyer, Jess Schneider, Vee Jacobson, Elisabeth Meyer, Adelaide Young, Joie Steele, Isaac Glen, Tiffany Ridolphi, Hailey Fernandes, AJ Murphy
Scenic Build Crew: Spencer Curtis, Sophie La Fave, Sam Asid, Trey’lon Salley, Sony Vassor, Hailee Elwell, Amelia Blasing, Connor Martin
Prop Build Crew: Maggie Berendes, Kayden Kloehn, Katie Kostner, Helen Riddle, McKenzie Greenwood, Megan Wheelock
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