Princess Ida Cast

The Principals

Sarah Wind Richens – Princess Ida

Sarah has been performing with the GSVLOC since 2004.  Her past roles include Lady Psyche in Princess Ida, Yum-Yum in The Mikado, Princess Nekaya in Utopia, Limited, Patience in Patience, Julia Jellicoe in The Grand Duke, and Phyllis in Iolanthe.  She has also performed with the GSVLOC and the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra at the Lake Harriet Bandshell as Rose Maybud in Ruddigore, Peep-Bo in The Mikado, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore. Sarah’s five-year old daughter, Lucy, thinks it’s cool that Mom is playing a princess, but she would be much more impressed if Mom were playing a superhero instead.

 

Anthony Rohr – Hilarion

His fourth show with the GSVLOC, Anthony is beyond excited to be tackling both his first principal role and his first tenor role as Prince Hilarion in this steampunkified production of Princess Ida!  A software engineer by day, Anthony holds a degree in Opera Performance from Luther College and moonlights as a classical singer.  Anthony’s previous performances with the GSVLOC include Patience in 2012, The Yeoman of the Guard in 2013, and most recently, Orpheus in the Underworld in 2017.

 

Deb Haas – Lady Blanche

Cast as a pirate (and understudy to Ruth) in The Pirates of Penzance at the tender age of twelve (her voice was lower than most of the males her age), Deb was bitten by the G&S bug too early to deny its siren song.  With “cat-like tread” she sought opportunities to express her inner battle-axe and was rewarded with the role of Katisha in the Saint Olaf College production of The Mikado.  The die was cast and Deb spent the following years pursuing her noble ambition, portraying spinsterish longing and desperation on stages from the United Kingdom to the United States.  This is her ninth show with the GSVLOC.

 

Waldyn Benbenek – King Hildebrand

Waldyn started down the dicey road of Gilbert and Sullivan before the advent of the internet, when mastery of the slide rule was a rite of manhood.  After several attempts at an honest living, he settled on computer programmer and arrived in the Twin Cities to work.  During his first year here, he sought out like minded lost souls who met in a now demolished Kenwood basement to found the GSVLOC.  Since then he has served the company in many capacities and played a number of roles, mostly knavish father figures.  In spite of all this, he managed to marry fellow company member Dr. Mary Mescher Benbenek.  Together they have three children who believe their father’s first computer was, indeed, steam powered.

 

Sarah Mehle – Lady Psyche

Sarah is delighted to be part of another show with the GSVLOC!  Sarah’s love for Gilbert & Sullivan was sparked as a child, when she discovered a lovely trio of dusty VHS tapes in her parents’ basement (which included The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, and Iolanthe).  This love only grew as Sarah began to perform, most recently as a member of the Love Police in Orpheus in the Underworld with the GSVLOC and the chorus of La Bohème at Minnesota Opera.  Sarah has also appeared as Angelina in Trial by Jury, Gretel in Hansel & Gretel, and Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte.  She has enjoyed performing in elementary schools with Lyric Opera of the North and Voyageurs, where she taught children about healthy habits and friendship in Little Bigfoot and the Bully and The Pirates of the Carrot Bean.  Outside of the realm of opera, Sarah is always willing to talk about her beloved cat, Toulouse, and dog, Oliver, and is happy to show an embarrassing amount of pictures of them to any poor soul who mentions animals in her presence.

 

Scott Benson – King Gama

Twenty-eight short years ago, Scott auditioned to be in Patience with the GSVLOC because they rehearsed near his house.  Several years ago, he moved.  How kind the GSVLOC was to accommodate him by moving its rehearsal space to less than a mile from his new home!  Scott has come to a point in his on-stage career where he’s actually close to the age of the characters he’s played since he was fourteen, when he played the town drunk.  By day, Scott is a lawyer and can confirm that “the law is the true embodiment of everything that’s excellent.”  Scott served on the Minneapolis City Council from 2002 until 2009, but when “to all their little weaknesses he opened people’s eyes,” his constituents thought better of it. Scott finally married in 2015, and even had music from Gilbert and Sullivan at the wedding … which seemed fitting given that he was marrying his comic foil from the 1990 production of Patience. (In hindsight, the title of the show takes on special significance.)

 

Kara Morgan – Melissa

This is Kara’s first production with the GSVLOC!  A native of Anoka, Kara pursued her Bachelor and Master degrees in vocal performance and opera studies at Drake University and The New England Conservatory of Music, respectively.  Over the course of her education, Kara sang the roles of Mrs. Soames (Ned Rorem’s Our Town), Dritte Dame (Die Zauberflöte), Old Prioress (Poulenc’s Dialogues of the Carmelites), and Ottone (Handel’s Agrippina) among others.  Recently, Kara was an Apprentice Artist with Santa Fe Opera.  The GSVLOC’s Princess Ida is not Kara’s first Gilbert and Sullivan production!  Kara has enjoyed performing as Mad Margaret (Ruddigore) with the College Light Opera Company and as Katisha in Drake University’s production of The Mikado.

 

Carl Rosamilia – Cyril

Hello, everyone!  This will be Carl’s first expedition with the GSVLOC, and he is beyond excited and honored to be a part of this production.  Carl is a full-time student, and enjoys hobbies ranging from rock climbing and music to motorcycles and snowboarding.  He appeared in his first musical (The Addams Family Musical as Lucas Beineke) in early February 2018, and is thrilled to be back on the stage in pretty short order with the cast of Princess Ida.  Carl has had an absolute ball, and grown in so many ways during this production.  Thank you to the cast, the directors, the orchestra and technical staff!  And lastly: thank YOU for attending and supporting this production company.  Enjoy the show!

 

Kaitlin Klemencic – Sacharissa

Kaitlin is delighted to be appearing in her fourth production with the GSVLOC, having previously appeared in the chorus of Orpheus in the Underworld, The Gondoliers and Iolanthe. Originally from Wisconsin (Go Pack), she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater arts and a secondary education degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University.  After graduation, Kaitlin moved to New York City.  She returned to the Midwest in 2015 and currently resides in Saint Paul where she works as a nanny.  Non GSVLOC credits include Amy in Company (Shoot the Glass Theater) and Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the international repertory company, Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare.  Following Princess Ida, Kaitlin will be appearing as The Baker’s Wife in Shoot the Glass Theater’s production of Into the Woods.  Infinite amounts of love and thanks to family, friends, Pat and the GSVLOC for yet another wonderful experience.

 

Ryan Johnson – Florian

Ryan didn’t care if he had to climb over broken glass and escape the clutches of wild dogs to land a role in this production!  However, his first foray into Castle Adamant may be his last foray in theater for a long time as he and his wife are expecting their first child this fall.  Here’s hoping his baby won’t get switched at birth to be the next King of Barataria or Captain of the Pinafore or arranged to marry a prince at the age of one or born half mortal/half fairy (okay, so fairy powers would be pretty sweet).  And just for posterity, here is his theater career: The Five of Spades in Alice in Wonderland, Production Runner in Koozå, Dick Deadeye in H.M.S. Pinafore, music director for Henry IV Part 1 and Much Ado About Nothing, the Usher in Trial By Jury, choir member in The Events, Private Willis in Iolanthe, Giuseppe in The Gondoliers, Mars in Orpheus in the Underworld, Florian in Princess Ida, and he may possibly participate in H.M.S. Pinafore again at the Lake Harriet bandshell this summer …

 

Emily Garst – Chloe

Emily is elated to appear in her first production with the GSVLOC.  New to the Twin Cities, she hails from central Iowa and is a recent graduate of Luther College where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre.  A few of Emily’s favorite theatrical experiences include Legally Blonde: The Musical (Margot), All Shook Up (Lorraine), Twelfth Night (Maria), and The Nether (Morris).  Last summer, she performed as Abigail Adams in Saint Croix Festival Theatre’s all-female production of 1776.  In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking, running, singing, Skyping her cats back home, and photography.  She sends love and gratitude to the cast and crew of Princess Ida who welcomed her so kindly, and to her family and friends who inspire her every day.

 

Doug Freeman – Arac

Doug was a little concerned when he heard he was being asked to play “a rock” in Princess Ida … it IS Gilbert & Sullivan, after all, and many things are possible … and he thought, “Well, if the rock has some good bits to sing, maybe …” but eventually all became clear.  Or, at least, somewhat clearer.  And the bits to sing are especially good.  Anyway. Doug is very happy to be back with the GSVLOC after last year’s The Gondoliers and Orpheus in the Underworld.  Over the years and across several states, he’s done all but three G&S operettas; he also enjoys musicals (Narrator / Mysterious Man in Into the Woods and El Gallo in The Fantasticks, both with Eat Street Players), opera (Leporello in Don Giovanni with Twin Cities Fringe Opera; Dr. Gibbs in Ned Rorem’s Our Town with Skylark Opera), and an occasional straight play (Harold in The Boys in the Band).  Regarding his practicing at home, Doug’s partner says, “Thank goodness for noise-canceling headphones!”  The cats, hiding under beds, refused to comment.

 

Holly Windle – Ada

Now performing in Princess Ida for the fourth time with the GSVLOC, Holly previously sang Melissa (1982) and Chloe (twice).  Although still (relatively) young and charming, Holly has been seen in recent years playing old lady roles with Theatre in the Round, Gadfly Theatre Productions, Theater Terra Firma, and Daytrippers Dinner Theatre.  She also does educational role playing for the University of Minnesota and Barbara Schneider Foundation’s Crisis Intervention Training.

 

Joe Allen – Guron

This is Joe’s sixth mainstage production with the GSVLOC!  A proper Joe-of-all-trades, his passions pull him in directions performative and holistic, oscillating productive and philosophical.  You may have seen him this past year in Joe Chvala’s H.M.S. Pinafore, Latte Da’s Man of La Mancha, the GSVLOC’s The Gondoliers and Orpheus in the Underworld, Sh!t-Faced Shakespeare, or as Darth Vader in the Minnesota Fringe Festival.  Joe has been privileged to work onstage at The Guthrie, The Southern, The Ordway, The Ritz, The Kennedy Center, banquet halls, parks, and alleyways.  He is most fulfilled when lending his body, soul, voice, and mind to the creative process.  Joe graduated from Hamline University in 2012 with his Bachelor of Arts’ Degrees in Theatre Arts and Philosophy, as well as the coursework for K-12 Theatre Arts Education licensure.  By day, Joe is working on an arts-focused start-up and freelancing in theatrical and professional realms. By night, his other interests include video and tabletop gaming; reading books, articles, and journals; robust conversation/debate; constant heart/mind work; dismantling the patriarchy; politics of poverty and literacy; and good beer. He has two remarkable cats.

 

Alessio Tranchell – Scynthius

Alessio is brand new to the Twin Cities!  He currently serves as the choir director at Crown College, where he also teaches voice and music theory.  Recent roles include Orlik in Mazeppa with Russian Opera Workshop and Mr. Gedge in Albert Herring with Chicago Summer Opera.  In the spring of 2017, Tranchell premiered with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra singing selections from The Phantom of the Opera alongside famed soprano Lisa Vroman.  Alessio looks forward to his Minnesota debut with the GSVLOC!

 

The Chorus

Jim Brooks

Jim has had the pleasure and privilege of performing with the GSLVOC chorus for the past twenty-four years (this is his third time performing in Princess Ida).  He has performed in all of the Gilbert and Sullivan collaborations, but he is still hoping that the company will present a restaging of their lost operetta Thespis.  When not doing G&S, Jim is the director of the Wild Goose Chase Cloggers and choreographs and calls contra dances at the Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis.  He is also an adjunct math professor of at Concordia University – Saint Paul and likewise tutors high school and college students in mathematics throughout the Twin Cities.  Jim’s wife Judy and daughter Julia and been faithful followers of the GSVLOC throughout the years.  They tolerate Jim’s intense rehearsal schedule each spring, but always bring friends and acquaintances with them to enjoy the shows.

 

Axl Dahl

This is Axl’s first production with the GSVLOC and he is ecstatic to be part of such a talented cast and crew.  For a rookie with operettas Axl is beyond thrilled to have Princess Ida lead the way.  The cast and crew are like a big family, and it’s very relieving having an experienced team support you and letting you know how things operate.

 

Jeff Erickson

Jeff is more than thrilled to be in his first show with the GSVLOC.  He is also excited that he keeps getting cast in shows with taller men, so that means he gets to be in the front most of the time.  You may have recently seen him in front of the other sailors in H.M.S. Pinafore with Mounds View Community Theatre, as well as playing a drunk organist in Our Town with Theatre 301.  In his free time, Jeff enjoys singing (obviously), playing video games more than he should, playing the piano less than he should, watching terrible reality shows, and not using his computer science or French degrees in any way whatsoever.  Jeff is also very flattered that you think he looks twenty-two.

 

Claudia Finsaas

Claudia is thrilled to be appearing in Princess Ida, her second production with the GSVLOC after appearing as Diana in last fall’s Orpheus in the Underworld.  No stranger to the stage, Claudia was born into a family of musicians and started her musical studies on the violin at age four.  She recently graduated from the Wheaton College Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance.  Creating memories on stage with her artistic friends/colleagues is one of her favorite past times, and she relishes each and every opportunity.

 

Taylor Ann Grand

Taylor Ann is elated to be back singing with the GSVLOC!  She received her Bachelor of Music in performance and vocal music education from Concordia College of Moorhead, Minnesota.  Taylor has since enjoyed pursuing opera performance with programs including Spotlight on Opera in Austin, Texas, AIMS in Graz, Austria and the Amalfi Coast Festival in Maiori, Italy.  Some roles she has really enjoyed singing include Lucia in The Rape of Lucretia, Adele in Die Fledermaus, Papagena in The Magic Flute and the scene of Olympia in The Tales of Hoffman.  Aside from singing, Taylor has a deep passion for her Danish heritage and lives at the Danish American Center of Minneapolis as a resident caretaker.  She enjoys performing at many celebrations and gatherings within the Danish community here in Minneapolis and is learning to speak Danish!  Aside from performing, Taylor’s second passion is teaching music to children, which at a younger age was instilled after watching the 1999 film Music of the Heart.  She is self employed as a violin teacher and hopes to continue to teach alongside pursuing opera performance.  She is currently applying to the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen for a Masters’ degree in vocal performance.

 

Alexander Gerchak

Alexander is very excited to be taking part in his fifth production with the GSVLOC!  Along with performing and working with the company for the past few years, he is also currently serving on the GSVLOC Board as the Male Chorus Representative.  Alexander also works as a writer and director of musicals in the Twin Cities area.

 

Mary Gregory

Mary is a long time member of the GSVLOC, and is excited to perform in this steampunk version of Princess Ida!  It has been a delight to work with old friends, and make new friends with this talented cast and crew.  “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” – Maya Angelou.  Mary’s hope is that you will have an evening filled with laughter and delight here watching Princess Ida.  “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

 

Paul Gutman

Paul earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music in 2016. Since then, he has performed with Woodbury Community Theatre in Songs for a New World as Man 2, Fridley Community Theatre in Beauty and the Beast as The Beast, and Minnesota Opera in The Marriage of Figaro as a chorus member.  This summer, Paul will attend La Musica Lirica summer opera program for five weeks in Novafeltria, Italy, where he will be performing the role of Guglielmo in Mozart’s Così fan tutte.  In addition to his theatrical endeavors, Paul is currently employed as a choral scholar at White Bear Lake United Methodist Church.  Paul would like to thank everyone involved with the GSVLOC for such a wonderful introduction to the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and he very much looks forward to bringing this production of Princess Ida to life onstage.  Toi toi, everyone!

 

Stephen Hage

Stephen’s lifelong passion for Gilbert and Sullivan began in the eighth grade when he was cast as Sir Joseph Porter in his middle school’s production of H.M.S. Pinafore and it has carried him through the years that have followed to this staging of Princess Ida … his thirty-ninth appearance in a G&S production … but then, who’s counting!?  In addition to performing on stage, he serves as the company’s Producer. Stephen has also performed with Bloomington Civic Theater (Artistry) and as a supernumerary with Minnesota Opera.  He particularly enjoys the opportunities that performing in the opera affords him … to carry spears, to flirt with or rough up world famous sopranos … usually in different operas … and to be killed in battle … sometimes several times in the same opera!  By day, Stephen is responsible for Human Resources for the Orion Associates organization of companies, which he does with his wonderful staff of Human Resources professionals, all the while enjoying far too many cups of coffee.  Stephen dedicates this, and all that he does, to his delightful daughters, Lyndsay, Madeleine and Maya … to his sweet son, Liam … and to his lovely and loving wife, Lara.

 

Jonah Heuer

Jonah is very excited to be in Princess Ida!  This is his first show with the GSVLOC, though he has been in several musicals in the past, including … You know what? Never mind. It’s not as though you particularly care, unless you’re one of Jonah’s friends or family, in which case you already know everything he would write here.  And there’s nothing in the world wrong with that.  So, just … enjoy the show, I guess. Glad to have you here.  Soli Deo Gloria!

 

Shawn Holt

This is Shawn’s thirteenth show with the GSVLOC, which means she has done the entire repertoire of Gilbert and Sullivan!  She is happy to be playing a professor of music at the Castle Adamant.  Shawn loves being part of a group of proud warriors.  She hopes to be more like them in real life. Until then, Shawn will continue to live in Shoreview with her husband Phil, daughter Amanda and their cat Shadow. Defiance!

 

Brian Ingalsbe

Brian is ecstatic to be joining the fantastic cast and crew of the GSVLOC!  After receiving his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Kansas State University, Brian made the trek North with hopes of new experiences, artistic development, and – of course – Jucy Lucy’s.  The Twin Cities have not disappointed!  When not in rehearsals, Brian can be found snuggling his kitten – Fidelio – river tubing, pondering his own odd thoughts, and laughing too loudly.  Let out a heigh-o-let of relief; this bio has ended and the show is about to begin!

 

Jerry Kurek

Jerry has had a swell time singing with the GSVLOC.  The passion and warmth of every member of the company is always a delight to experience.  This is his third major production with the company, having previously worked on last year’s Orpheus in the Underworld and 2016’s Iolanthe.  In 2014, he graduated from Ripon College, and since then he’s worked as a videographer, barista, and mortgage claims filer throughout the Twin Cities.  But none of that has been quite as fun as getting to storm a women’s university while wielding a steampunk Nerf gun.

 

Maddy LaRoche

Maddy is so happy to be working with the GSVLOC for a third time, after having appeared in Iolanthe ’16 and The Gondoliers ‘17!  She got her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from The Theatre School at DePaul University.  While in Chicago, she worked with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Emerald City Theatre Company, Big Noise Theatre Company and Drury Lane Theatre.  Her favorite roles include Evelyn Nesbitt in Ragtime, Natalie in Next to Normal, Mary Tilford in The Children’s Hour and Chava in Fiddler on the Roof!

 

Dean Laurance

Dean, Charlotte Morrison and Waldyn Benbenek are the last three members of the original cast of GSVLOC in 1979 who are still performing.  Charlotte and Waldyn are both pleased that Dean is making one last appearance because if he didn’t, Charlotte would be the oldest in the cast and Waldyn would be the oldest man.

 

Anna Maher

As described by her cat, Mabel: Anna is a tallish girl human who likes to sing.  A lot.  This is the fourth time she’s appeared with the GSVLOC, past sightings include Orpheus in the Underworld, The Gondoliers, and Iolanthe.  She also kept the Gilbert and Sullivan vibe going when she played Josephine in H.M.S. Pinafore last summer under the direction of Joe Chvala, who is apparently important, but couldn’t be NEARLY as important as me.  The next reason she won’t be home is to play Rapunzel in Shoot the Glass Theatre’s production of Into the Woods in June.  She used to be home all the time during the day, but now she goes and works at a place called Planned Parenthood.  Which, I don’t know, she got all excited about the fact that she gets to go there instead of hang out with me all day, but now I have peace and quiet so I can sleep. Whatever, as long as I keep getting fed those freeze-dried minnows.

 

Wendy Matsutani

Wendy is ecstatic to be performing in her first show with the GSVLOC!  A sunny So-Cal girl at heart, Wendy completed her Bachelors of Music at UC Santa Barbara before receiving her Masters of Music from the University of Minnesota.  Previous appearances include: Lady in the Dark (Sutton/Miss Foster), Susannah (Mrs. Gleaton), Luisa Fernanda (Rosita) and Die Zauberflöte (Papagena).  Wendy is successfully coping with seasonal depression by occasionally using a “happy” lamp, doing Pop-Pilates, and eating lots of ramen.  She is so grateful for the amazing cast and production team, and hopes you are ready to enjoy some steampunk fun!

 

Blanka Melbostad

Blanka is thrilled to be part of the GSVLOC’s production of Princess Ida, after having performed with the company for the first time in last spring’s production of The Gondoliers, in the role of Gianetta, and again in last fall’s production in Orpheus in the Underworld. She has previously appeared in productions of The Music Man (Alma Hix), Nunsense (Sister Mary Leo), Cosi Fan Tutte (Fiordiligi), and The Magic Flute (Queen of the Night).  Deepest gratitude to Princess Ida team, family and friends!

 

Charlotte Morrison

Charlotte has been with the GSVLOC since its second rehearsal — ever!  During her tenure as a member of the chorus, she has given birth to a child, raised four sons, and become a grandparent (one granddaughter and five grandsons). Charlotte has served on the company’s Board as Treasurer and Chorus Representative and has had the dubious honour of managing the box office for many years.  Her original introduction to G&S was in high school as a member of the jury in Trial by Jury.  She has performed with the GSVLOC in all of the operettas written by Gilbert & Sullivan as well as in Orpheus in the Underworld the first time GSVLOC produced it. During the off-season she enjoys singing with the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Choral Society, nautical pursuits, and has been lucky enough to have visited all seven continents.

 

John Orbison

John’s stage debut was the 2006 GSVLOC production of Princess Ida, so this is the start of his second run through the canon.  A retired math teacher and engineer, brother of Jean Van Heel, GSVLOC Assistant Music Director, and proud father of two adult kids, he enjoys singing in four choral ensembles besides the GSVLOC, playing cello duets with his equally retired wife, and coaching middle school math teams.  With joy abiding, he glides through life’s variety in sweet society together with Holly MacDonald, GSVLOC alto, who is trying a turn at her cello in the orchestra this year.

 

Richard Rames

Richard enjoys “singing choruses in public” and has appeared in the chorus of almost every performance of the GSVLOC at the Howard Conn Fine Arts Center since the first production of Patience in 1980. He also sings regularly in other groups, including the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Choral Society and the Heinrich Schütz Winetasting Homeschool, as well as singing along with his player piano. This is his fourth production of Princess Ida.

 

Bryan Reed

Bryan is very pleased to be joining his first production with the GSVLOC.  Locally, he has enjoyed being a part of Northfield Arts Guild productions since shortly after he and Marty moved to Northfield in 2010.  Bryan has performed in many types and levels of theater and music productions over the years.  He has acted with Actor’s Co-op for three years in Los Angeles, one season with Colorado Shakespeare Festival, and seven seasons with Opera Colorado in the chorus.  Bryan has also worked in regional theaters from Boulder to Little Rock.  He has two cats and sings to them often.  While Marty reports that most such songs aren’t worthy of much note, the cats don’t (usually) mind – it’s practicing the violin that really gets them … Bryan would like to encourage you to be involved in the arts however you can, wherever you are.

 

Niko Simmons

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Vocal Performance from the University of Minnesota, Morris, Niko dove into the world of community theater around the Twin Cities, exploring a variety of roles, from taking on the role of the concerned and caring Reverend Criskparkle in The Mystery of Edwin Drood to the uptight playwright Edward Bennett in Death by Design.  His favorite role was that was Pontius Pilate in an apocalyptic production of Jesus Christ Superstar where he re-discovered his passion for emotion packed acting and singing.  After an almost two year long break, Niko is thrilled to return to the stage with the GSVLOC’s steampunk rendition of Princess Ida.

 

Evan Slack

Although this is Evan’s first GSVLOC production, he doubts it will be his last!  Since moving to the Twin Cities in 2016, Evan has acted on various films and stages, his most recent including Lapse, debuting at Minnesota’s Z-Fest, and The World Crime League’s F***ed-Up Xmas Special at the Phoenix Theater.  Evan is also the lead vocalist of the band, Embassies, which is currently in the process of recording its debut EP.  He hopes you enjoy the show and thanks you for supporting the community.

 

Rhea Sullivan

Princess Ida holds a special place in Rhea’s heart.  She first heard of Gilbert and Sullivan when she took a Victorian Lit class at the University of Minnesota.  The required G&S operetta, which she listened to on a record at Walter Library, was Princess Ida.  Fast forward to 1982 and Rhea’s first production with the GSVLOC was none other than Princess Ida. When she’s not singing, Rhea is an Account Executive with The Harrington Company (an association management company). This marks her thirty-sixth year with the GSVLOC.

 

Cassandra Utt

Cassandra is thrilled to be working with the GSVLOC family again and was most recently seen as one of the Love Police in Orpheus in the Underworld and Casilda in The Gondoliers.  She has also performed locally with Skylark Opera Theatre, Artistry, Garden of Song Opera, and the Minnesota Chorale. Cassandra received dual degrees from Bowling Green State University in both Computer Science and Vocal Performance. Cassandra is a co-founder of a new company, Monicat Data, where she leads data analytics and technology projects for artists and art organizations.  She recently participated in a program called Remote Year, where she spent a year traveling around Europe, Asia, and South America, all while working remotely.  Cassandra is thrilled to also be working with members of the GSVLOC family on a new project called the Fourth Wall which will be a safe space for performing artists to create, rehearse, collaborate, perform and work while enabling experimentation and demonstration within the community!