Recent Productions
Scalia/Ginsburg
by Derrick Wang
June 20-21, 2024
MOCO Arts, Keene, NH
Scalia/Ginsburg is an operatic comedy set in the Supreme Court Building courtroom where Scalia is confronted by the "Commentator", a supernatural being who seals the room, stating "No man shall enter." The Commentator demands that Scalia defend his approach to the law and pass three trials before being released. Ginsburg, not a man, breaks into the courtroom to defend her friend Scalia and they face the trials together. The story explores what happens when the two Supreme Court Justices go before a Higher Power. Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Antonin Scalia face the trials as they grapple with their opposing views, legal legacies, and unlikely friendship.
The Medium
by Gian Carlo Menotti
October 25-26, 2024
Cohen Hall, Keene, NH
A spooky original production of Menotti's eerie opera, The Medium. Madame Flora, and her two accomplices, Monica (her daughter) and Toby (her mute servant), stage phony seances to con her clients out of their money. During one of the sessions, she feels the touch of a hand and cannot explain it. She accuses Toby but suspects darker forces may be in play. As she continues to obsess about the touch her mind unravels, culminating in an unforgettable act of madness and despair.
Star Spangled Opera
by Various Artists
August 25, 2024
Bass Hall, Peterborough, NH
An exploration of operas originated in, set in, or inspired by the good ole U.S. of A. Featuring the music of influential American composers as well as works of Verdi, Puccini and others. Featuring tenor Omar Najmi, soprano Angel Azzarra, and pianist Brendon Shapiro
The Pirates of Penzance
by Gilbert and Sullivan
May 17 & 18, 2024
MOCO Arts, Keene, NH
Gilbert and Sullivan’s blockbuster operetta is rooted in tradition and yet calls out for adaptation and evolution. This production delivers a modern feel to the show while keeping it tethered to its historical context.
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Songs From the Golden Age of Hollywood
by Various Composers
March 24, 2024
Keene Public Library, Keene, NH
This memorable concert featured Raylynmor favorite Michael Scarcelle and pianist/singer Claire Simard presenting some of Hollywood's most beloved songs. This unforgettable event featured many award-winning Hollywood classics of yesteryear that are sure to bring back memories.
Orpheus in the Underworld
by Jacques Offenbach
May 5 & 7, 2023
Park Theatre, Jaffrey, NH
A merry romp through the depths of Hell as they present Offenbach's comic masterpiece, Orpheus in the Underworld, a delightful parody of one of mythology's most familiar tales. Orpheus and Eurydice are unhappily wed. When Eurydice is whisked off to Hell, Orpheus must retrieve her, not because he wants to, but because Public Opinion insists. This unforgettable production features the lively "Galop Infernal", later popularized as "can-can". Presented with chamber orchestration and performed with English translation.
Masters of Operetta
by Various Composers
April 16, 2023
Bass Hall, Peterborough, NH
A concert exploring the history operetta showcasing Gilbert & Sullivan, Johann Strauss, Jacques Offenbach, and more. The concert featured (left to right):
Vladimir Odinikikh (Piano)
Claire McCahan (Mezzo-Soprano)
Evangelia Leontis (Soprano)
Gabriel Feldt (Tenor)
Andy Papas (Baritone)
The Parisian Mozart: Exploring the Music and Influences of Jacques Offenbach
by Various Composers
October 16, 2022
Redfern Arts Center, Keene State College
A concert exploration of the music and influences of French composer, Jacques Offenbach. The concert featured:
Francesca Federico (Soprano)
Amy Maude Helfer (Mezzo-Soprano)
Bryan Murray (Baritone)
Omar Najmi (Tenor)
Vladimir Odinikikh (Piano)
Parisian Mozart:
(Above) Amy Maude Helfer, Bryan Murray, and Francesca Federico
(Right) Omar Najmi and Francesco Federico
La Cenerentola
by Gioachino Rossini
May 13 and 14, 2022
Park Theatre, Jaffrey, NH
Cenerentola (Kelsey Robertson), a seamstress and aspiring fashion designer, labors under her oppressive stepfather, Don Magnifico (Andy Papas) and wannabe-model stepsisters, Clorinda (Francesca Federico) and Tisbe (Alyce Daubenspeck). It is Fashion Week in Milan, and Cenerentola is intent on presenting her fashion creations. The plot unfolds along the lines of the well-known fairy tale, but the Prince (Pedro Barbosa) is the head of the preeminent Milanese fashion house, House of Ramiro, a rival to Magnifico. Though the stage is set for Ramiro to rescue Cenerentola from the clutches of her stepfamily, she succeeds in bridging the rival factions into an all-powerful fashion empire. The cast also features Armando Contreras as Dandini and Michael Scarcelle as Alidoro.
La Cenerentola:
(Above) Alyce Daubenspeck as Tisbe and Francesca Federico as Clorinda
(Left) Kelsey Robertson as Cenerentola