Opera Theater Triple Feature Opens Nov. 22

November 21, 2013

The OBU Opera Theater will present its annual Opera Theater fall production beginning Nov. 22. The triple-feature performance will run Nov. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Shawnee Hall's Craig-Dorland Theatre. There will be an additional performance Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets, which are available at the door, are $5 for adults and $3 for students; children under 15 receive free admission.

The Opera Theater fall production, directed by Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Opera, Dr. Mark McQuade, will feature three stylistically varied performances by OBU students.

The first performance is a scene from Mozart's interpretation of the story of Don Juan, "Don Giovanni," and will feature two students enrolled in OBU's Music Theater I course: Bailee Rogers, a junior vocal performance major from Bixby, Okla.; and Ben Hopkins, a junior vocal performance major from Bartlesville, Okla.

McQuade, who will also serve as the production's costume designer, set designer, and properties designer, said everyone who wants to earn a music degree should have some experience with Mozart.

"His music has influenced the Western traditions so much, that I see it as foundational. His operas are still a major part of the standard repertory, and the two arias presented in tandem are two of the great ones."

The second production on the night's repertoire is the first act of "Nunsense," a zany, pun-filled Broadway comedy. "Nunsense" will be performed by OBU students Courtney King, a sophomore music major from Oklahoma City, Okla.; Elin Williams, a sophomore music education major from Richardson, Texas; Elizabeth Youngblood, a junior vocal performance major from Midwest City, Okla.; Joy Knight, a senior double major in English and vocal performance from North Richland Hills, Texas; and sophomore MaryKathryn Daugherty, from Binger, Okla.

"I chose "Nunsense" because I wanted the cast to explore a genre and engage a culture that was quite foreign to them," said McQuade. "Most of the cast has little to no musical theater background, nor did they have much experience with musical comedy. When you add in the structured dynamics and ritualistic elements of convent life, this piece provides excellent opportunities for the students to grow on multiple levels."

"Nunsense," a musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics by Dan Goggin, is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.

The final piece of the night is the performance of Giacomo Puccini's "Suor Angelica," one part of his "Il Trittico." The one-act opera, according to McQuade, serves as a "miniature masterpiece of true Romanticism."

The final piece will be performed by Sayra Goodman, a freshman worship arts major from Tuttle, Okla.; Hanna Helbig, a freshman music major from Claremore, Okla.; Bailee Rogers; Ariel Hawkins, a sophomore vocal music education major from Oklahoma City; Melanie Clanton, a junior music education major from Fort Smith, Ark.; Kaitlin Slothower, a senior Spanish major from Piedmont, Okla.; Amanda Merrick, a senior vocal performance major, De'Ericka Givings, a freshman music major from Bristow, Okla.; Elizabeth Youngblood; and Ethan Barlean.

The students will be accompanied on the piano by Sadie Elliot, a sophomore piano performance major from Oklahoma City.