Biographies for Utopia Limited

Marian Anders (Stage Chorus) has suffered a social fall in this, her second season with the Savoyards: from Queen to half-clothed barbarian; from majestic Victoria to simple Jasmine; from monarch mourning her Prince to islander striving in vain to catch the eye of the First Life Guards. At least she became younger!

Frederic Ayala (Violin/Concertmaster) has been with the Savoyards for five years now and greatly enjoys playing in the pit and being concertmaster.

Allen Bean (Accompanist) is thrilled to work with the Savoyards again. When not teaching German, he serves as a church organist. Many thanks to Mary and Sara for their love and support.

Jenni Mann Becker (Lighting Design) likes to design, usually with pretty lights. Lots and lots of pretty lights.

Marcia Bridges (Royal Chorus) Coming from the Northwest, Marcia is delighted to find another talented and jovial Gilbert and Sullivan group to work with.

Ada Brown (Melene, Stage Chorus) once taught future Doctors Who were trying to find themselves. Maybe that’s why she keeps a life size Dalek in her office. Her favorite roles have included Mrs. Partlet in last year’s Durham Savoyards production of The Sorcerer and Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense

Jim Burnette (King Paramount the First) thrills at commemorating his tenth Durham Savoyards anniversary as the first monarch in Christendom to register his crown and country under the Joint Stock Company Act of ’62! To Derrick, Alan and his Savoyards family—it is a glorious thing to be in your Company! His performance is dedicated to Stephen and Mary Dare for love and encouragement.

Bobby Cameron (Royal Chorus, Set Designer & Realizer, Board President) In his 16th Savoyards show, Bobby loves live theater, from every angle — and the Savoyards provides that with fun people and awesome talent! Bobby thanks his wife Shere for her support and appreciation — and daughter Brynn for inspiration from her talent!

Donna Cavallo (Stage Manager) has worked for a variety of area theatre companies. While primarily a stage manager, she has worked on almost every aspect of theatre production including lights, costumes, props, and has even, on occasion, appeared on stage. This is her twelfth production with the Savoyards.

Joe Cohn (Photographer) is a loving husband and Durham native who is in his sixth year with The Durham Savoyards. Joe earned his Communications degree from Appalachian State. As a Photographer, Joe is helping Google Maps viewers see inside Durham businesses by shooting Street View style virtual tours.

Megan Colborn (Stage Chorus) is excited about this production! WOW! Ten years, and counting! She enjoys singing, acting, and teaching children at her church. This show is dedicated, with love, to her family and she thanks them, her friends, and her teachers for their support! Thanks to her Savior, Jesus Christ! Psalm 23.

Margueritte Cox (Violin) Wow! A maximum of fifty words? That’s exciting! I wonder what I should say… This is a lot of pressure. Should I make it witty? No, then I’ll just look like I’m trying too hard. It should be simple. But simple is boring. I should just be myself. Yes, that’s

Eric Daniel (Trumpet) This is Eric’s fifth season as a member of the Savoy Orchestra. He has also performed with the Duke Medicine Orchestra, Duke Symphony Orchestra, and the Triangle Wind Ensemble. Eric earned a couple of math degrees and then got a day job doing something other than math, but he tries to keep a horn on his face whenever he can.

Tracy Delius (Painting Coordinator) has been with the Savoyards for more than 30 years. Her first role was a Sprite. Her latest role is Paint Girl. In between, she has been a set builder, contadine, follow spot operator, fairy, assistant stage manager, trial spectator, and board member.

Norton Dickman (Viola) Born in New Orleans LA. and grew up in Cleveland Ohio. Began music studies at the age of seven with percussion under Richard Wiener, Principle Percussionist of the Cleveland Orchestra. Began playing the Viola in jr. High School and studied with Gino Raffaelli, 1st violinist with the Cleveland Orchestra. Played with Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Robert Marcellus. Currently plays with the Durham Symphony under the direction of William Henry Curry. An active chamber musician. Play (mostly locally) in the Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh area communities.

Steve Dobbins (Phantis) once was “cast to play a part of great responsibility” – and thus served eight years on the Durham Savoyards Board of Governors. Today, he is enjoying the “supreme content and happiness” of his fourteenth season with the company. He salutes the Savoyards of yesteryear, and beckons those of the future.

Christine Eckermann-Ross (Stage Chorus) is just happy to be in Utopia! Isn’t that what everyone wants?

Sonja Foust (Publicity Manager) is a blogger and video marketer by day and an erstwhile Savoyard by night. Even though she’s not on stage this year, she’s been happy to sneak into Savoyard parties with the excuse of still being on staff.

Darryl Freedman (Videographer) made a career of videotaping Savoyards functions for years after graduating from a more mundane career of designing satellites, computers and animation programs. From the mid 1990’s, he has videotaped Savoyards shows, gigs, promos, and grant proposals.

Mary Ann Freedman (Stage Chorus) loves the chance to be on a beautiful Utopian island or even better, join her sister on the real utopian island of Maui. She has been singing with the Savoyards forever, or so it seems.

Jody Gaedtke (violin) received her B.S. in Music Education from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Mrs. Gaedtke currently teaches orchestra in Burlington, NC, where she has a very active middle school orchestra program with 150 students in grades 6-8. She was the 2015 recipient of the NC Symphony Maxine Swalin award for outstanding music educators. In addition to her teaching career, Mrs. Gaedtke is a professional violinist who currently performs with the Durham Symphony and the North State Chamber Orchestra as well as community and private events.

Charles Gragg (Bassoon) has been a bassoonist for over fifty years. Studied with Rollin Tuttle and June Partch. Member of Mimosa Winds and Take 5 Woodwind Quintet. Regularly attends Glickman Popkin Bassoon Camp at Wildacres, NC. Music Director at Carolina Pines Baptist Church. Chemist at Grifols.

Karen Gray (Royal Chorus, Ticket Manager) recently retired from Duke and has performed with the Savoyards since 1995. She has completed the canon — some shows several times. This year she had hoped to play an opium-stoned island woman, planning to make a fortune from derivatives, and relieved that Betel Nut and Texas Dirt were not involved in the scheme. Pending knee replacement turned her into a Victorian lady. That’s life! Thanks to Michael for putting up with all the nonsense.

Charles Guidry (Technical Advisor, Set Crew, Warehouse and Storage Manager) is a local artist who has worked on twenty-two Savoyards productions. In the past he has been a producer, assistant producer, technical director, set realizer, truck driver, member of the running crew and costume assistant. He has also participated in designing sets, paint and sound.

Karen Guidry (Assistant Costumer, Wardrobe Mistress) has come full circle from Utopia 1997 to Utopia 2015, having been involved in Durham Savoyards productions as costume designer, seamstress, wardrobe mistress, assistant producer, and producer in the years between. She served 10 years on the Board of Governors in roles ranging from Social Chair to Past-President.

Pam Guidry-Vollers (Stage Chorus, Assistant Choreographer, Hair & Makeup Designer, Board Secretary) happily joins the Savoyards for her 17th production. A musical theatre performer since her debut in The Mikado in 4th grade, Pam has performed in Fiddler on the Roof, Kiss Me Kate, Iolanthe and The Mikado, and has designed hair and makeup for the Savoyards since 2001.

Randy Guptill (Trombone) is a semi-retired band director from Durham. As the former “Resident Second Trombone” for the Savoyards he is delighted to be back in the pit for this show.

Mary Elizabeth Guy (Phylla, Stage Chorus, Business Manager, Ticket Manager) is excited to be in her sixth spring production with the Durham Savoyards. After tripping hither, tripping thither, climbing over rocky mountains, and busily preparing a scrumptious banquet, finding herself in a lazy paradise is a nice change of pace. Enjoy the poppies and the nectar, but beware the ogress!

Jan Harris (Royal Chorus) has been involved with the Savoyards off and on since 1987. Most of her years with the Savoyards have been backstage as set designer and/or set realizer, but she has enjoyed her time on stage as well. She joins her husband, Hugh Mace, in this year’s production.

Robin Hashey (Bassoon) has a Bachelor of Music degree from Houghton College and a Master of Music in bassoon performance from Binghamton University. Robin has taught both publicly and privately in NY and NC, and has played with the Southern Tier Concert Band, Binghamton Community Orchestra, Raleigh Symphony, and the Triangle Wind Ensemble.

William Hayes (Percussion) This is Bill’s eighth year performing with the Savoyards. The group keeps him hidden under the stage (literally) where he’s seldom seen, but definitely heard! A CPA by profession and a drummer by passion, Bill can be found most weekends playing with local jazz groups and numerous community-based musical organizations.

Kimberly Hirsh (Calynx, Stage Chorus, Board Member) is lovable, pretty, and wise, but is it enough? She is a sometimes-practitioner of the light and fluffy art of cupcakemancy, is a librarian even though she doesn’t work in a library, and ordered her sister Mary Elisabeth, appearing in this production as Nekaya, from a catalog. She loves cats.

Mary Elisabeth Hirsh (Princess Nekaya, Board Member) is happy to be returning in her sixth Durham Savoyards production. You may remember her from such shows as Iolanthe (2012) as Celia, or The Pirates of Penzance (2013) as Mabel. When she isn’t performing perplexing parasol promenades you would likely find her studying, teaching voice, or quite possibly sleeping.

Lee Hong (Violin) is a fourth-year MD/PhD student at the University of North Carolina, currently doing research on autoimmunity. She hopes you enjoy this production and many more! Special thanks to my parents, Rob and Anne, my biggest G&S fans.

Houston Horn (Stage Chorus), after nine years of G&S, operas, musicals, and a ballet, recently made his non-musical debut in Towne Players’ production of The Odd Couple. Someone at a party told him that ‘Utopia, Limited’ is a good name for a band. He will be seen next as himself in Divas! 2015, RLT’s ‘annual’ fundraiser.

Joyce Horn (Costume Assistant) is thrilled to be part of this creative process. She was a member of Queen Victoria’s entourage in Iolanthe and Pirates of Penzance. Her all-time favorite role–Houston’s leading lady and supporting wife.

Mitchener Howell (Captain Fitzbattleaxe) is a native of Durham and a graduate of Yale University. His first principal role with the Savoyards was “Alexis” in last season’s production of The Sorcerer. He’s thrilled to return to the Savoyard’s mainstage as “Captain Fitzbattleaxe.” When not moonlighting as a romantic tenor, Mitchener works as a drug development professional and dabbles in creative writing.

Lauren Hussey (Princess Kalyba) is thrilled to be returning to perform with the Savoyards for a fourth year with this production of Utopia Limited. When she’s not singing about victorian era parliamentary acts, she can be found using her voice to bewitch her army of animal minions into doing her bidding…….in a totally not-evil way…….hehehe

Derrick Ivey (Director, Choreographer, Set Designer) is pleased to return for his thirteenth collaboration with the Durham Savoyards and with Music Director Alan Riley Jones. Previous directing credits with the company: The Sorcerer, The Pirates of Penzance (2013 & 2005),Iolanthe, Princess Ida, The Mikado (2010 & 2003), The Gondoliers, The Yeoman of the Guard, H.M.S. Pinafore, Patience, and Ruddigore. Other directing credits include: The Glass Menagerie, Rough Crossing, Deathtrap, Chicago – A Musical Vaudeville, The Zoo Story, The Diary of Anne Frank, Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Servant of Two Masters, andOliver; as well as his original stage adaptations of The Doctor in Spite of Himself, Frankenstein, the Antigone, Peter Pan, and Canterbury Tales. Derrick has collaborated as both actor and designer with regional companies including Manbites Dog Theater, Playmakers Repertory Company, StreetSigns Center for Literature and Performance, Duke Department of Theater Studies, Theatre Raleigh, Archipelago Theatre, William Peace University, Temple Theatre, Deep Dish Theatre Company, and Burning Coal Theater Company. Regional acting credits include: Captain Horster in An Enemy of the People, C.P. Ellis in Best of Enemies, Mr. Rush in Love Alone, Alan Raleigh in God of Carnage, Emcee in Cabaret, Goldberg in The Birthday Party, Jake (etc.) in Stones in His Pockets, Cook in Mother Courage, Howie in Rabbit Hole, Martin in The Goat, Orson Welles in Orson’s Shadow, Richard Nixon inNixon’s Nixon, and Mark Antony in Julius Caesar. Derrick will next perform in The Trip to Bountiful with Cape Fear Regional Theatre (April 9-26).

Alan Riley Jones (Music Director) is delighted to collaborate once again with director Derrick Ivey and with the Savoyards family as music director for the lucky thirteenth time. Prior to assuming the music directorship in 2003, Alan appeared onstage in eight Durham Savoyards productions, including as J. W. Wells in The Sorcerer (2001), Major-General in The Pirates of Penzance (1999), and Lord Chancellor inIolanthe (1998). He has also appeared with the Raleigh Little Theatre, where his performances as Tito in Lend Me a Tenor (1993) and Narrator/Mysterious Man in Into the Woods (2000) earned him RLT’s Cantey Award as Best Supporting Actor for those years. Alan has also appeared with the Raleigh Ensemble Players, Triangle Dinner Theatre, Abracadabra Theatre and Café, and Raleigh Inn Dinner Theatre, among others. Besides acting, singing, and music directing, Alan also enjoys composing and songwriting in a wide variety of styles. His original score to Gilbert’s Thespis was presented in a staged reading by the Durham Savoyards in 2004. His Christmas carol arrangements have been a staple of the Oakwood Waits caroling repertoire for many years. And, his original play with music, Ladri Waits, was presented by the Perihelion Theatre in Carrboro in 1996. Two of his songs were heard in Paul Ferguson’s staging of Lee Smith’s The Devil’s Dream, presented by the Raleigh Ensemble Players in 1996.
Bruce Klitzman (Trumpet) was on the cover of “Playboy” magazine in 1969 (this “Playboy” was an entertainment magazine of Ocean City/Rehoboth Beach). He started performing with bands at colleges and bars in DC in 1963 and is now the longest-running trumpeter in Durham Savoyard history!

Cathy Lambe (Stage Chorus) started with Savoyards in 1981 as a grass–skirted Utopian maiden. This is her third appearance as a Savoyard Utopian, as well as playing English, Japanese or Italian maidens or chaperones in other operettas over 34 years. Thanks to Randy for his support during all these incarnations.

Derek Lane (Royal Chorus) is not the other Derrick. He has survived at least 6 cats, 3 dogs and 2 babies (the babies also survive as adults and are cherished by both parents). By comparison with all that he feels that he’s sure that he sings is like frosting on cake (perhaps not even chocolate).

Rebecca Lee (Violin) is a software developer, potter and scuba diver who has been fiddling around with the Savoyards since the pirate sherry was poured in 2005. She is thrilled to be joining the Company Limited for her ninth production and thanks her husbandcito for indulging her in this annual madness.

Janell Lovelace (Producer, Website Manager) returns for a second year as Producer in her eighth Savoyards year for some tropical Utopian cat-herding. She works for Atomic Empire and avoids having free time by singing in the Duke Chapel Choir, travelling, being a Boy Scout, reading, staring at jigsaw puzzles, launching high-altitude balloons and more. Thanks to Tanner, Bram, Mimi, Grandmumda, Becky, and all Savoyards for their support.

Tanner Lovelace (Assistant Producer, Orchestra Manager, Double Bass, Music Librarian) is pleased to perform with the Savoyards in his 9th show. He spends most of his time training for/racing triathlons, launching balloons and rockets, or driving his son to activities. He thanks our esteemed producer (who is coincidentally his wife Janell) and his son Bram for all their support.

Hugh Mace (Royal Chorus) returns for yet another show with this wonderful group of zanies. He has been a Savoyard since 1983 and is married to fellow Savoyard Jan Harris. A retired high school Latin teacher and track/cross country coach, he finds his life busier than ever with volunteer work.

Dan Mason (Lord Dramaleigh) has been performing, directing and teaching in the Triangle area for over 30 years. He is an award winning performer and director receiving 3 Cantey Performance Awards at Raleigh Little Theatre. In musical theatre, Dan has performed in leading roles all over North Carolina in the following shows: Cabaret, The Sound of Music, Chicago, Sweeney Todd, Candide, Brigadoon, The Student Prince, La Cage aux Folles, 1776, Annie, I Do I Do, Man of La Mancha, and The Fantasticks. Currently, Dan teaches private voice at the Chapel Hill School of Musical Arts.

Benjamin Morgan’s (Props Manager) first show working backstage with the Savoyards was The Sorcerer in 2001. In addition to working running crew he has helped build sets, worked as Assistant Stage Manager, led running crew, and is currently Props master for a second year.

Jeep Morrison (Trombone) has “worked his way up through the animal kingdom until getting to Second Trombone”, and is pleased that his part is actually cited from the stage (ref. Mikado). The back story for those references is a tiff apparently ignited when some lame-brained Victoria era producer eliminated the second trombone position in an effort to save money. Pa – leese!!! As if the orchestra is highly compensated! Could we just get a little respect here?

Mérida Negrete (Clarinet) holds degrees from The University of Michigan and Southern Methodist University. She is a Lecturer in Music at The University of North Carolina, where she’s taught courses in Music Education, Music Theory, Music in the Community, The Orchestra and Its Music as well as clarinet lessons. She also performs in various orchestras, wind ensembles and chamber music groups throughout the Triangle area. She is glad to be participating in the Durham Savoyards Orchestra.

Chris Newlon (Tarara) is exploding with excitement at performing in Utopia during his 15th year with the Durham Savoyards. Therefore he has no alternative but to exclaim “Lalabalele molola lililah kallalale poo!” The occasion demands it!

Kent Parks (Mr. Blushington, Guard, Database Assistant) joined the Savoyards in 2003 and Utopia Limited is his seventh show with this eclectic group. Uhlallica!

Anna Rayno-Quirk (Costumer) is a student in the NCCU Textiles and Apparel Program.

Betty Romani (Accompanist) joyfully adds Utopia Limited to her collection of fourteen previous Savoyard productions. Hurrah! to cast and crew for another delightful entertainment. Enjoy the show!

Pat Roos (Assistant Stage Manager) Our reasons for not being in our usual spots will (hopefully) not be exceeded soon – a microlight crash? in remote Africa? – and Bruce’s much better now. Pat is always happy to assist in any Savoyard mayhem, although this time, Pat’s role is to keep that mayhem orderly, which seems like an oxymoron.

Michael Rowe (Sir Bailey Barre) is happy to be back on the boards with the Savoyards, having performed on and off again since 2000. He has enjoyed playing many secondary roles include: Ernest Dummkopf (2000- Grand Duke), Pish-Tush (2010 – Mikado), Samuel (2013 – The Pirates of Penzance), and his favorite – Tenor Chorus!

Allison Ruvidich (Stage Chorus) has the good fortune to be the granddaughter of G&S performer Sam Hardy, who, instead of traditional gifts, gives her opera scores and tickets, which she much prefers. Now seventeen years old, this is her fourth G&S operetta, and she plans to perform many more.

Jenni Scoggin (Flute) is excited to be a part of her first Savoyards production. She performs with the Raleigh Civic Symphony and holds a minor in flute. Her day job is teaching in the Lower School at Carolina Friends School. Jenni lives in Durham with her husband, son, and German Shorthaired Pointer, Gilbert.

Alana Sealy (Lady Sophy) is excited to be making her Savoyards debut. Her past roles include Katisha (The Mikado), Mother (The Consul), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), and most recently Little Buttercup (H.M.S. Pinafore) with the Natchez Music Festival. In May, Alana is returning to Natchez to portray Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance.

Scott Sino (Mr. Goldbury, Guard) thought certainly he was going to be playing another staunch member of some far flung Army, Navy, Royal Retinue, Downtown Abbeyesque household or sneering Parliamentarian. When the directors overheard him one day dispensing shady stock tips and dubious financial advice to his fellow Savoyards, they said, “There’s our Goldbury.”

Joanna Sisk-Purvis (Flute/Piccolo) is an educator, performer, conductor, and writer. She embraces chaos in Chapel Hill where she wrangles 3 children, 3 dogs, and 6 chickens, encourages lower and middle school children to make lots of noise at Carolina Friends School, and conducts the Piedmont Youth and Family Orchestra.

David Smith (Stage Chorus) is performing in his 45th G&S production, 40 with Savoyards and five with White Iris Light Opera. Other recreations: Prime Time Players (5 shows); an online calculus text; 13 grandchildren; St. Philip’s Choir; travel; and mental health advocacy, education, and support – mostly shared with Dorothy, his wife of 57 years.

Nick Staffa (Stage Chorus) joined the Savoyards in 1965 and has performed in all the G&S shows except Gondoliers and Grand Duke. In high school he starred in The Mikado as KoKo, the Lord High Executioner, but for the last 50 years, he has enjoyed supporting the greater abilities exhibited by the other Savoyards. His dying words will probably be “Ta-ran-ta-ra, Ta-ran-ta-ra.”

Bruce Stewart (Stage Chorus) is a long-time Savoyard finally completing the canon. Utopia at last! He has been seen in TYB’s annual production of Nutcracker as father Silberhaus, and has appeared in numerous other area productions with RLT, TIP, and Cary Players. As always he thanks his lovely wife Brenna for putting up with his theater addiction.

Sandy Svoboda (French Horn) began her Savoyard career with The Mikado in 1982. She teaches french horn and trumpet privately, conducts the Piedmont Wind Ensemble, and is owner of Allegro Music Sales, which sells sheet music for brass and woodwinds. In real life she is the Purchasing Officer / Budget Analyst for Carrboro.

Shiangtai Tuan (Stage Chorus) Since the 1977 Sorcerer, he has fired all thirteen canons of G-S while cooking for Madama Butterfly, serving Don Giovanni, Lady Lucia Di Lammermoor, etc. After playing Magic Flute in Bulgaria and opera singing in Italy, he returned from teasing with Musetta in Café Momus.

Nicolle Tulve (Viola) has been playing viola with the Savoyards orchestra for several years. She knows several G&S productions by song, dance, and words without ever seeing what’s happening on stage. Her favorite production is all of them. She thanks her family for supporting her time in the pit.

James Tyler-Walker (Cello) Utopia marks James’ fifth year in the Savoyards pit. When he’s not accompanying this merry bunch he can be found playing in the Duke Medicine Orchestra, crunching numbers and making pretty graphs for Duke University Health System, or slowly chipping away at a graduate degree in Information Science. Somewhere between all that he eats and sleeps. Much thanks to his husband, Richard, for pulling double cat petting duty this week.

Ray Ubinger (Captain Corcoran) is performing in his 15th DSL production. Nine were on violin. He has also sung in five grand operas. He preaches libertarianism to his two cats when no one else will listen.

Mary Lynn van Deventer (French Horn) has been playing the French Horn for time immemorial. Her father is Apollo and her brother is the Phantom. When she isn’t convincing her brother to return kidnapped Sopranos, she can be found serenading Desmodium Gyrans with a horn forged by Hephaestus and made from Rumplestiltskin’s finest gold.

Shirley Violand-Jones (Clarinet) is returning to the Savoyard orchestra pit and also serves the Durham Symphony as principal clarinetist. Her other orchestra experience includes Long Leaf Opera, Triangle Opera, Raleigh Symphony, Duke Medicine Orchestra, Tar River Orchestra, Tuscarawas Philharmonic, Virginia Opera, and the North Carolina Symphony.

Joyce Weiser (Royal Chorus) has been active in theater here in NC and VA for 58 years. Last seen in How to Succeed in Business in Cary. Also as Madame Caron in Is He Dead at Deep Dish Theatre. Has appeared in three Savoyards Productions – Gondoliers, Princess Ida, and The Pirates of Penzance. Favorite role of her life was playing Dolly in Hello, Dolly!Much love to my family who has put up with my shenanigans for 58 years.

Ruth Winecker (Stage Chorus) Ruth previously sang with the North Korean Light Opera Company before being granted asylum in 2007 by King Paramount of Utopia, on the condition she perform with the Durham Savoyards. Away from the stage she likes collecting loose threads from the clothes of strangers and doing sciency stuff.