AMARILLO OPERA in associaon with Amarillo College presents Susan Kander's She Never Lost a Passenger Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts 7:30 p.m. • Friday, February 8, 2013 Parally funded by the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundaon and Texas Commission on the Arts. Sustaining Support for Amarillo Opera’s 25th Anniversary Season provided by Joseph H. and Arlene Pool
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AMARILLO OPERA
in association with Amarillo College presents
Susan Kander's
She Never Losta Passenger
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts7:30 p.m. • Friday, February 8, 2013
Partially funded by the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation and Texas Commission on the Arts.
Sustaining Support for Amarillo Opera’s 25th Anniversary Season provided by Joseph H. and Arlene Pool
From the General DirectorOn behalf of all of us at Amarillo Opera, welcome to this second opera in our new Family Chamber Opera Series – launched earlier this season in an intimate and popular co-production of Gian-Carlo Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors with Chamber Music Amarillo at the Fibonacci Building on historic Route 66.
In reality, the series began with last February’s landmark co-production of Joshua’s Boots with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis. The success of that production set us on a path to develop a small satellite series of shorter works, sung in English, suitable for both children and family audiences – operas that utilize artists of all ages. We’re especially grateful to our partners at The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation for important funding that helped bring this opera to you and to more than 2,700 students that saw it during our school day performances yesterday.
We’ve assembled a marvelous cast including South African soprano Bronwen Forbay as Harriet Tubman and tenor Nathan Granner who created the roles of William Grant Still and John in the original production of She Never Lost a Passenger first mounted by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City. They’re joined by our own Brian Kuhnert and Candace Carpenter as Thomas and Sarah Garrett and an outstanding group of young student performers – most appearing in their very first opera.
Like last year’s Joshua’s Boots, this is tricky and difficult work. I’m tremendously proud of the Texas Panhandle elementary school, middle school and high school students in our cast. They have far surpassed any expectation that I had when I selected this piece for the Globe-News Center stage.
In today’s world we often link the words arts and entertainment – but there’s so much more than entertainment in what you’ll see tonight. Don’t misunderstand; we hope you enjoy tonight’s performance, but there is a difference between arts and entertainment. In the words of Makoto Fujimura, “Entertainment gives you a predictable pleasure. Art. . .leads to transformation. It awakens you, rather than just satisfying a craving.” In other words, art challenges us. At times it breaks our hearts. It forces us to make a choice. Art either reaffirms us or changes us – it awakens in us the realities of our lives and inspires in us things we might otherwise never have imagined.
Accomplished singing is absolutely essential in the world of opera, but beautiful music is only the beginning of what we try to bring to our stage. One hundred years ago next month our world lost a courageous woman; a woman known as Moses. Tonight we celebrate her legacy and the legacies of countless others that have made our lives richer and more complete because of their commitment to freedom and equality for all.
Thank you for joining us tonight. We’re glad you’re here. We hope you’ll leave the theatre inspired and transformed. We’re making great opera and great art in Amarillo, but we can’t possibly do it without you.
With sincere appreciation,
David O’Dell General Director
2 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
Upcoming Events
Fol de Rol: Candide’s Odyssey Ball Ambassador Hotel
March 16, 2013 · 6:30 p.m.
Candide Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
April 6 & 7, 2013 Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Musica Variada Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts
May 24, 2013 · 7:30 p.m. School Performances May 23, 2013
The Wizard of Oz: Summer Youth MusicalGlobe-News Center for the Performing Arts
July 11-14, 2013
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 3
2012-2013 Board of Trustees
Patrick Swindell, President
Beverly Plank, Vice-President
Craig Gladman, President-Elect
Laura Street, Past-President
Joe Crowley, Treasurer
Roxann Ball, Recording Secretary
Elayne Shults, Corresponding Secretary
Catherine Winsett, Founding Member
H.R. and Thelma Fulton, Founding Members
Mila Gibson, Founder
Diana Wright, BRAVO Board President
Steven Beckham, Trustee
Bill Byrd, Honorary Advisor
Kathy Durrett, Trustee
Bob Hansen, Trustee
Kevin Gandy, Trustee
April Johansson, Trustee
Lee Kendle, Trustee
Russell Lowery-Hart, Trustee
Nick Nevarez, Trustee
Rosemary Roach, Trustee
Clemon Whitaker, Trustee
Linda Williams, Trustee
4 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
2012-2013 BRAVO Committee
Diana Wright, President
Sandra Pelfrey, President-Elect
Roxann Ball, Past President
Eleanor Glazener, Corresponding Secretary
Donna Clopton, Recording Secretary
Letha Banks, Parliamentarian
Garry & Annette Nall, Hospitality
Bryan Jepson, Treasurer
Hollis Ann Hands, Cast Care
Patricia Turner, Historian
Mitsy Veloz, Publicity
Patti Summerhill, Scholarships
Mila Gibson, Founder
Cathie Barney, Trustee
Pamela Beckham, Trustee
Roni Swindell, Trustee
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 5
Annual Fund (The following lists those donors of $50 or more between January 31, 2012 – January 31, 2013)
Diamond Circle ($100,000) Joseph H. and Arlene Pool
Director’s Circle ($50,000) The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation
Artist’s Circle ($25,000) Amarillo College The Mary E. Bivins Foundation The Brumley Foundation David D. and Nona S. Payne Foundation Richard and Barbara Davis Patrick and Roni Swindell The Sybil B. Harrington Living Trust
Producer ($10,000) Branch and Carajean Archer Dr. Kent and Ilene Roberts Balliett Foundation Steven and Loraine Beckham Bill and Cindy Byrd Patricia Fisher Eleanor Glazener Hollis Ann Hands Josephine Anderson Trust Asset Management Alfred and Patricia Smith Street Toyota Joe and Laura Street Telemundo
Benefactor ($5,000) Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Arts Committee The Amarillo Civic Center James and Pamela Beckham Roamiee Caranto and Patrizia da Milano Levert and Teresa Gillman Jim and Frances Hutson KFDA-TV Juliana Lightle Parkview House Bed & Breakfast
Nabil and Carol Dia Rhett and Beverly Plank Bill and Ruth Quackenbush Tacos Garcia Texas Commission on the Arts The Ambassador Hotel Dr. Victoria Thompson Ben and Joan Weber Tim Winn Mr. Merrill Winsett
Guarantor ($2,500) Atmos Energy Corporation Kevin and Roxann Ball Roy and Betty Bara Ronnie and Catherine Barney Black Historical Cultural Center Darrell and Beverly Bledsoe Lilith Brainard Ross and Donna Clopton Chamber Music Amarillo Erich and Joann Drochner Robert and Kathy Durrett Carroll M. Forrester Warren and Celine Freeman H.R. and Thelma Fulton J. Craig and Donna Gladman Glazers Jim Gleason Robert Hansen and Lee Persefield Lois K. Hull Ove and April Johansson Bob and Nancy Josserand La Fiesta Grande Restaurants Garry and Annette Nall New Day Productions News Channel 10 David and Amelia O’Dell Maxwell and Donna Peck Michael and Sandra Pelfrey Ginger Smith Southwest Retina Specialists William and Patti Summerhill
Douglas and Stephanie Sullivan Stephen and Diana Wright
Impresario Society ($1,000) Vanessa Abuchaibe Amarillo Botanical Gardens Amarillo College Conservatory Amarillo Diagnostic Clinic, P.A. Alfonso and Linda Armstrong Ascension Academy B&W Pantex Bert and Marlies Ballengee Letha Banks Jeff Bara Dr. Enid M. Bates Adair Buckner Buckner’s Bruce Ford Community Center Budweiser Distributing Company Dennis and Carolyn Canon Martha Collaer Joe Crowley Robbin and Alice Dawson Roberto and Elizabeth Estevez Jimmie Foster Mariada George Harry and Shirley Haines Victor and Caroline Hands Hastings Entertainment, Inc. Yvette Henderson Atoi Horton Bryan and Elizabeth Jepson La Mejor La Voz Hispana Russell and Tara Lowery-Hart Father Hector Madrigal Marcella Furs and Leather Grover and Pearlene Martin Maverick Boys and Girls Club Raenell McDonough Konnie Meyer Helen E. Neal Nick Nevarez
6 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
OPERA America Opera Debs, Patti Stapp, Executive Director Rhonda Silverman and Phyllis Sparks Joan Osborn Parie Designs Harve and Penny Pearson Ruby Person Phi Mu Alpha Dennis and Freda Powell Jacob Breeden/Process Art House Dan and Myrna Raffkind Harvey and Clara Ratliff J. Pat and Vicki Richmond Salvador Rivas Elayne Shults Sprouse Shrader Smith Law Firm Delores Thompson Jack and Dee Turner Cleveland and Patricia Turner Roy and Isabel Urrutia Alphonso and Linda Vaughn Wesley Community Center Clemon and Lola Whitaker Linda Williams Roger Williams and Ana Estevez Xcel Energy Amarillo
Contributor ($250) Amarillo College Foundation Amarillo National Bank Barnes Jewelry Robert and Nancy Barr Judith Evans William and Cynthia Good Alex Gregory Happy State Bank Donnell Hill Ruth Holman Douglass and Alice Hyde Sylvania Jeffery Bob and Helen Marr Johannesen Johnson Chapel AME Church Dr. Mitchell Jones
Winnie Lee Jones Jake Lennard Virginia Maynard Jeff and Sandra Neely Panhandle Queen Court 297 Sonic Underwood Law Firm Col. J.P. and Catherine Wedding
Associate ($100) Patricia Allen Amarillo Little Theatre Amarillo Symphony Amarillo United Citizens Forum John and Mary L. Abbott Bayless Peter and Gayle Bickers L. Louise Box Bruce and Darlene Brasington Brown & Fortunato, PC Genevieve Caldwell Classic Rollers Car Club Coors of Amarillo Beverly de la Brettone Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Allen and Leisa Durrett Betty Farrell Friends of Aeolian Skinner Mila Gibson Alex Gregory Robert and Laurie Groman Marti Hands Bill and Beverly Harris Joe and Joan Horn Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church William Jenkins Jim Jordan Robert and Michelle Kauffman Michael and Rhanda Luna Marcella Furs and Leather Paul and Sandy Matney Mary Ruth McCulley C.W. Nickerson Lois Nix Don and Dorothy Patterson
Paul Harpole Motors, LLC Troyce K. Phillips Lawrence and Tennessee Pickens Prince Hall Masonic Family Dorothy Ragster Anthony Riepma Gloria N. Roberts Dr. and Mrs. Dale Roller Keith Severin Bobby and Paula Steele Dr. and Mrs. Hagos Tekeste United Way of Amarillo Lawrence Walker Thelma J. Ward Warford-Walker Mortuary Jeanette Wedding L. Alward and Nancy White, Jr. Mark and Terry Ann White James and Barbara Whitton, Jr. Hugh and Renee Wilson Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
Friend ($50) Joyce Attebury Ault & Associates John and Sidney Boyce Billie Currie Harold and Carole Eck Rachel Gallagher Jeanne Ann Gibson Robert and Mary Jane Hays Wade and Marcy Henderson Karen Huneke Beverly Jinks Peggy Kirksey Hugh LeClair Barbara McDonald Ted and Carol Nicklaus Brian and Joann Pruitt Rosemary A. Roach Frank Saucier Ruth Anne Shepherd Margaret C. Tenorio
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 7
She Never Lost a Passenger Sponsors
Texas Artist Sponsor ($1,000) Atmos Energy Corporation Dr. Enid M. Bates Grover and Pearlene Martin Xcel Energy Amarillo
Gold Medal Patron ($300) Johnson Chapel AME Church Helen E. Neal Dennis and Freda Powell Dan and Myrna Raffkind Clemon and Lola Whitaker
Silver Medal Patron ($200) Amarillo United Citizens Forum C.W. Nickerson Panhandle Queen Court 297 Dorothy Ragster Gloria N. Roberts Clay and Katherine Stribling
Bronze Medal Patron ($100) Classic Rollers Car Club Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Mary Ruth McCulley Ruby Person Prince Hall Masonic Family Dr. and Mrs. Dale Roller Bill and Patti Summerhill Dr. and Mrs. Hagos Tekeste Delores Thompson Lawrence Walker Thelma J. Ward Warford-Walker Mortuary Linda Williams Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
8 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
25th Anniversary Season DonorsGifts of $2,500 or more
Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Arts Committee The Amarillo Civic Center Amarillo College The Ambassador Hotel Branch T. and Carajean Archer Atmos Energy Corporation Kevin and Roxann Ball Roy and Betty Bara Ronnie and Catherine Barney James and Pamela Beckham Steven and Loraine Beckham Black Historical Cultural Center Darrell and Beverly Bledsoe Lilith Brainard The Brumley Foundation Dale and Adair Buckner Bill and Cindy Byrd Genevieve Caldwell Roamiee Caranto and Patrizia da Milano Chamber Music Amaillo Ross and Donna Clopton David D. and Nona S. Payne Foundation Richard and Barbara Davis The Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation Erich and Joann Drochner Robert and Kathy Durrett Patricia Fisher Carroll M. Forrester Warren and Celine Freeman H.R. and Thelma Fulton Levert and Teresa Gillman J. Craig and Donna Gladman Eleanor Glazener Glazers Jim Gleason
Hollis Ann Hands Robert Hansen and Lee Persefield Hastings Entertainment, Inc. Lois K. Hull Jim and Frances Hutson Ove and April Johansson Josephine Anderson Trust Asset Management Bob and Nancy Josserand KFDA-TV La Fiesta Grande Restaurants Juliana Lightle Mary E. Bivins Foundation Garry and Annette Nall New Day Productions New Channel 10 David and Amelia O’Dell Parkview House Bed and Breakfast Maxwell and Donna Peck Michael and Sandra Pelfrey Rhett and Beverly Plank Joseph H. and Arlene Pool Bill and Ruth Quackenbush Dan and Myrna Raffkind The Reed-George Foundation Dr. Kent and Ilene Roberts Balliett Foundation Alfred and Patricia Smith Ginger Smith Southwest Retina Specialists Charles and Diane Steed Street Toyota Joe and Laura Street Douglas and Stephanie Sullivan Bill and Patti Summerhill Patrick and Roni Swindell The Sybil B. Harrington Living Trust
Tacos Garcia Telemundo Texas Commission on the Arts Dr. Victoria J. Thompson Ben and Joan Weber Tim and Carol Winn Mrs. Merrill Winsett Stephen and Diana Wright
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 9
Gifts of Tribute, Honor or in MemoriamIn honor of Catherine Winsett’s 90th Birthday By Patricia Allen
In memory of Mary Winsett Schmidt By Joyce Attebury
In memory of Mary Winsett Schmidt By Ault and Associates
In memory of Mary Winsett Schmidt By Sonja Barnett
In memory of Mary Winsett Schmidt By John and Sidney Boyce
In memory of Mary Winsett Schmidt By Harold and Carole Eck
In honor of Catherine Winsett’s 90th Birthday By Betty Farrell
In honor of Sarah Whipple By Rachel Gallagher
In memory of Jayne Brainard By Mila Gibson
In memory of John Brainard By Mila Gibson
In memory of Marti Kirk By Mila Gibson
In memory of Mary Winsett Schmidt By Mila Gibson
In memory of Ada Ruth Richardson By Hollis Ann Hands
In honor of Catherine Winsett’s 90th Birthday By Elaine Hazlewood In honor of Laura Street By Barbara McDonald, Junior Travel Study Club
In memory of Ben Bruckner By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Janie Burgess By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Phillip Campbell By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Betty Taylor Dickinson By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Lisa Fancher Fritz By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Helen Lutz By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Abbie Madden By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Ed Morris By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Wells Pfeffer By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Mary Winsett Schmidt By Catherine Winsett
In memory of Helen Vahue
By Catherine Winsett
10 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
Education and Community EngagementArtist Development/Community Programs begin at a very early age. The programs
feed into one another so that people of all ages can develop their talents through the
programs of Amarillo Opera.
sole sponsor of the annual Summer Youth Musical at the
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Launched
in the summer of 2004 as a collaborative effort with
Civic Amarillo and aimed at ages 9-19, it is an invaluable
training ground for young regional singers. Artists in
Training participants serve as mentors to these middle
and high school aged young artists.
Sunday Sessions: An Actor’s Intensive
Select students from the Summer Youth Musical Program
ages 10-18 are chosen for advanced master classes
throughout the year. Artists are evaluated and mentored
on their progress in technique and presentation. Sunday
Session students participate in community outreach
events at nursing homes and at other community
programming venues.
Artists in Training
College aged artists are retained each summer to
mentor youngsters in the ARTS: an Alternative program.
Beginning in the summer of 2011, these Artists in
Training also assisted with the Summer Youth Musical
and are available for more extensive community
outreach. Amarillo Opera annually distributes more than
$40,000 in scholarships to these young students who are
Young Artist Development and Community
Engagement Programs
Amarillo Opera’s Young Artist Development/Community
Engagement Programs begin at a very early age. The
programs feed into one another so that people of all
ages can develop their talents through the programs of
Amarillo Opera.
ARTS: An Alternative
Aimed at children ages 5-13, this program offers lessons
and workshops in visual arts, music, drama, dance,
poetry and comportment – building self-esteem and
confidence in local youth. Since its inception, the
program has served over 16,000 area youth in seven
neighborhood sites in Amarillo. Programming is summer
based and offered in day camp settings at The Maverick
Boys and Girls Club, The Wesley Community Center,
The Black Historical Cultural Center, Buckner’s Bruce
Ford Community Center and Ascension Academy. Camp
counseling is provided by the Artist in Training Program.
Children that express an interest in the art form are
encouraged to participate in the Summer Youth Musical.
Summer Youth Musical
Beginning in the summer of 2013, Amarillo Opera is the
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 11
encouraged to continue with Amarillo Opera as part of
the Opera Ensemble.
Amarillo College Opera Workshop
Through our unique partnership with Amarillo College,
Amarillo Opera’s General Director serves as an adjunct
faculty member of Amarillo College and leads a section
of the institution’s Opera Workshop. AC students
are given opportunities to participate in main stage
productions and educational outreach programs. Many
of these students are Artists in Training.
The Emily Pulley Endowed Scholarships at WTAMU
In the Fall of 2010, WTAMU announced the
establishment of the Emily Pulley Endowed Scholarships
which will pay fees to WTAMU vocal students that sing
small roles and in the ensemble of Amarillo Opera. This
important new initiative strengthens our relationship
with a major University and will help them attract quality
singers into the vocal music program at WTAMU. Many
of these students will also be Artists in Training.
Amarillo Opera Ensemble
Aimed at regional professionals at all levels, the Amarillo
Opera Ensemble, a group of 24-32 singers, is meant
to be the premiere small vocal ensemble in the Texas
Panhandle. Ensemble members are called on to do
outreach activities and are given comprimario and small
roles in mainstage productions whenever possible.
Amarillo Opera Texas Artists
These young principal artists are engaged by the
company to ensure that the next generation of American
operatic artists is heavily represented by singers from
the Texas Panhandle. This recently added sponsorship
category for our donors encourages Panhandle residents
to support regional artistry.
Amarillo Opera Principal Artists
Those that come up through the ranks of the programs
listed above will hopefully graduate to Principal Artist
status and return to Amarillo Opera for years to
come - working with young artists at every stage of
development.
All of these programs continue to support Amarillo
Opera’s educational and community engagement
efforts including our annual mainstage season of two
operas, our Lift Every Voice Concert, and our Musica
Variada Concert.
12 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
Story
Setting - Mid-19th century: the Philadelphia office of William Grant Still,
the home of Thomas and Sarah Garrett and the woods somewhere along
the eastern underground railroad.
William Grant Still, founder of the Philadelphia Vigilant Committee, receives a letter in code from Abolitionist Quaker Thomas Garrett, telling him news of “Moses” and her human cargo moving north towards his safe house. Still sings of Harriet Tubman, known as Moses, the extraordinarily courageous woman who “never lost a passenger” along the Underground Railroad.
Miles south, as night falls, Harriet returns to her latest group of exhausted, frightened fugitive slaves (children’s chorus) and recounts her adventures attempting to scout a safe passage to the next stopping place. She and John, another slave, sing the spiritual “Go Down Moses” to raise the spirits of their fellow travelers.
Later, in a safe house owned by the Garretts, food, shelter, and a soothing lullaby (“Simple Gifts”) are provided. Moving on the next night, (“Follow the Drinking Gourd”), some slaves lose heart and want to return south. Harriet threatens to kill anyone who turns back, since one slave spilling secrets about the route could cost the lives of many.
As they move on, she tells them with excitement and fervor about Mr. Still and his “great book” in which he writes their names and stories, and which became, in fact, the first published account of the Underground Railroad. As they move on through the dark woods (children’s chorus) Mr. Still eulogizes “Moses” and her mythic courage.
Source: www.susankander.net
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 13
She Never Lost a PassengerBy Susan Kander
Commissioned by Lyric Opera of Kansas City
World Premier Thursday, April 10, 1997 Kansas City, MO
First performance by Amarillo Opera, February 7, 2013
Director/Staging Director/Production Manager Linda Hughes
Music Director Lizabeth McCabe
Production Accompanist E.P. Simmons
14 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
Bronwen Forbay’s performance is underwritten by Dr. Enid M. Bates
Nathan Granner’s performance is underwritten by Grover and Pearlene Martin
Brian Kuhnert’s performance is underwritten by Xcel Energy Amarillo
Candace Carpenter’s performance is underwritten by Atmos Energy Corporation
CastHarriet Tubman Bronwen Forbay
William Grant Still/John Nathan Granner
Thomas Garrett Brian Kuhnert
Sarah Garrett Candace Carpenter
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 15
Ensemble Sai’Tavian Austin Baelyn Barnes Brenyn Barnes Nathalie Cantly Jayden Carter Katelin Carter Kristin Carter Zariah Carter Deawnj Donald Raquel Guest Yvette Henderson Alexis Hunter
Cris Johnson Precious Johnson Carl Murphy D’Monya Neal London NealTevae Shoels Isaiah Smith Naikea Taylor Joya Taylor Trista Titus Savante Wallace Leyla Wright
CrewTechnical Director Daniel Meggers
Lighting Design/Scenic Painter Amber Meggers
Assistant to the Director/Properties Mistress Jayme McBride
Head Costumer Mary Reynolds
Assistant Costumer/Scenic Painter Bonnie Brodeur
Master Flyman/Carpenter James Martin
Master Carpenter Will Weatherholdt
Lighting Assistant Sher Kinman
Assistant Carpenter/Deck Hand Brad Brandt
Deck Hand Curtis Bybee
16 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
Our Thanks to:Dr. Paul Matney – Amarillo College
Dr. James Rauscher – Amarillo College Music Department
Water provided by AquaOne of Amarillo
The Black Historical Cultural Center/Amarillo United
Citizens Forum
The Amarillo Opera BRAVO Committee
Gwen Peters of Cakes ‘n More
The Lift Every Voice/Community Advisory Committee
Water provided by Culligan of Amarillo
United Supermarkets
Our volunteer ushers
Delvin Wilson - catering
Hosts for Guest ArtistsPatrick and Roni SwindellJohnny and Judy Turner
TransportationStreet Toyota
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 17
Artist Profiles
Nathan Granner (Missouri) William Grant Still/John AO Debut – She Never Lost a Passenger, 2013 Recent Engagements – Father Christmas, Co-Writer/Producer; T; Die Schöne Müllerin, Multi-Course Performance; She Never Lost a Passenger, Lyric Opera of Kansas City; Homecoming: A Tribute to Virgil T, national PBS broadcast taping; Chess - The Musical. Padgett Productions, etc. Upcoming Event–The Schuberti@de, A Multi-Course Performance Installation
Linda Dee Hughes (Texas) Director/Staging Director/ Production Manager AO Debut – Gianni Schicchi/Pagliacci, 2004 Recent Engagements –Amahl and the Night Visitors, Amarillo Opera; Madama Butterfly, Amarillo Opera; Musica Variada, Amarillo Opera Upcoming Event – Candide, Amarillo Opera; The Wizard of Oz, Summer Youth Musical
Jayme McBride (Texas) Assistant to the Director/ Properties Mistress AO Debut – Amahl and the Night Visitors, 2012 Recent Engagements – Amarillo College Conservatory Theatre; Amahl and the Night Visitors; Amarillo Opera and Chamber Music Amarillo
Bonnie Brodeur (Texas) Costume Assistant AO Debut – Madama Butterfly, 2012 Recent Engagements – Madama Butterfly, Amarillo Opera; Seussical Summer Youth Musical; The Breakfast Club, Texas Academy of Performing Arts; Go, Dog! Go, Texas Academy of Performing Arts
Candace Suzanne Carpenter (Texas) Sarah Garrett AO Debut – Le Nozze di Figaro, 2002 Recent Engagements – Alumna of Taos Opera Institute 2012; Cover for ‘The Mother’ in Amahl and the Night Visitors, Amarillo Opera Upcoming Event – Sarah Garrett in She Never Lost a Passenger, Amarillo Opera
Bronwen Forbay (South Africa) Harriet Tubman AO Debut - She Never Lost a Passenger, 2013 Recent Engagements – Violetta in La Traviata and the title role in Lucia di Lammermoor, Cape Town Opera; Featured Recital at Baylor University, Waco, TX Upcoming Event – Featured Recital at Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX and Northern Colorado State University, Greely, CO
18 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
Brian Kuhnert (Texas) Thomas Garrett AO Debut – Tosca, 2009 Recent Engagements – Rigoletto, Amarillo Opera; Director of Opera/Music Theatre, Wayland Baptist University Upcoming Event – Vocal Recital, Wayland Baptist University
Lizabeth McCabe (Kansas) Music Director AO Debut – Joshua’s Boots, 2012 Recent Engagements –Joshua’s Boots, Amarillo Opera; La bohème, Amarillo Opera Upcoming Event – ARTS: An Alternative, Amarillo Opera
Amber Meggers (California) Lighting Design/Scenic Painter AO Debut – La bohème, 2005 Recent Engagements – Amahl and the Night Visitors, Amarillo Opera; Madama Butterfly, Amarillo Opera; Musica Variada, Amarillo Opera; Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Lone Star Ballet Upcoming Event – Candide, Amarillo Opera
Daniel Meggers (Texas) Technical Director AO Debut – The Marriage of Figaro, 2002 Recent Engagements – Amahl and the Night Visitors, Amarillo Opera; Madama Butterfly, Amarillo Opera; Musica Variada, Amarillo Opera; Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Lone Star Ballet Upcoming Event – Candide, Amarillo Opera
Mary Reynolds (Texas) Head Costumer AO Debut – Gianni Schicchi/Pagliacci, 2004 Recent Engagements – Oklahoma!, Summer Youth Musical; Italian Straw Hat, Amarillo Opera; Rigoletto, Amarillo Opera Upcoming Event – The Wizard of Oz, Summer Youth Musical
E.P. Simmons (Texas) Production Accompanist AO Debut – La bohème, 2011 Recent Engagements – La bohème, Amarillo Opera; Patrick Swindell and Pizzazz; Mary Jane Johnson Studio Accompanist Upcoming Event – Candide, Amarillo Opera
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 19
Administrative StaffDavid O’Dell
General/Artistic Director
Rhanda LunaDirector of Education and Community Engagement
Holly EdgerAdministrative Assistant to the General Director
Rebecca AguileraCompany Manager
Landon AshbyAdministrative Intern
Our Mission Statement:To provide live, community-based opera to the Texas Panhandle;
To nurture and encourage local talent; and to help build community.
If you would like to contact Amarillo Opera, please do so at one of the following:
who also served as producer, director, costumer and
publicist. The success of that initial production led to
the incorporation of Amarillo Opera with Dr. Merrill
and Catherine Winsett, H.R. and Thelma Fulton and
Gibson as Founding Directors and Gibson as General
Director, with complete administrative and artistic
responsibility for the company. BRAVO, the Amarillo
Opera membership support group, was established one
year later with 75 charter members under the leadership
of Founding President, Dr. Bill Byrd.
Our Mission
The company’s mission is three-fold:
1. To provide live, community-based opera to the
Texas Panhandle
2. To nurture and encourage local talent
3. To help build community.
Relationship with Amarillo College
Since the beginning, a strong working relationship with
Amarillo College has enabled the company to grow
artistically, financially, and administratively. Today,
Amarillo College continues to provide administrative
facilities, rehearsal and performing spaces, and a line
item budget to assist with production expenses.
Our Growth
Under Gibson’s leadership, the company grew to become
a force in the international world of opera. In 1995,
Amarillo Opera was accepted as a professional member
of OPERA America, the national service organization for
opera. That same year, main stage performances moved
from the 240 seat Amarillo College Concert Hall Theater
to the 2300 seat Civic Center Auditorium. Since spring
2006, the Opera has been a resident company of the
Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.
Awards
Amarillo Opera has received the prestigious Success
Award from OPERA America for its internationally
acclaimed Education/Community Engagement
Programs. The State of Texas Senate and House, the
Texas Commission on the Arts, the Texas Parent Teacher
Associations, the Texas Regulatory and Protective
System, the NAACP, the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce and the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce are
among the local, statewide and national organizations
that have recognized the company for its work. OPERA
America selected Amarillo Opera to be one of the first
companies to receive its highly competitive Opera Fund
grant in 2004.
Populace Served
Amarillo Opera serves up to 500,000 people annually
through its comprehensive outreach programs and
educational services. The company has a history of
adventurous programming – more than ten original
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 21
works by former Composer-in-Residence Gene Murray
have been seen throughout the Texas Panhandle, West
Texas, Eastern New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Murray’s The
Wage of Sin was co-produced with KACV-TV as a special
television opera in 2005 and his Legend of Columbus was
performed in the Palo Duro Canyon Amphitheater.
The Present
In September 2009, David O’Dell succeeded Gibson
as Amarillo Opera’s General Director, with the 2010-
2011 Season marking the first season entirely planned
and executed under his leadership. An advocate for
developing the next generation of American operatic
artists, Mr. O’Dell is fiercely committed to making sure
that the Texas Panhandle plays an important role in
the future of opera in America – developing a style of
production committed to the development of regional
artistry, representative of regional sensibilities and of the
highest international standards that can be produced on
a regional budget.
In December 2010, Amarillo Opera’s production of
Rigoletto was voted one of the top three fine arts
performances of the year by readers of the Amarillo
Globe-News. The following January, our redesigned
2010-2011 season brochure and our 2010-2011 season
program won ADDY® awards for creative excellence in
print – the only Amarillo arts organization to win the
Arts, Brochure category.
The company routinely participates in The Santa Fe
Opera apprentice artist auditions, where selected
company General Directors have an opportunity to hear
some of the country’s most promising singers. Young
singers annualy audition for the company in Amarillo,
Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Agents regularly
submit singers from around the world to sing in Amarillo
Opera productions. In December 2011 the company
telecast its critically acclaimed production of Giacomo
Puccini’s La bohème on KACV-TV and it now resides in
the permanent online archive at pbs.org where it can be
streamed to audiences around the world free of charge.
The company recently reintroduced Nino Rota’s 1955
opera The Italian Straw Hat into the North American
opera repertoire after a thirty-four year absence in
the Western Hemisphere – gaining a reputation for
programming unusual repertoire.
In September 2011, the company added a Sunday
matinee performance and attendance doubled for
the second production a row. A December broadcast
of the production on KACV brought the production to
thousands more throughout the Texas Panhandle.
In the fall of 2012 more people attended our production
of Madama Butterfly (scheduled for broadcast on KACV-
TV on December 21, 2012) than have ever attended a
performance by Amarillo Opera.
Our annual spring performances in English and our
fall telecasts help build an audience for opera in the
Texas Panhandle by removing the perceived barrier of
theatrical works in foreign languages and/or producing
artistically excellent productions with open captioning.
Audiences that experience these works are much
22 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
more likely to experience live opera at our home,
the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts in
downtown Amarillo.
Push for Education
Since September 2009 and the beginning of the tenure
of new General Director David O’Dell, the company has
made it a priority to restructure, codify and expand
the educational programs offered by Amarillo Opera.
Educational opportunities now weave through every
program of Amarillo Opera, making it, at times, difficult
to distinguish whether the company is an educational
institution or professional regional opera company.
Those programs, now bolstered by major funding from
the Don and Sybil Harrington Foundation, the Mary E.
Bivins Foundation and the Brumley Foundation, have
enabled us to expand our existing season – offering a
new Chamber Family Opera Series with performances
of She Never Lost a Passenger at the Globe-News Center
and Amahl and the Night Visitors in collaboration with
Chamber Music Amarillo at the Fibonacci Building on
historic Route 66.
The company is committed to offering educational
opportunities to all people – regardless of socioeconomic
circumstances. Amarillo Opera youth programs are
open to all who are interested in participating – at
no cost. The Sunday Sessions program is the only
program the company offers that charges tuition,
and the company routinely scholarships any student
selected for the program that cannot afford the minimal
tuition. Participation in the Summer Youth Musical is
free and open to all, but does not pay a scholarship
stipend. In all other instances, young artists are paid
scholarship stipends for their participation in educational
programming. Additionally, adults without the means to
attend performances are routinely given free or greatly
reduced tickets through the company’s highly successful
Feed the Spirit program which distributed more than
$26,000 worth of tickets to children, senior citizens and
social organizations to this fall’s Madama Butterfly alone.
The company is rapidly becoming a leader in arts in
education as well as Arts as education. This dual pronged
strategy of arts education prepares the next generation
of young artists from the Texas Panhandle and uses the
arts as a catalyst to explore important regional topics,
making the arts a relevant and contemporary form of
self-expression in the region.
The Future
In September of 2012 the Board of Trustees of Amarillo
Opera unanimously and enthusiastically extended
the contract of current General Director David O’Dell
through the 2014-2015 season.
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 23
Amarillo Opera Repertoire1994-1995 Season
• My Fair Lady – Lerner and Lowe• La Traviata – Verdi• Red Chief – Murray• Aches and Pains – Murray• El Barbaro de Sevilla – Jimenez (Zarzuela)
1995-1996 Season• The Ballad of Baby Doe – Moore• Die Fledermaus – J. Strauss• Jack of Hearts – Murray
1996-1997 Season• The Mikado – Gilbert and Sullivan• La bohème – Puccini (NY City Opera Tour)• Wage of Sin – Murray• Luisa Fernanda – Torroba (Zarzuela)
1997-1998 Season• Carmen – Bizet• Tosca – Puccini• Laura V. – Murray• Il Tabarro – Puccini
1998-1999 Season• Man of La Mancha – Darion• Jumping Frogs of Calaveras County – Lucas Foss• One-Act Spanish Zarzuela – Santa Fe Opera
1988-1989 Season• Don Giovanni – Mozart• Impresario – Mozart• The Servant Wife• Carmen – Bizet
1989-1990 Season• The Daughter of the Regiment – Donizetti• Hangman, Hangman – Balada• Carmen – Bizet• Whirlgig – Gene Murray
1990-1991 Season• The Marriage of Figaro – Mozart• Dear Doctor – Murray• Die Fledermaus – J. Strauss
1991-1992 Season• Susannah – Floyd• Don Pasquale – Donizetti• Legend of Columbus – Murray
1992-1993 Season• Legend of Columbus – Murray• The Barber of Seville – Rossini• Hansel and Gretel – Humperdinck (Scenes)
1993-1994 Season• Kismet – Wright and Forrest• The Magic Flute – Mozart• Sophie’s Saloon – Murray
24 AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013
2000-2001 Season• My Fair Lady – Lerner and Lowe• The Barber of Seville – Rossini
2001-2002 Season• Kismet – Wright and Forrest• The Marriage of Figaro – Mozart
2002-2003 Season• Pirates of Penzance – Gilbert and Sullivan• Porgy and Bess – Gershwin (International Tour)• Rigoletto – Verdi
2003-2004 Season• Merry Widow – Lehar• Don Giovanni – Mozart• Les Misérables – (Summer Youth Musical)
2004-2005 Season• Pagliacci – Leoncavallo• Gianni Schicchi – Puccini• La bohème – Puccini• Beauty and the Beast – (Summer Youth Musical)
2005-2006 Season• Hansel and Gretel – Humperdinck• La Traviata – Verdi• Oliver! – (Summer Youth Musical)
2006-2007 Season• Falstaff – Verdi• Don Pasquale – Donizetti• Fiddler on the Roof – (Summer Youth Musical)
2007-2008 Season• Carmen – Bizet• Cold Sassy Tree – Floyd• Annie – (Summer Youth Musical)
2008-2009 Season• Die Fledermaus – J. Strauss• Tosca – Puccini• Big River – ( Summer Youth Musical)
2009-2010 Season• Cosi fan tutte – Mozart• Gianni Schicchi – Puccini• Buoso’s Ghost – Michael Ching• Les Misérables – (Summer Youth Musical)
2010-2011 Season• Rigoletto – Verdi• The Italian Straw Hat – Nino Rota• Oklahoma! – (Summer Youth Musical)
2011-2012 Season• La bohème – Puccini• Joshua’s Boots – Hailstork• La Périchole – Offenbach• Seussical – (Summer Youth Musical)
2012-2013 Season• Madama Butterfly – Puccini• Amahl and the Night Visitors – Menotti• She Never Lost a Passenger – Kander• Candide – Bernstein• The Wizard of Oz – (Summer Youth Musical)
AMARILLO OPERA SHE NEVER LOST A PASSENGER FEB. 8, 2013 25
House RulesIN THE EVENT OF FIRE, PLEASE WALK TO THE NEAREST EXIT.
Amarillo Opera is a member of OPERA America, Inc.
Amarillo Opera is supported in part by grants from the Texas Commission on the Arts and the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Arts Committee.
If you wish to receive future Amarillo Opera Mailings or become a member, please leave your name and address at the Amarillo Opera table in the lobby.
To ensure the enjoyment of the majority of our patrons who arrive on time and in deference to our artists, Amarillo Opera will not admit latecomers to the auditorium until there is an appropriate pause in the music, as determined by management. Patrons arriving after the performance has begun may miss substantial portions of the opera.
Likewise, patrons who leave the auditorium while a performance is in progress will only be allowed to return to their seats at the House Manager’s discretion.
All electronic pagers, cellular telephones and signal watches must be silenced before entering the auditorium. Patrons expecting possible emergency calls during a performance should keep cell phones and pagers on silent and check for messages only during intermissions.
Any use of cameras and/or recording equipment in the theatre that is not authorized by the management is strictly prohibited.
These performances are being recorded for archival purposes; we urge patrons to refrain from conversation, muffled coughs, and avoid cellophane-wrapped candies and cough drops for the duration of the opera.
Lost articles may be claimed by calling the Amarillo Civic Center at 378-4297.
All casting is subject to change.
FOL d e ROLJoin us for an evening of madcap, zany high jinks as we
dance to the sounds of Patrick Swindell and Pizzazz, and
frolic the night away at the third annual Amarillo Opera Fol
de Rol on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at the Ambassador
Hotel. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails
and appetizers. Dinner and dancing will follow with many
special surprises as the night unfolds. A silent auction
will intrigue you, and during the live auction you’ll have
an opportunity to bid on Christian Price Frazer’s painting,
Desire, commissioned for the opera’s 2012-2013 season.
All proceeds will benefit Amarillo Opera.
Don’t miss an evening of elegance, mystery, folly, intrigue,
music and epicurean delights from Candide’s exotic
journey through “the best of all possible worlds” as only
Amarillo Opera can provide.
Save the Date: March 16, 2013 • Ambassador Hotel
C H R I S T I A N P R I C E FRAZER
Christian Price Frazer is an artist living
and working in Amarillo, Texas. She is
formally trained in art and holds a B.A.
from The University of Texas at Austin.
She has exhibited extensively in shows
over the last 25 years. She primarily
paints in oils and acrylics on canvas but has also created
several large scale trompe l’oeil murals for commercial and
residential applications. Frazer’s art can be found in private
and corporate collections across the United States. Frazer is a
past board member of the Amarillo Museum of Art and actively
involved with the Amarillo and Austin art communities.
Influences: Robert Rauschenberg, Franz Kline, Willem
deKooning, Mark Rothko, Piero Fornasetti, Sam Scott, Lucian
Freud, Michelangelo
DESIRESIZE: 24x36x2.5 • MEDIUM: OIL AND MIXED MEDIA