Utopia, Limited 2024 Cast
The Principals
Mary Kettlewell – Princess ZaraMost recently featured as Cousin Hebe in H.M.S. Pinafore, Mary is thrilled to perform in her third GSVLOC show! She holds a Bachelor of Art in Music from the University of Missouri Columbia (2016) and a Masters in Voice Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder (2018). Originally from Columbia, Missouri, she has performed across the Midwest and beyond with Opera in the Ozarks, Opera NEO, Missouri Symphony Society, Boulder Opera, Boulder Bach Festival, Loveland Opera Theater, Opera on Tap Colorado, Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, Inversion Ensemble, LOLA – Local Opera Local Artists, Gilbert & Sullivan Austin, and the American Traditions Vocal Competition in Savannah, Georgia. Other recent credits include Wynn Somme (originally Yum Yum) in Gilbert & Sullivan Austin’s Scottish Highland setting of The McAdo (The Mikado) and Alcina in Opera Reading Project’s production of La liberazione di Ruggiero dall’isola d’Alcina. She looks forward to presenting her first Twin Cities recital this summer in collaboration with Kate Rupp, soprano, and Bryon Wilson, piano, shortly followed by a road trip to Brainerd to perform with the Lakes Area Music Festival. In her free time, Mary is a passionate paddleboarder, a crochet enthusiast, a foodie, and a horror movie fanatic. |
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Waldyn Benbenek – King Nigel ParamountWhen Waldyn first played King Paramount, emails we just being sent and the World Wide Web had not been born, nor had Waldyn’s children. He and the internet are now of grandparent age. Waldyn became a fan of Gilbert and Sullivan at a very young age, when the eighth-graders did a kid-friendly version of H.M.S. Pinafore. He began collecting the recordings and memorizing the songs which he would sing at random times. His siblings don’t like to talk about it. After a checkered youth, he ended up in the Twin Cities with a programming job at the dawn of computers. In 1979, he joined a group of like-minded lost souls in Dick Fishel’s basement to found the GSVLOC. Since then, he has worked with the company in a number of capacities and played numerous roles, mostly rogues. He met his wife, Mary Mescher Benbenek, in the company and all three of their children have performed with the group. He is glad to be playing Paramount, who is the only G&S father-figure who is not also a scoundrel. He is also glad to be performing with his wife, Dean Laurence, who was in the fateful basement with him, Richard Rames and Holly Windle, who joined the company soon after, and all the other people with whom he has worked and sung over the years. The breadth of ages, interests, and life-experiences make up the community with which he is so happy to have shared this time. |
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Lara Trujillo – Lady SophyLara is excited to be reprising her role as Lady Sophy, having played the part in the GSVLOC’s last production of Utopia, Limited in 2008. She has appeared in the Ordway Theater’s productions of In the Heights, and in My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra, as well as at the Guthrie Theater, in 7th House Theater Company’s production of The Passage, at the History Theater in River Road Boogie: The Augie Garcia Story and J.D. Steele’s Snapshots: Life in the City, at The Pantages in HAIR, in Joe Chvala’s production of Heaven at Park Square Theater, as well as in productions with Minnesota Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, Theater Latte Da, Teatro del Pueblo, Lyric Arts Main Street Stage, Artistry and Mu Performing Arts. Some of her favorite roles include The Witch in Into the Woods, Anita in West Side Story and Eva Peron in Evita. Lara directed and appeared in Full Circle Theater Company’s production of Atacama, at Park Square Theater. This is Lara’s fourteenth appearance with the GSVLOC, having performed in previous productions of Iolanthe, The Yeomen of the Guard, The Sorcerer, Orpheus in the Underworld, The Mikado, and Ruddigore. Lara has also appeared with the GSVLOC and the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, in concert versions of H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. She is immensely grateful to her husband, Stephen, and to her family and friends who continually offer her their love, support, and encouragement. |
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Joshua Zapata-Palmer – Captain Arthur FitzbattleaxeJosh (@joshiepalms) is very happy to be returning to the GSVLOC for his third production, having made his debut as a bouncy pirate in The Pirates of Penzance and understudying Alexis in The Sorcerer. His wife and neighbors can attest to how much he loves to sing (loudly), and how joining this group has made his life richer; like a good LLC should. Most of Josh’s life is spent juggling creative projects as an actor, director, teacher, and producer in film and theater. His recent work includes the fantasy web series, Hidden Falls, and the magical world of Lalo’s Lunchbox. He teaches drama classes at Open Window Theater and has collaborated with the National Theatre for Children, the Children’s Theatre Company, Minnesota Opera, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, Lakeshore Players, Eagle Brook Church, Substance Church, Valleyfair, and many more. Josh loves to travel, hike, and watch movies with his wife, Ashley; if they ever find time outside of driving around their 1973 Volkswagen Bus! (@twincitiesphotobus) |
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Mallory Rabehl – Princess Natasha/h4>Mallory is delighted to be returning for her fourth consecutive production with the GSVLOC, making her principal debut as Princess Natasha. This company has become a true source of joy in her life. A 2021 graduate from Concordia College in Moorhead, Mallory sang in the Concordia Choir for three years, serving as the Student Manager in her senior year. She studied Music and Business (Marketing) and has been lucky enough to start her career with the Minnesota Orchestra, currently serving as the Development Operations Specialist. Mallory’s performance highlights include Isabel (The Pirates of Penzance – GSVLOC), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro – St. Croix Valley Opera), and Suor Genovieffa (Suor Angelica – Brancaleoni International Music Festival). She is now doing a little bit of everything that she loves, from working for an ensemble that she loves by day, to collaborating with the high-caliber musicians of this cast by night. |
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Ella Rose Katzenberger – Princess KatherineElla Rose is back and better than ever in her debut principal role (or should we say princess role) with the GSVLOC! She has had the inestimable pleasure of gracing the Conn Theater twice before in the GSVLOC’s The Sorcerer and H.M.S. Pinafore. Ella Rose has loved getting to know her quirky character alongside the ever-talented Mallory Rabehl. She extends her extreme gratitude to her friends, family, cast, crew, directors, and audience who make long nights and longer notes worth it. And of course, thank you to her husband for putting up with her princess method acting which she very well will carry with her past this production. Toi toi toi, Utopia Limited! |
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Tom Berg – Colin ScaphioBy day, Tom teaches constitutional law and intellectual property law at the University of Saint Thomas. Like many other lawyers over the decades, he has an affinity for the absurdly logical mind of the failed barrister W. S. Gilbert. Tom’s thirst for attention has been unquenched by performing to law students in the classroom, and he joined the GSVLOC in 2008, appearing in several full productions and summer concerts, including turns as Sir Joseph Porter (H.M.S. Pinafore), Pish Tush / Chris Tush (The Mikado), Major-General Stanley (The Pirates of Penzance), and the Notary (The Grand Duke). He’s also recently played the Major-General in The Pirates of Penzance for Cross Community Players and first tenor in The Music Man barbershop quartet for Rosetown Playhouse. This show is his first villain / cad role! Tom and his wife Maureen Kane Berg (Stage Director) co-directed an all-lawyer comedy troupe in Chicago; he co-composed the music for Maureen’s musical comedy, Got It Made, which has played in the Twin Cities and across the country; and their latest musical (with another collaborator), A House Divided, has had productions or staged readings in Philadelphia, Lexington, Kentucky, and the Twin Cities. Their other major collaborative productions are two grown sons, Brendan and Aidan. |
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Joe Andrews – Henry PhantisLittle did Joe know that a last minute, late, unscheduled audition in the Fall of 1990 for GSVLOC’s Patience would result in an ebullient Gilbert & Sullivan odyssey that would last thirty-four years! Following a dozen or so years on stage with the GSVLOC in shows such as The Mikado, The Gondoliers, Patience, The Yeomen of the Guard, Iolanthe, Princess Ida, Trial By Jury, The Zoo, and The Pirates of Penzance, Joe began to direct for the company in 2007 with The Mikado which served as a tribute to long-time member, Warren Loud. Other stage direction for the company includes a revised version of the rarely performed The Grand Duke, and Iolanthe in 2016 (which won the Broadway World Minneapolis Awards for Best Director of a Musical and Best Ensemble Performance in a Musical), the steampunk version Princess Ida, and an homage to the Golden Era of cinema, Ruddigore in 2022. Joe has performed with numerous local companies including The Minnesota Opera (ten seasons), Theater Latté Da (Sunday In The Park with George), Theater in the Round (Pirates), Artistry (The World Goes ‘Round, Company, Follies, Sweeney Todd (twice!), Fiorello!), and Skylark Opera. A native of San Mateo, California, Joe has called Minneapolis home since graduating from Carleton College. The guy whose job it is to explode the King is Joe’s husband. |
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Scott Benson – Thomas TararaScott started performing Gilbert & Sullivan operettas when he was a law student. The Georgetown Gilbert & Sullivan Society is the only Gilbert & Sullivan company with its own law school. Upon returning to Minneapolis thirty-three years ago, Scott joined the GSVLOC where he has appeared as Bunthorne in Patience, The Lord Chancellor in Iolanthe, Grand Duke Rudolph in The Grand Duke, The Mikado, King Gama in Princess Ida, and Sir Joseph Porter in H.M.S. Pinafore. Other of Scott’s favorite non-Gilbert & Sullivan roles include Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, the Governor in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and the King of Siam in The King and I. During the day, Scott practices law with the Briol & Benson firm in Minneapolis. |
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Joe Allen – Mr. GoldburyA veteran of Minnesota theatre and opera (Latte Da, Minnesota Opera, Lyric Arts, Duluth Playhouse, Fringe, et al.), Joe (he / they) feels most at home in the GSVLOC. This is their tenth main stage production with the company; starting with The Grand Duke, he’s come almost all the way around the G&S zodiac (with a short obliquely orbital Orphic Offenbach opportunity). Joe’s primary activities outside of performance include: Programming: (A software engineer by day) Permaculture: (Midway on a four-year pollinator, medicinal, and edible garden landscape) Philosophy: (epistemology, ontology, aesthetics, metaphysics, linguistics, theology) Psychonautics: (integrating the above through yoga, meditation, intention, and will) Passionate Play: (video, board, and tabletop games, nonsense, curiosity, words, and life) Physical Phitness: (yoga, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, yardwork) Psychological Safety: (cultivating, curating, and advocating for more of it) Presently, Joe lives in the feral hinterlands north of 694 with his partner, Kelly, their two remarkable daughters and two fantastic cats. |
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Jeff Erickson – Sir Bailey BarreAfter missing out on the fun of H.M.S. Pinafore, Jeff is thrilled to be returning for his sixth (seventh, if Ruddigore counts twice!) show with the GSVLOC, having previously appeared in The Sorcerer, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore (2020 and 2022 productions), The Mikado, and Princess Ida. You may have also recently seen him in The Most Happy Fella, with Skylark Opera Theatre, and My Fair Lady (Henry Higgins), with Morris Park Players. 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. |
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Kelly Danger – Mrs. BlushingtonKelly lives with her dashing partner, Joe Allen (Mr. Goldbury), two spectacular daughters, and two predictably enigmatic felines in New Brighton. Yes, her last name really is Danger, and no, she is not a superhero, nor villain. This is Kelly’s fourth (and a half) appearance with the GSVLOC, and she is honored to be singing her first principal role with the company after her recurring portrayal of Third Soprano on the Left in the 2019 production of The New Mikado, the tragically truncated 2020 production of Ruddigore, the remounted production of Ruddigore in 2022, and 2023’s The Sorcerer. Other roles of note include, Athena the Android in Artificial (2019 Fringe), Tessie Turra in Gypsy (Lakeshore Players), Freddy Eynsford-Hill in My Fair Lady (Morris Park Players), the titular role in Mary Poppins (SACT), Woman-Who’s-Skirt-is-Too-Tight-to-Get-up-the-Stairs in Rhinoceros (TRP), and First Sea Otter in Mrs. Wilcox’s 4th Grade production of the original play, Sea Creatures of the Pacific Northwest (She totally got an A on that project and got to wear her friend Laura’s grandmother’s fur coat which was amazing, even though she still sort of feels bad for all those mink). Originally from the Seattle area, Kelly never ceases to marvel that she is fortunate enough to continue treading the boards with such a tremendously talented company. As always, thanks and love to Joe, Chris, Ayla, and Rue! |
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Jacob Koshiol – Captain Sir Edward Corcoran, K.C.B.Jacob has been an aspiring opera singer ever since his vocal teacher, Michael Jorgensen, from Gustavus Adolphus College helped him discover his bass voice. Although that reduced his chances of ever becoming a top ten pop artist, he quickly found a niche for following the classical genre. From beginning his performing career eating copious amounts of Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd with Gustavus (2017) to now singing in his second show with the GSVLOC, Jacob has also found a wonderful musical outlet singing all around the Twin Cities metro area with VocalEssence, Cross View Lutheran Church, and River Hills United Methodist Church. When Jacob isn’t performing or frantically studying his score, he can be found working at M Health Fairview as a psychiatric associate in their residential treatment center for adolescent substance abuse, falling from the sky with a parachute strapped to his back, or leading trips in the Boundary Waters with friends or other youth through his father’s nonprofit youth organization. Jacob currently resides in Saint Paul with his partner, Shauna, in their first apartment together! Jacob is thrilled to have been given this opportunity with the GSVLOC and expresses his appreciation for our Director, Maureen Kane Berg, Music Director, Dr. Randal A. Buikema, Choreographer, Penelope Freeh, and all other staff and cast. Jacob would also like to thank his father, Tom, for always encouraging him to pursue his passions. |
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Rosemary Vega – PhyllisRosemary brings her passion for the stage to life in musical theatre and opera alike. She is so delighted to make her debut with the GSVLOC. Originally from Chaska, she studied music at Northern State University. Her prior roles include Marcy in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, and as a member of the chorus of Minnesota Opera’s Cruzar la Cara de la Luna. She’s your go-to Gossip Girl guru (xoxo), a budding roller skater, and constantly singing Ariana Grande in the car. |
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Mikaela Moe – SarahMikaela is very grateful for the opportunity to be back on stage with the GSVLOC in Utopia, Limited! Prior to Utopia, Limited, Mikaela has been in multiple shows with various companies around the Twin Cities including: Beauty and the Beast with CastleCo (Madame), White Christmas with Lakeshore Players (ensemble), The Pirates of Penzance with GSVLOC (ensemble), Mary Poppins with IGH Theatre (Valentine / Featured Dancer / Soloist), and She Loves Me with Lakeshore Players (Ensemble). While in college, Mikaela studied for a semester at The Kings College in New York City and trained at a professional acting studio. She holds a BA in Musical Theatre / Acting and Directing, with minors in Leadership and Film. Outside of theatre, Mikaela is a middle school teacher, a teaching artist with SteppingStone theatre, and runs a small Etsy shop. Mikaela would like to thank her family and her voice teacher, Brett, for their constant support and encouragement to pursue my dreams! All glory to God for his endless grace and blessings in my life. (Ephesians 3:20-21) |
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Alyssa Ehlen – MargaretAlyssa is excited to be performing in another show with the GSVLOC! Her last two shows with the company were The Sorcerer and H.M.S. Pinafore! Some of her recent credits include Noises Off as Poppy, Picnic as Millie Owens, Steel Magnolias as Ouiser, Spring Awakening as Anna and Pride and Prejudice as Charlotte Lucas at Normandale Community College and the French Narrator in Eagan Summer Community Theatre’s SpongeBob the Musical and most recently played Reverend Hale in Hangfire productions The Crucible. Alyssa has an AFA in theatre performance and a BA in theatre! Her childhood heart is singing with absolute joy being able to further her career in acting. Alyssa would like to thank her friends and family for the awesome support they have shown her while she pursues her lifelong dream of acting! |
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The Ensemble
Mary Mescher BenbenekMary is delighted to be returning for her third production of Utopia, Limited having performed with the GSVLOC for over forty years. The operetta’s setting invokes dreams of warmer lands this time of year which always helps to make the last few months of winter speed by. Mary enjoys performing with the company and meeting the incredible new talent that has engaged with the GSVLOC. She also delights in being able to perform with her husband, Waldyn Benbenek. Off stage, she continues as a Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of Minnesota. |
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Maggie BenhamMaggie is delighted to find herself back on stage for her fourth show with the GSVLOC after previously appearing in The Sorcerer (Aline), The Pirates of Penzance (Kate & Mabel), and Ruddigore (Bridesmaid / Young Hannah). She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Minor in Theatre Arts from the University of Northwestern – Saint Paul. Some recent credits include Ashland Production’s A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Cratchit) and Brian Grandison’s production of Is He Dead? (Cecile). You may have spotted her on other stages in the Twin Cities (www.maggiebenham.com for more), but she is happy to spend most of her time with the GSVLOC family. As a child with a flair for the dramatic, Maggie found her love for opera by performing with the Pittsburgh Opera Company in several productions including The Magic Flute (Knaben). She’s grateful to still have an outlet for all that drama (it didn’t decrease with age). By day, you can find Maggie living the marketing dream at Hook Agency, dancing through life with her husband Brandyn, and trying to keep up with her overly energetic puppy. Hugs to them both (and to her stage-partner-in-crime, Seth). |
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Sarah BrickeenAspiring coloratura soprano, Sarah can be seen performing around the Twin-Cities area. Most recently, she performed with Journey North Opera Company in their cover cast production of Dark Sisters as Lucinda. Sarah has previously performed with Overdressed Duo, Opera Reading Project, and with the GSVLOC in their more recent productions of The Pirates of Penzance and The Sorcerer. Opera roles she has performed are Nanetta (Falstaff), Lauretta (Gianni Schicchi), Micaela (Carmen), and Euridice (Orfeo ed Euridice). Sarah was a semi-finalist in the Camille Coloratura competition in 2022 and has received recognition as a Certified Young Artist in the 2021 CS International Music Competition. Sarah is excited for the opportunity to cover the role of Princess Natasha in this delightful production of Utopia, Limited. |
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Justin CervantesJustin is excited to return to GSVLOC and to perform in his second production with the company! He’s enjoyed gallivanting on the stage as the Bold Faced Ranger, marching on as an Escort First Life Guard, and understudying one of the Flowers of Progress. Justin was last seen performing as one of the pirates and policemen in the November 2022 production of The Pirates of Penzance. After performing with GSVLOC, he played Liam in Lakeshore Players’ production of Calendar Girls followed by playing Hasler / Pop in Artistry’s The Pajama Game. Justin’s most recent directing credit was Chain Reaction Theatre Project’s 2021 production of White Privilege. A couple of his favorite roles were performing as Pablo Picasso in Picasso at the Lapin Agile with the Chameleon Theatre Circle and as Pablo del Valle in Native Gardens with the Northfield Arts Guild. Justin serves as the Board Chair of CLIMB Theatre, which is where his professional theatre career began after graduating from Wartburg College in 2014. He is also a proud member of the Apollo Male Chorus of Minneapolis. Special thanks to Adriana and his family for all their love and support! Hip Hip Hooray! |
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Tessa DahlgrenTessa is an actor, fight choreographer, and dialect coach in the Twin Cities. She is thrilled to be making her GSVLOC debut! This is Tessa’s first Gilbert & Sullivan production, and daresay she is hooked! Other recent performance credits include: Dock Work (Jackdonkey Productions); TABLE and FARM (Sod House Theater); Mary’s Wondrous Body (Birth Play Project); and A Bear (Clevername Theatre). You can see her perform next in Clevername Theatre’s Machinal. Offstage, when she is neither Gilberting nor Sullivaning, Tessa loves to play the mandolin, solve puzzle games, and take on the next home improvement adventure with her partner, Meers. She would like to give three cheers (and three cheers more) to you! Sharing stories with a beautiful audience is Tessa’s absolute favorite part of theatre; thanks for visiting Utopia and making it possible! |
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Mary GregoryMary has been a member of the GSVLOC since moving to the Twin Cities area many, many years ago. The music, antics onstage (and backstage!), and friendships fill the hardest months of a Minnesota winter. Living in a land where we have seasons helps us to remember that change is inevitable. Let us work for a positive change. Mary hopes that you enjoy this production of Utopia, Limited! As in a quote from one of her favorite authors, “Utopia was here at last: its novelty had not yet been assailed by the supreme enemy of all Utopias — boredom.” ― Arthur C. Clarke, Childhood’s End |
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Stephen HageOne of the many reasons that Utopia, Limited is such a special show for Stephen is that he, like Princess Zara, also studied at Cambridge University’s Girton College! He was there, however, a few years after Zara, so they didn’t get to meet on campus! 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’s carried him through the years to this, his forty-fifth appearance in a G&S production … but then, who’s counting!? In addition to appearing on stage, he also serves the GSVLOC as its Producer. Stephen has also performed on stage with Artistry, Mill City Summer Opera and Minnesota Opera. He is active in the Twin Cities’ vibrant film community and has appeared in numerous feature films, short films, commercials, and music videos, in roles ranging from principal, to supporting, to background. By day, he is responsible for Human Resources for the Orion Associates organization of companies, which he does with a 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 wonderful children, Lyndsay, Madeleine, Maya, and Liam … and to his lovely and loving wife, Lara. |
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Noah HanNoah is a new member of the GSVLOC. He first became familiar with Gilbert and Sullivan’s work seeing a production of Ruddigore while at Saint Olaf College. While looking for more singing opportunities in the Twin Cities, Noah felt the opera calling his name and hasn’t looked back. He has really enjoyed being a part of the production. Noah is also singing with Exultate and will be performing Bruckner motets for Bruckner’s 200th birthday this spring. His other musical endeavors include voice lessons, pick-up polka band with his roommates, and playing/performing church music. Noah just wants to thank his cast members, the pit, Randy and Maureen for the great opportunity that has been the GSVLOC. |
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Trenton JohnsonTrenton is excited to once again be working with the GSVLOC. After two chorus roles in two of their H.M.S. Pinafore productions, he is honored to be covering Captain Fitzbattleaxe in Utopia, Limited. As this is his first experience covering a role, he is very grateful to the cast for all of the support and advice he has received. When not on stage, Trenton teaches mathematics either at Mathnasium or in a local school. In his free time, Trenton enjoys reading, playing any type of game, or making music, whether that be singing or playing piano. |
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Therese KulasTherese is overjoyed to be back with the GSVLOC and covering for Kelly Danger, and making sure everything is sanitary enough for Mrs. Blushington. She holds a degree in vocal performance from the University of Mary – favorite roles include Cinderella in Into the Woods, Penny in Hairspray, and Hodel in A Fiddler on the Roof. When not rehearsing, Therese works in marketing and enjoys trying new foods, pretending to be Esther Williams at water aerobics classes and supporting her husband by watching him play the French horn. Special thanks to the directors and creative staff for sharing their talents, Nick for the unending support, and Darin for the wisdom and audition coaching. |
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Dean LauranceDean and Waldyn are the last two original performing members of the GSVLOC, founded in 1979. Most of the current cast members weren’t even born then. Waldyn welcomed him back for this show so that he wouldn’t be the oldest member in the cast. In 1985, when the orchestra moved backstage, Dean set up the original AV system with monitors and cameras. For many years he was the Set Builder until he couldn’t do it any more. In Utopia, Limited Dean has a one word line in the First Act Finale. He has lost much sleep worrying that he might mess it up. |
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Blanka MelbostadBlanka is thrilled to be returning to the stage as the cover for Zara in this production of Utopia, Limited. You may have spotted her before in both The Pirates of Penzance and The Sorcerer. Most recently, she has appeared in Verdi’s Falstaff with Opera Reading Project and in E. Kalman’s Die Csárdásfürstin produced by Opera on the Lake. She is incredibly grateful to be part of such a talented cast and crew. |
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Jaezmyne Pheanious-BrowneJaezmyne, who is in the ensemble and covering the role of Phyllis, is excited to be working with GSVLOC for the first time. A recent graduate from Western Connecticut State University, Jaezmyne performed in shows such as L’elisir d’amore and Suor Angelica during her undergraduate program. She hopes to continue to pursue a performing arts career in the Twin Cities and beyond. |
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Gary PyeThis is Gary’s first appearance with the GSVLOC and he’s thrilled to be a part of the company and this production of Utopia, Limited. A Graphic Designer by day, Gary has appeared on a number of stages in the Twin Cities, including the Mill City Summer Opera, Minnesota Opera, and in Director Maureen Kane Berg’s original musical production of A House Divided. Gary hopes that you enjoy the show! |
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Richard RamesRichard enjoys “singing choruses in public” and has appeared in the chorus of almost every performance of the GSVLOC at the Conn Theater since the first production of Patience in 1980. He also sings regularly in other groups, including the Saint Mark’s Cathedral Choral Society, Crescendo Community Chorus, and singing along with his player piano. This is his third production of Utopia, Limited. |
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Seth Tychon SteidlSeth could not be happier to perform in his fifth production with the GSVLOC after 2016’s Iolanthe (Peer), 2020’s / 2022’s Ruddigore (Robin Oakapple), 2022’s The Pirates of Penzance (Frederic) and The Sorcerer (Alexis). Additional recent credits include Paul Andrew Willis Jr’s One Stride Behind the Setting Sun (Tiresias), Ashland Production’s Beauty & the Beast, Mamma Mia, and A Christmas Carol: The Musical (Beast, Sam Carmichael, Ebenezer Scrooge), Eagan Summer Community Theater’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo), and Artistry’s The Secret Garden (Dickon Sowerby). When not performing on stage, Seth is either chanting at Saint Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church or spending time with his wonderful wife, Sarah. To close, Seth would like to extend big hugs to his stage-partner-in-crime, Maggie. |
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Angela WalbergAngela is happily making her debut with the GSVLOC! She has been seen in various companies such as The Ordway, Skylark Opera, Artistry, Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis Music Theatre, Really Spicy Opera, The Zephyr Theatre and Theatre Coup D’Etat. Favorite past roles include Lily in The Secret Garden, Mother in Ragtime, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Sharon in Master Class, Petra in A Little Night Music, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Rapunzel in Into the Woods and Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Angela has also been seen in local commercials and even produces theatre from time to time! You may also catch her at a baseball game as she is frequently a National Anthem singer for The Saint Paul Saints Baseball team! Thank you for supporting the arts! |
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Riley WebsterRiley is thrilled to be making his debut with the GSVLOC! Although new to the opera world, you may have seen Riley in other productions throughout the Twin Cities, including Dan in Next To Normal (Wildwood), Collins in RENT (Century), Emmett in Legally Blonde (Burnsville Summer Theater), and Saucy Jack in Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens (Century). When not on stage, Riley moonlights as a software engineer. Apart from performing, Riley enjoys terrorizing his cat with his unwanted affection, playing video games, and taking care of his many, MANY plants. |
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Holly WindleAlthough now holding the plum status of oldest woman in the cast, Holly has for decades played younger than her age. In GSVLOC’s first Sorcerer (1985), she wore a pink pinafore with her hair in long ringlets. (This is confirmable on the GSVLOC website.) In recent years, however, she’s taken juicy old lady roles (Theatre in the Round, Threshold Theater, and Daytrippers Dinner Theatre). As actor fodder for a playwright’s group, she gets to read parts that cover a variety of ages, genders, and life forms. As further distraction from real life, she sincerely hopes to make it someday to the category of Double Centurion in the Omnificent English Dictionary in Limerick Form (OEDILF): only 55 more approved limericks needed. |
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