Wednesday, May 28, 2003
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Wednesday, May 28, 2003 |
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LaGrange Opera Theater production to feature local cast "The Gondoliers," the tremendously funny Gilbert and Sullivan opera, scheduled for May 29, 30 and 31 at Price Theater, will feature a host of local and regional talent, announced Anne Duraski, Artistic Director of the LaGrange Opera Theater (LOT), a member of the Lafayette Society of Performing Arts. Dr. Toni Anderson, Chair of the LaGrange College of Music, will direct the production and Dr. William J. Bullock, director of the Lafayette Chorale and retired director of choral studies at Columbus State University, is musical director. Emily Landa, LeGree McCamey, Neal Brumbeloe, Bettie Biggs, Otto Korth, Jeffrey Brumbeloe and Ed Biggs, all of LaGrange will be featured in the production, which will include the return of Lea Lanier from Atlanta who starred as Mabel in the "Pirates of Penzance" in 2001. "This is by far the largest production we have ever staged," commented Duraski. "We have 37 performers on stage, another 26 in the orchestra and many others involved in the technical end of the production." "'The Gondoliers' has been called Gilbert and Sullivan's greatest achievement," continued Duraski. "The first act is set in Venice while the second act moves to the mythical island of Barataria. The comedy is continuous and the audience will be in a constant state of laughter. "The quality of productions that we have been able to produce in LaGrange has generated a tremendous reputation throughout the Southeast. When auditions were announced we were swamped with inquiries from throughout the region. LaGrange is in for another fabulous production." Other principal singers are from Columbus, Atlanta, Macon, Auburn and Athens. They include: Clay Hilley, Charles Turley, James Miller, Matthew Hulsey, Jeffrey Brumbeloe, Kit Prothero, Casie May, Shannon Salter, Elizabeth Smith and Rachel LaManna. Rounding out the cast of Contadine and Gondoliers are: Amada Adams, Happy Blakely, Nakema Glanton, Nikki Hornsby, Kortney Johnson, Amber Kelley, Susan McCullough, Constance Mansour, Brenda Thomas, Robin Treadwell, Ed Barganier, Lawrence Blakely, Jonathan Cotton, Adam Garrett, Patrick Hill, Mac McGowan, Braden Norton, Ed Sellers and Jim Short. Emily Landa is making her LOT debut in the role of Tessa. She recently graduated from the Manhattan School of Music with a degree in vocal performance. She will further her vocal studies this summer in Italy. Neal Brumbeloe returns to the LOT stage in the role of Don Alhambra Del Bolero after very successful performances as the Sargent of Police in "The Pirates of Penzance" and Sennex in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum." In addition to serving as Chorus Mistress, Bettie Biggs will perform the role of Inez. She was last seen as Domina in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum." LeGree McCamey makes his LOT debut as Luiz after having sung in a variety of venues around LaGrange. Otto Korth returns to the LOT stage after having performed most recently in "The Pirates of Penzance" and "Amahl and the Night Visitors." He will perform the role of Annibale. Ed Biggs has appeared in numerous LOT productions, most recently in the dinner theater "An Enchanting Evening: The Music of Richard Rodgers." His last appearance on the Price Stage was as Major General Stanley in "The Pirates of Penzance." He will be featured as The Duke of Plaza Toro. Jeffrey Brumbeloe is featured in the role of Giorgio. He has performed in numerous LOT productions over the past few seasons. "The Gondoliers" marks the season finale for LOT which successfully produced "The Pirates of Penzance," "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum," "An Enchanting Evening," "The Music of Richard Rodgers," and "Amahl and the Night Visitors" over the past two years. LOT has performed for thousands of Troup County school children over the past four years through their "Opera in the Schools" productions of "The Magic Flute" and "Sweet Betsy From Pike." In addition they have entertained the residents of LaGrange and West Central Georgia through their productions of "Amahl and the Night Visitors, Pirates of Penzance," "La Bella Voce: An Elegant Evening of Opera", "Fascinatin' Rhythm, A Centenary Celebration of the Music of George Gershwin"; "A Grand Night For Singing", the works of Rodgers and Hammerstein; and "Sentimental Journey: A 1940's Radio Show", "La Mélomanie - A Passion For Music," and "An Enchanting Evening: The Music of Richard Rodgers." Advance tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors (+65) and are on sale now from any cast member, the LSPA office or Hill Street House. Tickets at the door will be $15 and $10. Additional information is available by calling the LSPA Center office at 706-882-9909.
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