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Scientific hubris, transcendental medicine, and the unexplainable supernatural.

The Great God Pan takes its story from an eponymous 1890 novella by Welsh author Arthur Machen, which explores themes of scientific hubris, transcendental medicine, and unexplainable supernatural behavior. Composer Ross Crean adapted Machen’s narrative into the work’s libretto himself, an ambitious and rare undertaking for a composer. The story begins with a surgery gone wrong. Dr. Raymond invites Mr. Clarke to witness an important experiment based on elements of nontraditional, ancient rituals. Raymond sacrifices his ward, Mary, as the subject of his attempt to access a higher spiritual plane – referred to as, “seeing the Great God Pan” – and unwittingly initiates a series of mysterious supernatural occurrences that Clarke encounters over the next few decades. Crean’s ingenuity in composing the accompanying piano parts with the sounds of strumming and plucking combine to make the music that much more vibrant. — Courtesy Naxos of America

This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

Music and Libretto by Ross Crean
Based on Arthur Machen’s novella

Cast

Raymond

Aaron Wardell

Aaron Wardell

Raymond

Aaron Wardell has been praised for his attractive, versatile baritone and is a sought-after performer in both opera and concert. He recently sang Yamadori in the Castleton Festival’s production of Madama Butterfly, where he was called a “young, handsome hunk” by the Washington Post. He has appeared with Opera Tampa, Dayton Opera, Elgin Opera, Chamber Opera Chicago, Central City Opera and internationally at Teatro National de Sucre in numerous roles including Dancaïro (Carmen), Marcello (La Bohème), Marco (Gianni Schicchi) and the title role in Don Giovanni.

Equally at home on the concert stage, his oratorio credits include Adam in Haydn’s Die Schöpfung, Mozart’s Mass in C Minor, Stravinsky’s Les Noces, Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony, Handel’s Messiah, Brahms’ Requiem, and both Bach Passions.

Aaron holds a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University, and earned a Master of Music in vocal performance and an Artist Diploma in opera from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Raymond 2018
Chicago Fringe Opera’s Lakeside Soiree Soloist 2015
Voices in the Dark, Jazz & Trouble in Tahiti Sam 2015
2014 Christmas Celebration Soloist 2014
The Rape of Lucretia Junius 2014

Clarke

Tobias Wright

Tobias Wright

Clarke

Tobias Wright is a tenor and native Kansan who was most recently seen in the world premiere of Rootabaga Country as Gimme the Ax with Sarasota Opera. Summer of 2017 saw Tobias make his Opera North debut as Goro in Madama Butterfly and Ajax I in Offenbach’s La Belle Hélène.In the spring of 2017 Tobias performed the role of Lorenzo in William Bolcom’s Lucrezia with Chicago Fringe Opera. Early 2017 saw Tobias with Sarasota Opera, where he made his debut as Un Giovanetto in Italo Montemezzi’s rarely performed L’amore dei tre Re. At the conclusion of the season he was awarded the Scheininger-Reznick Apprentice Scholarship for an Outstanding Apprentice Artist. In December of 2016, Mr. Wright was seen in Chicago with Light Opera Works as Alfred in their new production of Die Fledermaus. Summer of 2017 saw the release of the world premiere of Ross Crean’s The Great God Pan, in which Tobias sang the role of Clarke. The Great God Pan was released by Navona Records/Naxos of America.

In the fall of 2015 Tobias sang the role of Juan in the world premiere of Eustasio Rosales’ Andina at the historic Athenauem Theater in Chicago. The performance and production were featured in the documentary film The Way to Andina, premiering at the Chicago International Movies & Music Festival in the Spring of 2017.

Tobias holds a Master’s Degree in Opera Performance from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Voice from the University of Kansas.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Clarke 2018
Lucrezia Lorenzo 2017
2016 Holiday House Party Soloist 2016
Voices in the Dark, Jazz & Trouble in Tahiti Baritone, Jazz Trio 2015

Helen

Christina Pecce

Christina Pecce

Helen

Praised for her “astounding vocal expressivity” and “soaring full voice”, Christina Pecce is a singing-actress who crosses over the genres of opera, musical theatre, jazz, and performance art. She has performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago (Earth To Kenzie, Jesus Christ Superstar), Chicago Fringe Opera (The Great God Pan), Grant Park Orchestra (Broadway’s Lerner and Loewe), Timber Lake Playhouse (Man Of La Mancha), Out Of The Box Opera (Diva Cage Match), Fort Worth Opera (Carmen, Voir Dire), Boston Opera Collaborative (To Hell And Back, Rinaldo), The Company Theatre (Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins), NextDoor Theater (A Little Night Music), and Fiddlehead Theatre (Show Boat) among others.
Her cabaret series Witches, Bitches, and Divas! has been featured at Feintstein’s/54 Below, The Green Room 42, A.R.T.’s Oberon, Club Café, The Den Theatre, Stage 773, and Davenport’s Piano Bar. Deemed “truly spellbinding” by NiteLife Exchange, songs from your favorite standards, musicals, and operas are given a fresh spin to keep you enchanted and bewildered. Check out www.christinapecce.com for more.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

Woyzeck Andres / Marie / Soprano 2019
The Great God Pan Helen 2018

Villiers

Vince Wallace

Vince Wallace

Villiers

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, young American bass-baritone Vince Wallace, is a versatile performer with broad performing experience ranging from skilled ensemble performances to a variety of solo roles and orchestral appearances. Currently based in Chicago, Mr. Wallace has appeared regularly with the Lyric Opera of Chicago since 2008; as a member of the ensemble, and as the Usher in Rigoletto. For the 2008/2009 season, Vince performed with both the Lyric Opera of Chicago and San Fransisco Opera productions of Porgy & Bess in the ensemble; covering and going on to perform a small role with Lyric. He performs with the Grammy Award-winning Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in several programs including their encore and live rendering of the scores to The Lord of the Rings at the Ravinia Festival. Locally, he sings with the Grant Park Music Festival as well as numerous chamber ensembles and churches in the area.

Previous work includes the title role in Le nozze di Figaro as a part of Martina Arroyo’s Prelude to Performance, Superintendent Budd in Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, Bartolo in Le nozze di Figaro, Balthazar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, the Jailor in Tosca with the Opera Company of Philadelphia, Benoit and Alcindoro in La boheme, both Leporello and the Commandatore in Don Giovanni with American Chamber Orchestra, The King in The King & I, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, and Uncle Max in The Sound of Music. Solo orchestral performances include appearances as Pilatus in the St. John Passion and Judas in St. Mathew Passion.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Villiers 2018

Austin

Bridget Skaggs

Bridget Skaggs

Austin

Mezzo-soprano Bridget Skaggs has swiftly gained the attention of Chicago audiences as “a compelling force” with an “agile, expressive voice” (Chicago Classical Review) equally at home in opera, art song, and oratorio.  Critics have noted the way she “lights up the scene” (Chicago Reader) in performances with Chicago Fringe Opera, where she debuted the role of Austin in the world-premiere production of Rossa Crean’s The Great God Pan in 2018, and sang Christopher Cerrone’s Naomi Songs with “warm and plaintive mezzo” (Chicago Classical Review) as part of Love Wounds, a multi-disciplinary exploration of the composer’s works, in 2019.

Bridget is increasingly recognized for her excellence in the musical and movement styles of Baroque repertoire, having performed Giunone in Cavalli’s La Didone with Haymarket Summer Opera Program in 2018, Bradamante in Handel’s Alcina with Chicago Vocal Arts Consortium in 2019, and performed numerous Bach cantatas as a Festival Artist at the Baroque on Beaver Island Festival (MI) in summers 2014 and 2015.

Nationally, Bridget has appeared as the Fox in Janacek’s The Cunning Little Vixen with Opera Steamboat, and Charlotte in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music with Pittsburgh Festival Opera, where she served as Young Artist.  Internationally, she has toured Bruckner’s Te Deum as alto soloist with Blue Lake International Symphony.  Her vast concert and oratorio repertoire includes the Ravel Shéhérezade, Duruflé Requiem, Vivaldi Gloria, Handel Messiah, and Bach Magnificat.

A passionate advocate for art song, Skaggs is a founding member of vocal chamber quartet Fourth Coast Ensemble, and was recently named Vocal Arts Associate for Chicago Fringe Opera. She has twice been awarded the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago’s vocal chamber fellowship.  This season she records music by composer Lori Laitman, and has recorded the American premiere of Paul Abraham’s 1932 jazz operetta Ball at the Savoy for future release.  A native of Southlake, Texas, Bridget received her education at Oklahoma City University’s Wanda L. Bass School of Music, and resides in Chicago.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

Two Remain Zosia 2022
Ear Taxi Festival – Spotlight Series Concert: Songs From Letters Soloist 2020
Love Wounds Soloist (Naomi Songs) 2019
The Great God Pan Austin 2018

Mary

Maureen Smith

Maureen Smith

Mary

Soprano Maureen Smith has been praised for her “distinctive voice (that rings) out bright and clear” (Third Coast Daily). A fierce lover of new music, Maureen is thrilled to make her Chicago Fringe debut! She cut her teeth in Milwaukee, WI, where she performed with Milwaukee Opera Theatre (Autumn, “Fairy Queen Fantasy;” Lecturer, “Handel’s Bestiary”), Present Music (Thanksgiving concert, 2013), Opera On Tap-Milwaukee (Amahl and the Night Visitors), Kalliope Vocal Arts (Opera galas, recitals) and Sunset Playhouse (Bug in a Rug touring children’s theater; Rose, “Lumberjacks in Love”). She spent a summer in Pittsburgh, PA singing with Pittsburgh Festival Opera, where she had the opportunity to premiere two new works by American composers: “A New Kind of Fallout,” OTP’s commissioned Eco-Opera by Gilda Lyons, and the first of a new song cycle by composer Evan Neely. Since moving to Chicago, Maureen has performed extensively with the Niles Metropolitan Chorus and Musica Lumina Orchestra in recital and oratorio, and made her debut with Main Street Opera in September of 2016 as Nannetta in Falstaff. Her main focus at the moment is as Womanaging Director of Scapi Magazine, a multimedia arts journalism outfit devoted to sharing underserved perspectives. Head to scapimag.com to find articles, videos and podcasts! Go out and make something!

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Mary 2018

Rachel

Quinn Middleman

Quinn Middleman

Rachel

Mezzo-soprano Quinn Middleman is currently a Young Artist with Chicago Opera Theater (COT). The 2017-2018 season brings a lot of firsts for Quinn: she debuted with Haymarket Opera and Third Coast Baroque, and is excited to join Chicago Fringe Opera for the first time. Additionally, she sings the role of Doris in the premiere of Kevin Puts’ Elizabeth Cree with Chicago Opera Theater, and appears with Scott Gilmore in a recital of women composers benefiting a local women’s shelter. Recent engagements include covering Dorabella in Così fan tutte and performing Entertainer in Britten’s The Burning Fiery Furnace with Central City Opera, where she received the John & Ginny Starkey Award for being an outstanding young artist. Quinn maintains a diversified schedule of performing, including concert work, opera, art song, and competitions. Most recently, she was named a winner of the Wisconsin District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Next season, she will cover the role of Old Lady in Candide with Chautauqua Opera, and return as a professional artist to the stage of Chicago Opera Theater in the premiere of The Scarlet Ibis.

Quinn’s education includes two summers at the Tanglewood Music Center, a master’s degree in Voice from Northwestern University, Bachelor’s degrees in Oboe Performance and Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California, a fellowship with SongFest@Colburn, and a summer with Aspen Music Festival. She currently studies with Judith Haddon.

 

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Rachel, Trevor (Cover) 2018

Trevor

Marysa Abbas

Marysa Abbas

Trevor

Extolled as a “fierce creative,” Marysa Abbas is a passionate performer of new works. Recent World Premieres include: Trevor in the Naxos/Parma recording of Ross Crean’s The Great God Pan, Mrs. Darling in Ross Crean’s Lost Daughters, and ensemble in Minnesota Opera’s critically acclaimed world premiere of Paul Moravec’s The Shining. In Chicago, she’s performed: Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte, Grace Ansley in Roman Fever, Miss Manners in Miss Manners on Music, and Virginia Woolf in a staged performance of Dominick Argento’s From the Diary of Virginia Woolf. She recently sang in the Chicago premiere of The Final Battle for Love with Thompson Street Opera as well as with Sugar Creek Opera as an apprentice artist for their production of Ricky Ian Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath.

She obtained her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Viterbo University, and completed her Master of Music in Opera Performance at Wichita State University. Ms. Abbas currently works as a Managing Diva of Opera on Tap’s Chicago chapter, as well as a producer in the Chicago area. She is the founder of Praxilla Femina, a women’s music collective in Chicago, and is a current student of Julie Miller.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Trevor 2018

Herbert

Mark Haddad

Mark Haddad

Herbert

Basso Profundo Mark Haddad is making his first appearance with Chicago Fringe Opera as Herbert in Ross Crean’s The Great God Pan. Mr. Haddad performs in a variety of vocal ensembles, which include; Bella Voce, the Lakeside Singers, the William Ferris Chorale, Grant Park Music Festival Chorus, the choir of St. Chrysostom’s Church, and Am Shalom Synagogue (among others). In March, aside from his work with CFO, he can be seen making his professional debut with Haymarket Opera Company as Pilato in Rossi’s Oratorio per la Settimana Santa. Mr. Haddad hails from the great state of Texas, and has lived in Chicago for a little over two years. He earned his Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from Texas Tech University and his Master’s from the University of Delaware, also in Vocal Performance. When he is not performing, he works as a substitute teacher at Intrinsic Schools of Chicago. In his limited free-time, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, and is an avid pool player.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Herbert 2018

Meyrick

Thomas Bailey

Thomas Bailey

Meyrick

Thomas Bailey is an Illinois native and a strong advocate for new music. He received his MM from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, and currently studies with Allan Glassman. Currently based in Chicago, Thomas seeks out and supports new music experiences as often as possible. He has been recently seen onstage in Thompson Street Opera Company’s production of Cosmic Ray and The Amazing Chris as KenKen, and as Overseer Pitts in South Shore Opera Company’s production of Harriet Tubman: When I Crossed that Line to Freedom. Thomas can also be heard in the ensemble of the recording of The Great God Pan.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Long Christmas Dinner Roderick II 2018
The Great God Pan Meyrick 2018

Covers

Helen, Mary
Katherine Bruton

Katherine Bruton

Helen, Mary

Soprano Katherine Bruton’s clear voice and vibrant characterization bring opera and art song to life. Her nuanced musicality and virtuosic vocal fireworks have earned her the roles of Miss Silverpeal/The Impresario, Mabel/The Pirates of Penzance, Le feu (The Fire)/L’enfant et les sortileges (The Child and the Spells), and Virtù (Virtue)/L’incoronazione di Poppea (The Coronation of Poppea), among others. She has also appeared with Pasadena Opera, the critically-acclaimed Pacific Opera Project, and OperaUCLA, among others.

An advocate of new opera, Ms. Bruton has been a part of several operatic premieres. Recently, Ms. Bruton has performed in the Chicago premieres of contemporary one-act operas as Darling Donnis/The Final Battle for Love by Philip Thompson, Sang Kancil the Mouse Deer/The Mouse Deer and the Crocodile by Hong-Da Chin, and Wing Tip/The Rootabaga Stories by Yvonne Freckmann with Thompson Street Opera Company. She also had the privilege of creating the role of “La Saborini” in the world premiere of The Dove and The Nightingale by American composer Roger Bourland. Upcoming performances include the world premiere of Ross Crean’s opera Lost Daughters as The Queen of the Night with Another Voice Collaborative in partnership with Resonanz Opera and future engagements with Thompson Street Opera Company.

Ms. Bruton also has a passion for art song, especially new art song. She has given premieres of several art songs and art song cycles, including Littles by Michelle Isaac and Personal Weather by Pin Hsing Lin. While at SongFest in Los Angeles, CA, Ms. Bruton had the privilege of working with fabulous collaborative pianists Graham Johnson, Martin Katz, Margo Garrett, and Kathleen Tagg. She has also performed in concert with American composer John Musto. Her passion for art song also extends to Russian art song, which she has performed consistently since Russian baritone Vladimir Chernov introduced her to the language and repertoire during her undergraduate studies at UCLA.

Ms. Bruton is pursuing her Masters of Music degree from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where she studies with soprano Judith Haddon. She also received bachelors’ degrees in vocal performance and music education from UCLA, where she studied with Vladimir Chernov. She is a proud OperaWorks alumna and has also attended Songfest in Los Angeles, CA and the Summer in Payerbach Opera Intensive in Austria.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Helen and Mary Cover 2018
Clarke, Meyrick
Jonathan Zeng

Jonathan Zeng

Clarke, Meyrick

Lauded for his versatility as a performer and accomplished in Musical Theater, Opera, Oratorio and Concert repertoire, critically acclaimed tenor, Jonathan Zeng, has performed throughout the United States with companies such as Cincinnati Opera, Central City Opera, Tulsa Opera, Opera Memphis, Utah Festival Opera, and the Princeton Festival. With a voice described by Chicago publications as “valiant”, “stunning”, “vibrant”, and “rich”, Jonathan is based in Chicago and has appeared as soloist with The William Ferris Chorale in the American premiere of John Joubert’s Five Songs of Incarnation and Bonaventura Somma’s Missa Pro Defunctis. You may also have seen him singing with the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, in Johnny Johnson or The Csardas Princess with Chicago Folks Operetta, or performing in Chicago Fringe Opera productions The Long Christmas Dinner, Trouble In Tahiti, Turn of the Screw, and Song From the Uproar. Roles elsewhere range from Goro in Madama Butterfly & Beppe in I Pagliacci to Prince Charming in Cinderella, Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Frederic in Pirates of Penzance.  An avid proponent for arts education and vocal instruction, Jonathan has served as an adjunct faculty member in the Preparatory Department at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and has maintained a private voice studio for more than a decade. Jonathan received a BA in Music Education from the School of Music at Western IL University and an MM in vocal performance from the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM). Jonathan also writes and records his own music.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

Sounds of Pride 2020 Soloist 2020
Sounds of Pride Soloist 2019
Love Wounds Narcissus 2019
Dynamic Donuts: A Fundraiser for Love Wounds Soloist 2019
The Long Christmas Dinner Charles 2018
Fringe at the Taproom Soloist 2018
The Great God Pan Clarke and Meyrick Cover 2018
Song from the Uproar Ensemble 2016
The Turn of the Screw Miles 2015
Chicago Fringe Opera’s Lakeside Soiree Soloist 2015
Voices in the Dark, Jazz & Trouble in Tahiti Tenor, Jazz Trio 2015
Trevor
Quinn Middleman

Quinn Middleman

Trevor

Mezzo-soprano Quinn Middleman is currently a Young Artist with Chicago Opera Theater (COT). The 2017-2018 season brings a lot of firsts for Quinn: she debuted with Haymarket Opera and Third Coast Baroque, and is excited to join Chicago Fringe Opera for the first time. Additionally, she sings the role of Doris in the premiere of Kevin Puts’ Elizabeth Cree with Chicago Opera Theater, and appears with Scott Gilmore in a recital of women composers benefiting a local women’s shelter. Recent engagements include covering Dorabella in Così fan tutte and performing Entertainer in Britten’s The Burning Fiery Furnace with Central City Opera, where she received the John & Ginny Starkey Award for being an outstanding young artist. Quinn maintains a diversified schedule of performing, including concert work, opera, art song, and competitions. Most recently, she was named a winner of the Wisconsin District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Next season, she will cover the role of Old Lady in Candide with Chautauqua Opera, and return as a professional artist to the stage of Chicago Opera Theater in the premiere of The Scarlet Ibis.

Quinn’s education includes two summers at the Tanglewood Music Center, a master’s degree in Voice from Northwestern University, Bachelor’s degrees in Oboe Performance and Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California, a fellowship with SongFest@Colburn, and a summer with Aspen Music Festival. She currently studies with Judith Haddon.

 

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Rachel, Trevor (Cover) 2018
Austin
Marysa Abbas

Marysa Abbas

Austin

Extolled as a “fierce creative,” Marysa Abbas is a passionate performer of new works. Recent World Premieres include: Trevor in the Naxos/Parma recording of Ross Crean’s The Great God Pan, Mrs. Darling in Ross Crean’s Lost Daughters, and ensemble in Minnesota Opera’s critically acclaimed world premiere of Paul Moravec’s The Shining. In Chicago, she’s performed: Dorabella in Cosi fan tutte, Grace Ansley in Roman Fever, Miss Manners in Miss Manners on Music, and Virginia Woolf in a staged performance of Dominick Argento’s From the Diary of Virginia Woolf. She recently sang in the Chicago premiere of The Final Battle for Love with Thompson Street Opera as well as with Sugar Creek Opera as an apprentice artist for their production of Ricky Ian Gordon’s The Grapes of Wrath.

She obtained her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance at Viterbo University, and completed her Master of Music in Opera Performance at Wichita State University. Ms. Abbas currently works as a Managing Diva of Opera on Tap’s Chicago chapter, as well as a producer in the Chicago area. She is the founder of Praxilla Femina, a women’s music collective in Chicago, and is a current student of Julie Miller.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Trevor 2018

Artistic Team

Music Director
Catherine O'Shaughnessy

Catherine O'Shaughnessy

Music Director

Catherine O’Shaughnessy is a rising orchestral and opera conductor in the United States and abroad. Her performances have earned rave reviews from the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Classical Review (“great skill, alertness and sensitivity”), and Vocal Arts Chicago (“resourcefulness…scrappiness and…fierce concentration”). Avidly committed to Chicago’s dynamic musical scene, she is currently the music director of Chicago Fringe Opera, and Principal Conductor of the 5th Wave Collective. In 2020, she proudly helped produce Fringe’s contribution to the Decameron Opera Coalition’s Tales From a Safe Distance—winner of the “Best Collaboration” award from 360° of Opera—which makes innovative use of technology to reimagine this art for challenging new circumstances.

A semi-finalist in the 2016 Spazio Musica International Conducting Competition, Catherine made her New York debut conducting Antonio Salieri’s La Cifra with the dell’Arte Opera Ensemble. She has also music directed Pyramus and Thisbe in Freiberg (Mittelsächsisches Theater) and conducted Don Giovanni and La Traviata in Orvieto (Teatro Mancinelli). In 2013 she conducted the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra at a sold-out performance in Tchaikovsky Hall, and in 2017 she guest-conducted the Piccadilly Symphony Orchestra (Manchester, UK). Catherine holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in orchestral and opera conducting from Arizona State University, where she was a student of William Reber and Timothy Russell.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

Two Remain Music Director 2022
Woyzeck Music Director 2019
Love Wounds Music Director 2019
The Long Christmas Dinner Music Director 2019
The Great God Pan Music Director 2018
Lucrezia Music Director 2017
Song from the Uproar Conductor 2016
In the Penal Colony Conductor 2016
Stage Director
George Cederquist

George Cederquist

Stage Director

George is the Producing Artistic Director of Chicago Fringe Opera (called “the city’s alt-opera company” by the Chicago Tribune), which produces experiential, immersive, and site-specific productions of operas composed in English. At CFO, George has directed Woyzeck, The Rosina Project, The Long Christmas Dinner, The Great God Pan (world premiere), Lucrezia, In the Penal Colony, The Turn of the Screw, Trouble in Tahiti and The Rape of Lucretia.  Camera opera filmwork includes Corsair, The Widow’s Will, and A City of Works.

In addition, George has directed opera scenes at Wolf Trap Opera and Chautauqua Opera, and new productions with the Chicago Sinfonietta, Pittsburgh Opera, the Bay View Music Festival, Chicago Folks Operetta, and Chicago Opera Vanguard. An enthusiastic mentor, George is the Producing Artistic Director of Opera and Theatre at North Park University, and has taught acting, auditioning and scene study at Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, and DePaul University.

Now in its seventh season, George hosts Opera Box Score, America’s Talk Radio Show About Opera, heard every Monday night on WNUR 89.3 FM Chicago and wherever you get your podcasts. The show tackles the week’s opera headlines and discusses them in a sports talk radio format.

A recipient of the 2015 American Prize in Directing, George’s production of Silent Night was chosen as a winner of Opera America’s 2013 Director-Designer competition. As one of ten Americans to receive the 2011-12 German Chancellor Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, George served as a Regieassistent at the Staatstheater Darmstadt.

George’s training includes the Resident Artist Stage Director program at Pittsburgh Opera, serving as the Apprentice Stage Director at the Merola Opera Program, and as the Directing Fellow at Wolf Trap Opera. He holds an MFA in Directing from Northwestern University and a BA in Theatre Studies and English from Yale University. A dual US-UK citizen, George is a proud ensemble member of Steep Theatre Company (Chicago) and the American Guild of Musical Artists.

He lives with his wife, their two children, their cat, and their four chickens, in Chicago.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Heroes Project – The Widow’s Will Director 2021
A City of Works Artistic Director 2021
Corsair Creative Director 2020
The Rosina Project Fall 2021 (NOITP) Concept & Stage Direction 2021
Arts in the Dark Director 2019
Woyzeck Director 2019
The Rosina Project Director 2019
The Long Christmas Dinner Director 2019
The Rossini Project Director 2018
The Great God Pan Director 2018
Lucrezia Director 2017
In the Penal Colony Director 2016
The Turn of the Screw Director 2015
Voices in the Dark, Jazz & Trouble in Tahiti Director 2015
The Rape of Lucretia Director 2014
Stage Manager
Isabelle Rund

Isabelle Rund

Stage Manager

Isabelle Rund is a new resident of the Chicago area. Since arriving she has had the opportunity to work with Chicago Folks Operetta and Spartan Theatre in addition to Chicago Fringe Opera. Rund is previously from St. Louis, MO. While there she had the opportunity to Stage Manage at the Loretto Hilton Center, the Fabulous Fox Theatre and the Tennessee Williams Festival. Isabelle will Stage Manage As One and The Great God Pan for Chicago Fringe Opera this
season. Rund is a graduate of the Stage Management program at the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Stage Manager 2018
Technical Director
Ted Nazarowski

Ted Nazarowski

Technical Director

Ted Nazarowski has worked in many facets of theater throughout his career. In addition to his day job as a music and theater teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, Mr. Nazarowski has worked as a director, musician, and designer throughout the Chicago area. Recent lighting design credits include A Fool’s Journey (Misfit Circus), Lucrezia and Songs from the Uproar (Chicago Fringe Opera), The Violet Hour (South Shore Opera) and The Consul (Main Street Opera). He is thrilled to be working with such an amazingly talented cast and crew!

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Long Christmas Dinner Lighting Designer 2019
The Great God Pan Technical Director 2018
Lucrezia Lighting Designer 2017
Song from the Uproar Lighting Designer 2016
Rehearsal & Performance Pianist
Casey Baker

Casey Baker

Rehearsal & Performance Pianist

Pianist/coach Casey Baker, a native of Flushing, Michigan has performed as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and coach for vocalists. He has spent six summers as a coach and pianist for the Musical Theatre Program at the Interlochen Center for the Arts with previous works including Oklahoma, Les Misérables, Crazy for You, Catch Me if You Can, and Evita. Other work includes coaching Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi for Opera Venezuela, The Light in the Piazza at Grand Valley State University, Rodrigo with L’Aurora Nuovo, and Falstaff and Offenbach’s Orphée aux enfers at the University of Illinois Lyric Theater. Casey received an undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University, studying with Robert Byrens and Helen Marlais, an MM from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, studying with Julie Gunn and Cynthia Hayman-Coleman, and an artist diploma from the Chicago College of Performing Arts studying with Scott Gilmore. While at CCPA he was an apprentice coach and pianist with Chicago Opera Theatre. Previous works include Cabildo, L’enfant et les sortilèges, CCPA; The Fairy Queen, Gianni Schicchi, Lucio Silla, Le Vin Herbé, The Perfect American, Chicago Opera Theatre.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Rehearsal & Performance Pianist 2018
Performance Pianist
Tyler Kivel

Tyler Kivel

Performance Pianist

Tyler Kivel is an active soloist, chamber musician, teacher, and freelance performer in Chicago. He holds a Masters of Music degree from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana in Piano Performance and Literature and a Bachelor of Music from Central Michigan University. Tyler is the proud recipient of the John Irwin memorial scholarship competition along with other competition based scholarships. As a soloist, Tyler has performed at the PianoForte Foundation of Chicago and has been a featured soloist with the Lakeshore Symphony Orchestra Chicago and CMU’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Tyler made his Chicago debut as the musical director of Thrones! The Musical Parody, based on the hit television series Game of Thrones. In addition to working on musicals, Tyler has performed in several privately produced cabarets at iO improv theater, at Davenports piano bar, and with Artists Giving Back. Tyler is ecstatic to be part of Chicago Fringe Opera AND finally putting his prepared piano chops to use!

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Performance Pianist 2018
Scenic Designer
Patrick Rizzotti

Patrick Rizzotti

Scenic Designer

Patrick Rizzotti is a scenic designer working in theatre, opera, and television. He has a strong interest in new works and highly collaborative projects that blur the traditional lines between director, designer, performer, and audience. The focus of his work is visual storytelling and creating innovative worlds that help express the idea of the story through the use of the space.

Select New York Designs Include: The Assignment (A.R.T./NY), Snow Orchid and Money Grubbin’ Whores (Theatre Row), Jasper in Deadland (Prospect Theater), Party In The USA, Victor Frange Presents Gas (Incubator Arts), Dukus (Target Margin Lab), Dancing Lessons, Sex and Education, The Fabulous Lipitones, Asher Lev (Penguin Rep), Titanic (Westchester Broadway). Additional credits include: Pittsburgh Opera, Premiere Stages, Flat Rock Playhouse, Florida Repertory, Creede Repertory Theatre, North Carolina Stage Company. Television Design Credits Include: America’s Got Talent, The Dr. Oz Show, The TODAY Show, and The Mysteries of Laura.

Patrick has received the USITT Scenic Design Award, is a winner of the OPERA America Director-Designer Showcase, and a Lincoln Center Director’s Lab Alumni. M.F.A Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. Memberships: Wingspace Theatrical Design Collective and USA 829.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Scenic Designer 2018
Costume Designer
Caitlin McLeod

Caitlin McLeod

Costume Designer

Caitlin McLeod (Costume Designer) is ecstatic to make her Chicago Fringe Opera debut with this production. Caitlin is a costume and scenic designer, puppet enthusiast, traveler, and dreamer. Most recent credits include: Stellaluna (Northbrook Theatre), Men on Boats (Hollins University), Beauty’s Daughter (American Blues Theatre), and Crazy for You (Drury Lane), along with many assistant credits (Marriott, Drury Lane, Lookingglass Theatre). Outside her work in traditional theatre, Caitlin utilizes art as a catalyst to break the mundane through street art, performance art, and toy theatre. She earned her MFA at Northwestern University.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Costume Designer 2018
Lighting Designer
Erik Barry

Erik Barry

Lighting Designer

Erik is thrilled to be working on this production!  He has designed lights around Chicago for the past four years. Erik’s designs have been seen at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing arts, The Harris Theatre, Carnegie Hall, and the Detroit Music Hall. He is currently affiliated with Chicago based musical ensemble “eighth blackbird’, as well the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus. He received his Masters of Fine Arts degree at the University of Wisconsin -Madison campus. He has designed over 80 productions in his career.

Productions with Chicago Fringe Opera

The Great God Pan Lighting Designer 2018

Acclaim

Chicago Fringe Opera seems to seek out venues that fit the vibe of the work to be performed in some kind of meaningful way - a consistently refreshing aspect of their productions.

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Supported by The MacArthur Funds for Arts and Culture at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, & the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Chicago Fringe Opera is an Opera America Partner.

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