The University of Kansas Opera is presenting a production of The Rake’s Progress, opening this weekend, and members of the Lyric Opera family are involved with all aspects of the production.
Lyric Opera Apprentice Amy Cahill
Current Lyric Opera Apprentices Amy Cahill and Robert McNichols, Jr. both have principal roles in the production. Amy has sung in the chorus for every production since La Traviata (Spring 2009) and is making her official Lyric Opera debut in the upcoming production of Rigoletto as Countess Ceprano. In The Rake’s Progress she will be singing Anne Trulove in select performances. Robert, who made his Lyric Opera debut in John Brown (Spring 2008) in the dual role of Jim/Daniel, has sung a number of roles on the Lyric Opera stage and will play the role of Nick Shadow in The Rake’s Progress. Very soon he will be appearing on the Lyric Opera stage in Rigoletto as Marullo and again in April in Don Giovanni as Masetto. Robert has been deeply involved in Lyric Opera Education Programs, including Lyric Opera Summer Camp.
Also on stage as principals in The Rake’s Progress will be a number of current Lyric Opera chorusters . Charlie Martinez, as Tom Rakewell; Michael Austin as Father Trulove; Benjamin Cleveland as Sellem; and Kristee Haney as Baba the Turk in select performances.
Mark Ferrell
Not all of the Lyric Opera family members involved in The Rake’s Progress will be on stage. Mark Ferrell, who was the guest conductor of the hit H.M.S. Pinafore (Fall 2009), is the Music Director for The Rake’s Progress. Kathleen Belcher is Director of The Rake’s Progress. She last worked with the Lyric Opera as director of the wonderfully reviewed La Traviata. Other notables include Megan Turek, a past wig assistant at the Lyric Opera, as the Costume Designer and Matthew Haney, who is in the Lyric Opera chorus this season, in a backstage role as the Assistant Director.
If your a fan of opera don’t miss this chance to see young opera singers shine with help for some talented people like Mark and Kathleen.
The Rake’s Progress performance dates are February, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, and 23, 2010. All performances will be in the Robert Baustian Theater in Murphy Hall on the KU campus in Lawrence. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission and $5 for students and seniors. For tickets call 785-864-3436.
