Comedic Opera provides evening of fun and live music at Crafton Hills College

Because universities create "safe" environments so young singers can save their voices, this rendition of L'Elisir d'Amore was double and triple cast. According to the plot, a love-sick nerd is about to lose his sweetheart if it were not for the intervention of a quack doctor, a furtive tear and the placebo effect.

The modern rendition of the opera provided a wonderful setting for the young actors to thrive in their interpretation and presentation of their characters. Additionally, the director, set designer, costume designer and choreographer all had the opportunity to be imaginative with their areas of expertise, including the presentation of the main characters, supporting players, and the overall surroundings.

The performers seemed to be enjoying their roles and the production as much as the audience.

The UR orchestra was directed by Artist in Residence Per Brevig, and the opera was directed by UR Artist Professor Marco Schindelmann. The sets were designed by CHC Chair of Fines Arts Snezana Petrovic, and the costumes were designed by UR costume Designer Deborah Bradford.

The lighting design was by CHC Technical Director Kevin Palkki, and CHC student Ana Grazhdansky was the choreographer.

Welcoming the audience at a reception prior to the opera on Thursday night were Per Brevig, Petrovic, Schindelmann, CHC President Gloria Harrison, UR President Stuart Dorsey, and UR Dean of Music Andrew Glendening.

Like the previous year, it was a fun night for everyone, ending in a standing ovation.
The two colleges look forward to working together again next year.

Director
Marco Schindelmann

Cast:
Adina: La Vista Silva, Laurel Hughes, Gabrielle Mandel
Nemorino: Julio Carrillo Batta, Nadav J. Hart, Timothy Leon
Belcore: Nathan Riley, Joseph Buhler
Dulcamara : Luvi Avendano, Ryan Mills
Giannetta: Amanda Elswick, Hannah McMeans, Michelle Abbott, Samantha York
Soldiers: Joe Christensen, Jack Jones, Aaron King, Ryan Reynolds

Chorus
Paul Sahuc, Chorus Master
James Borsky, Assistant Chorus Master

Soprano:
Ayesha Ali
Jade Berry
Megan Boyle
Lauren Coleman
Soyoung Kim
Alexandra Laszlo
Fallon Nunez
Melissa Ramirez
Angela M. smite
Annalise Staudt
Jasmine Tomita

Tenor:
James Borsky
Jason Platt
Ryan Reynolds
Mario Rios

Bass:
Andre Bacon
Manuel Heredia
Sean Hughes
Toj Newton
Ian Trager

Personnel:
Set and Video Designer, Snezana Petrovic
Lighting Designer, Kevin Palkki
Costume Designer, Deborah Bradford
Choreographer, Ana Grazhdansky
Make-up and Hair Designer, Michael Stairs
Make-up and Hair Assistant, Heanifer Alarcon
Technical Director, Kevin Palkki
Stage Managers, La Vista Silva, Cynthia Snyder
Assistant Stage Manager, Tin Escudero
Light Board Operator, Jonathan Sterling
Spotlight Operators, Brian King, Juan Ramirez
Projectionist , Curtis Norby
Back Stage Hands, Steve Avila, William Crocker, Pablo Dumrongruks,
Seamstress, Alicia Smith
Props Mistress, Suzi Green
Dressers, Jeanifer Alacon, Suzi Green, Kristle Sigurdson, Michelle Vasquez
Master Carpenter, Curtis Norby
Lead Welder, Tina Escudero
Musical preparation and/or rehearsal accompanying, Irina Brener, Timothy Leon, Lukas Swidzinski, Ed Yarnelle
Supertitles, Marco Schindelmann

PHOTO CAPTIONS: The University of Redlands and Crafton Hills College recently collaborated on a highly entertaining rendition of the comedic opera L'Elisir d'Amore (The Elixir of Love), earning a standing ovation from the audience.

Welcoming guests during a reception prior to the opera were, left to right, University of Redlands President Stuart Dorsey, CHC President Gloria Harrison, Orchestra Conductor Per Brevig, Opera Director Marco Schindelmann, & Set Designer Snezana Petrovic.