Student Performance Program 2011-2012
Student Matinees
Doctor Miracle
by Georges Bizet
Jump to: Synopsis | Cast Bios | Production Team
Students attend a one-hour, fully-staged opera performance in the beautiful Winspear Opera House located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.
The chandelier will go up, the lights will go down and students will be treated to a performance of Bizet’s DOCTOR MIRACLE. This one-act opera is a comedic gem that encourages true love together through the making of an omelet! It is a perfect student introduction to opera.
All performances are fully staged with piano accompaniment. Casts for Student Performances are graduate-level students from the SMU Vocal Dept. and UNT Opera Program.
Jump to: Synopsis | Cast Bios | Production Team
Cost per student $4
For students 4th–8th grade
Performance Dates
All performances at 10:30 AM at the Winspear Opera House in the Dallas Arts District.
Seating for TDO Performances will begin on October 1, 2011. Seating is done in order of reservation date.
| Monday, October 31, 2011 | Past | |
| Friday, November 4, 2011 | Past | |
| Friday, February 17, 2012 | Past | |
| Tuesday, February 21, 2012 | Past | |
| Monday, April 30, 2012 | Sold Out | |
| Tuesday, May 1, 2012 | Only Grand Tier seating remaining! | Register |
Synopsis: The Story of the Opera
Doctor Miracle is a one-act comic opera. The story is set in the town of Padua, Italy, in the 19th century. The action takes place in the home of the town’s mayor.
The opera opens with the Mayor, his second wife Veronica, and his daughter, Laurette, sitting on their terrace. They hear a loud noise and see a door-to-door salesman, Doctor Miracle, selling his cure-all remedy. Unknown to the family, Doctor Miracle is really Silvio, a man in love with Laurette. He is wearing a disguise to get close to Laurette.
After a time, the three turn their attention away from Doctor Miracle. The Mayor informs his daughter that he has hired a new servant, Pasquin, to replace his old servant that he had fired for passing love notes between Silvio and Laurette. He leaves to retrieve Pasquin.
Laurette is soon lost in her own thoughts. She sings of her love for Silvio, a captain in the army. Her father already has plans for her to marry the local chemist. He does not like Silvio, and has told Laurette she is not allowed even to speak to him.
The Mayor returns with Pasquin and introduces him to Laurette and Veronica. The family does not realize that Pasquin is really Silvio, once again in disguise. The Mayor asks the ladies to leave so that he can speak to Pasquin alone. After a few minutes of conversation, the Mayor realizes that he and Pasquin will get along famously as they both share a deep dislike for soldiers. He is further impressed when Pasquin informs him that he is an excellent chef and asks him to put his culinary skills to use by making lunch for the family.
Pasquin makes an omelet for the family’s lunch. The awful smell and taste of the omelet send the Mayor and his wife running from the house. This gives Silvio the chance to remove his disguise and indulge in a love duet with Laurette. When the Mayor returns, he finds the pair and orders Silvio out of the house.
Soon a letter arrives with a message for the Mayor that the omelet he tasted was poisoned and that there is no antidote. The family panics and when they realize that the village doctor is out of town, the Mayor sends for Doctor Miracle. Doctor Miracle arrives and agrees to save the day, but only if he is granted Laurette’s hand in marriage. The Mayor agrees consents to the marriage. The Doctor reveals his true identity. When the Mayor sees that the “Doctor” is really Silvio, he is very angry. After some thought, the Mayor gives in to the merry mood and joins in celebrating Laurette’s happiness. All is well, and everyone is happy.
Cast Biographies
Avis Stroud
(Veronica)
Mezzo-Soprano
Avis Stroud made her debut in 2008 with the Dallas Opera in its production of Porgy and Bess. Since that time she has continued to make herself known in the world of opera, and as a champion of the concert repertoire. She is a recent graduate of Southern Methodist University, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of North Texas, where she is a student of Dr. Linda di Fiore. Current roles include Marcellinia in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro and Addie in Marc Blitzstein’s Regina. In 2012, Ms. Stroud will perform the role of Alisa in the UNT Opera Theater’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor.
Jennifer Youngs
(Laurette)
Soprano
Jennifer Youngs is an exciting emerging artist who is equally at home on both the opera and concert stage. Last season she served as a soloist artist for the Dallas Opera Concert Series, and was featured in a family concert with the Dallas Opera Orchestra. This season at the University of North Texas she will perform the roles of Donna Anna in Don Giovanni and Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor. Her 2010-2011 season at the University of North Texas has consisted of the roles of Vitellia in Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito and Birdie in Blizstein’s Regina. Throughout the year she has worked closely with composer Jake Heggie, and has been featured in a masterclass and several concerts with the composer.
While at the University of the Pacific, Jennifer performed the roles of Casilda in The Gondoliers, Mrs. Roby in the west coast premier of The Power of Xingu, and Clorinda in La Cenerentola. The production of La Cenerentola went on to be a winner in the National Opera Association competition and a finalist in The American College Theatre Festival, with performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington. While at Pacific she served as soloist for the Bach Cantata #110, Haydn’s Creation, and was featured in Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, and Handel’s Brockes Passion for the Stockton Symphony. Jennifer also had the unique opportunity to solo with jazz legend Dave Brubeck.
Jennifer has recently placed 1st and voted the audience favorite in the 6th Annual Lois Alba Aria Competition in Houston, TX. She has also been a district winner of the Metropolitan Opera Council Auditions in Kansas City. In 2009 she was nominated to be a finalist for a Richard Tucker Award.
Jennifer is currently pursuing a master’s degree in vocal performance at The University of North Texas, where she studies with Lynn Eustis. She holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of the Pacific, in Stockton, CA. While at Pacific she studied with John David DeHaan.
Christian Bester
(The Mayor of Padua)
Baritone
This is Mr. Bester’s third season with the Dallas Opera as an Emerging Artist. Mr. Bester debuted as Schaunard for Pro Musica Theater in South Africa in 2005. Other roles include the King in Transformations for Santa Fe Concert Association; Papageno for Amalfi Coast Festival, Italy; Zaremba in Polin Blut with the Americke Jaro Festival, Czech Republic; King Pellinore for Ash Lawn Opera; Count, Belcore, Marcello and Germont for UNT Opera; Aeneas, Bob, Guglielmo and Escamillo for SMU Opera Theater; Prince Moritz Popolescu, Basil, and Gianni Schicchi for TUT Opera Theater; and Dr. Malatesta for Salon Music Productions in South Africa. Mr. Bester was also a member of the Des Moines Metro Opera’s Young Artist Program in 2008 as well as a member of Ash Lawn Opera’s Young Artist Program in 2009. His concert work includes Brahms’ Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Schubert Mass, Faure Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah and Tippett’s A Child of our Time. He will soon sing Don Giovanni in Don Giovanni for UNT Opera.
Jonathan Yarrington
(Pasquin / Captain Silvio / Doctor Miracle)
Tenor — Idaho Falls, Idaho — Dallas Opera debut
This is Jonathan Yarrington’s first engagement with the Dallas Opera. He has recently appeared for UNT Opera as Jeník in Prodaná nevěsta, the Stage Manager in Our Town, William Marshall in Regina, and Ferrando in Cosi fan tutte. He has appeared in concert with the Plano Civic Chorus, the Dallas Chamber Orchestra, the Fort Worth Baroque Society, the Texas Camerata, and the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and has covered roles as an apprentice with the Utah Festival Opera Company. In 2005 he won the Nebraska District of the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. Upcoming engagements include Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor for UNT Opera.
Julie Ann Dieltz
(Veronica)
Lyric Soprano — Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Julie Ann Dieltz began her opera career during her undergraduate work at The University of South Dakota. While there, she performed in numerous scenes and full productions, including performances as Lauretta in Gianni Schicchi and Geraldine in A Hand of Bridge. She then transferred to and graduated from Abilene Christian University, singing the mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors. Her most recent role was as Magda Sorel in The Consul at ACU. In addition to her work with the Dallas Opera’s TDO2go and Student Performances @ the Winspear, Julie is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance at Southern Methodist University and performing with the SMU Opera Department in scene productions and Le nozze di Figaro.
Julie Marx
(Laurette)
Soprano
Julie Marx is in her second year at Southern Methodist University pursuing a Masters in vocal performance. She received her Bachelor’s of Music degree from Rice University in May of 2010. Most recently she was seen as Zerlina in Don Giovanni in Weimar, Germany at the Lyric Opera Studio Weimar and as Cupid in Orpheus in the Underworld at SMU (February 2010). Other roles include Despina (Così fan tutte) and Gheradino (Gianni Schicchi). In 2011, Julie won the Encouragement Award at the Dallas Opera Guild Vocal Competition and won third place in the scholarship division of the National Opera Association vocal competition. Upcoming engagements include Susanna in Le Nozze di Figaro at Southern Methodist University.
Njabulo Mthimkhulu
(The Mayor of Padua)
Baritone — Durban, South Africa — Dallas Opera debut
Njabulo Mthimkhulu makes his TDO2Go and Student Performances @ the Winspear debut with these performances. He has sung Marullo in Rigoletto and de Bretigny in Manon with the Cape Town Opera and was a soloist for Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s Missa Cellensis, Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Schubert Mass in G. His repertoire includes the title role in Don Giovanni, the Count in Le Nozze di Figaro, and Rambaldo in La Rondine. He made his European debut in Sweden as Jean in Boesman’s Julie. Upcoming engagements include the Count in Le Nozze di Figaro with Southern Methodist University. Mr. Mthimkhulu is currently working on his Artist Diploma at Southern Methodist University.
Zach Hess
(Pasquin / Captain Silvio / Doctor Miracle)
Tenor — Abilene, Texas
Zachary Hess has been described as “marvelous” by the Nashville Scene and “outstanding” by the Nashville Parent. Mr. Hess’ roles in Doctor Miracle will mark his debut with TDO2Go. Mr. Hess was most recently seen in Opera Avanti’s scenes program, singing Faust in Boito’s Mefistofele and Tom Rakewell in Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. Other roles include Alfredo in La traviata with Repertory Opera Theater of Washington, DC, Tamino in The Magic Flute and Captain Tarnitz in The Student Prince for Nashville Opera and Anthony Hope in Sweeney Todd with Tennessee Repertory Theatre. Mr. Hess was also a member of the Mary Ragland Young Artist Program at Nashville Opera. On the concert stage, Mr. Hess has sung the tenor solo in Theodore Dubois’ The Seven Last Words of Christ in Harrisonburg, Virginia, as well as the tenor solo in Mozart’s Coronation Mass with the Masterworks Chorus of the Shenandoah Valley.
Production Team
Stage Director
James Hampton
Leonardtown, MarylandJames Hampton has received critical acclaim as both a stage director and singer. The Washington Post applauded his “pungent”, “tightly paced” direction of Ned Rorem’s opera Our Town at The Catholic University of America. For The University of Texas at Austin, he has directed productions of Handel’s Rinaldo, Orff’s Antigone, Robert Ward’s Roman Fever, and numerous opera scenes evenings. He has directed Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor and Menotti’s The Medium for East Carolina University. On stage, he has been praised for his “mellifluous tenor” (The Towson Times) and “flair for comedy” (The Washington Post). He has been a soloist with the Metro Opera Project, The Texas Early Music Project, The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Austin, Cockpit in Court Summer Theater, The Johns Hopkins Chorale, and the Handel Choir of Baltimore. Ensemble credits include the Washington Opera, Baltimore Opera, Washington Concert Opera and the Deutsch Oper Berlin. James received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin and is the Artistic Services Manager for The Dallas Opera.
Music Director
Julian Reed
Julian Reed has enjoyed a fulfilling career in a variety of roles in many opera companies over the past thirty years. Mr. Reed has a great body of experience as a pianist, vocal coach, chorus master, and conductor. He has rejoined the Dallas Opera. He is also a faculty member with L.E.S.I.V.A. (Land of Enchantment Summer Institute of Vocal Arts). Mr. Reed has held resident positions at the Dallas Opera, Lyric Opera of Dallas, Niedersaechsishe Staatsoper Hannover, Austin Lyric Opera, and in the past five seasons, was Chorus Master, Principal Coach / Pianist, and Music Director of the Marion Roose Pullin Resident Artist Program at the Arizona Opera.
Mr. Reed has served as a guest artist in companies such as the Seattle Opera, the Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center, Portland Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Fort Worth Opera, Opera Memphis, and others. He worked primarily as a vocal coach and rehearsal pianist at the Hannover State Opera, and occasionally served as rehearsal conductor. In addition, Mr. Reed was a featured artist on the company’s “Marshnersaal” recital series. During his tenure, Mr. Reed prepared “gala abends” with famed artists such as Dame Gwyneth Jones, Carol Neblett, Anna Tomova-Sintow, Sherrill Milnes, Kurt Moll, Kurt Rydll, Giuseppe Taddei, and others. While in Hannover, Mr. Reed was responsible for twenty-four to twenty-six different productions per season. As a conductor, Julian Reed has conducted performances of Il barbiere di Siviglia, La Boheme, Carmen, La Cenerentola, La Grand-Duchesse de Gerolstein, The Merry Widow, Madama Butterfly, The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, Ruddigore, Rigoletto, La traviata, and The Magic Flute. Julian Reed apprenticed at the San Francisco Opera in the Merola Program in two different seasons, where he was a winner of the Otto Guth Memorial Award for coaching. As a result, Mr. Reed also toured through twenty-seven states with the Western Opera Theater.
Production Designer
Tommy Bourgeois
New Orleans, Louisiana
Tommy Bourgeois has been associated with The Dallas Opera for over 25 years. He has been an integral part of the Costume Shop and is the Head of the Properties Department. Mr. Bourgeois has designed costumes and scenery for Ballet Austin, including Romeo and Juliette, The Nutcracker and an original production of Taming of the Shrew commissioned by the Kennedy Center. Other costume designs include Six Flags over Texas’ Christmas Show, Jazzland in New Orleans and Dixie Stamped in Tennessee. In addition to designing costumes for various theatres in Dallas, Tommy served as Master Carpenter and Costumer for the Lyric Opera Of Dallas for 4 years from 1986–1989. He is currently the set designer for the Order of the Alamo Coronation that takes place in San Antonio every spring during Fiesta. Tommy earned a MA in Theatre Design and Dramatic Criticism at Southwest Texas University and went on to earn an MFA at Southern Methodist University where he studied with Bill and Jean Eckhart. In New York, Mr. Bourgeois was the assistant to Beni Montressor on ballets and operas in New York, NY and abroad and worked in the fashion industry for Joseph Abboud and Emanuel Ungaro.
Lighting Designer
Krista Billings
Sheridan, Wyoming
Krista Billings (Lighting Designer) arrived at the Dallas Opera by way of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, Cincinnati, and her hometown of Sheridan, Wyoming. Her opera credits include Delaware Opera Company, Center City Opera in Philadelphia, The Curtis Institute of Music, and Cincinnati Opera. She has a wide range of performing arts experience, from the Fringe Festival, to The Velveteen Rabbit (for Enchantment Theatre) and the re-lighting of historic Boathouse Row on the beautiful Schuylkill River. Krista loves the scope that opera offers and chance to help tell the story with light. Some of her other credits include Unlock the Magic for the Rock School of Dance, Buddy Holly and The Full Monty for Media Performing Arts Center, and The Dark Play for Theatre Exile. She is currently Lighting Director at The Dallas Opera, and the Associate Lighting Designer for Cincinnati Opera.
