Greetings, Seagle fam! It’s been a little while since you’ve heard from us, because we were busy all summer with another exciting season. We cried for Argentina, Figaro and Susanna got married, the Manchurian Candidate lost the election, and Oklahoma was OK! Then we spent a lovely fall season Monkeying and Francine-ing around and getting HOT! with Cole Porter. Now things in Schroon Lake have quieted down, but our many and various singing friends far and wide are gearing up for one of the busiest times of year – the month of December!! A bustling time of holiday celebrations, opera and musical theater productions, and concert fare (plus don’t forget – it’s audition season too!), Seagle singers can be seen in just about any kind of repertoire all over the place. Here’s just a small sampling of the opportunities you don’t want to miss this year! Get out there and support your Seagle friends by attending an event or two this holiday season and make your December a bit brighter.
And if you’re performing and you don’t see your event here, let us know at socialmedia@seaglefestival.org so we can add you to the list!
Musicals
Fiddler on the Roof – in Yiddish (with English and Russian supertitles)
Stage 42, New York, NY
Directed by Oscar and Tony winner Joel Grey
Performances run through January 5, 2020
Tickets and more info
“A New York Times Critics’ Pick, Fiddler on the Roof “strikes a deep emotional chord” and “offers a kind of authenticity no other American Fiddler ever has.” (The New York Times)
With direction by Oscar and Tony Award®-winner Joel Grey, this production “speaks to us all” (Newsday). It has been hailed as “a richer, deeper interpretation” by The Wall Street Journal, “a mitzvah” by Time Out New York, and AM New York gives it four stars, calling Fiddler on the Roof “perfect.” Harold Prince, the legendary and original producer of Fiddler on the Roof‘s first Broadway production (1965 winner of nine Tony Awards®, including Best Musical) said, “If you have seen Fiddler before, you must see this production because it will make you feel you are seeing Fiddler for the first time.” ” In Yiddish with English and Russian supertitles.
Alumna Kayleen Seidl is a member of the ensemble and understudy to Tsaytl, Hodl, and Khave. Mazel tov!
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
Swift Creek Mill Theater, Richmond, VA
Performances run through December 28
Tickets and more info
“Based on the unfinished novel by Charles Dickens, this lighthearted, stylized and rambunctious show is a holiday treat for the family. The mystery’s outcome is decided by an audience vote, so it’s a different show every night!”
Alumna Tascha Anderson is the Dancing Succubus and a member of the ensemble.
Operas
Hansel & Gretel
Palm Beach Opera
West Palm Beach, FL
December 6, 7, & 8
Tickets and more info
“Enjoy an enchanting production at Delray Beach’s Crest Theatre starring Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artists and Bailey Apprentice Artists. Based on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tale, this charming classic features a lush folk-inspired score by Engelbert Humperdinck, and an imaginative set made entirely out of paper! Young Singers of the Palm Beaches will also perform as the Children’s Chorus. Sung in English with English supertitles above the stage.”
Alumna Maria Vasilevskaya is singing the role of Hansel.
Glory Denied
Boston Conservatory Opera (Boston Conservatory Theater)
Boston, MA
December 5, 6, 7, & 8
Tickets and more info
“Glory Denied is a poignant saga of America during the Vietnam War, based on the true story of Colonel Jim Thompson, America’s longest-held prisoner of war. This profoundly moving story and soaring score by one of America’s leading classical voice composers tell Thompson’s story through younger and older versions of Thompson and his wife, Alyce, who traverse this complex emotional landscape through hope, despair, love, hate, courage, and forgiveness. Glory Denied will be sung in English with English supertitles.”
Alumni Kyle White is singing Older Thompson, Willie Casper is singing Younger Thompson, and Jake Goz is covering Younger Thompson.
The Resurrection of Lucretia
Boston Conservatory at Berklee (Seully Hall)
Boston, MA
December 6 at 3p
This event is free and open to the public.
Current BoCo students will workshop scenes from a new opera by Patricia Herzog. The story originated with the Roman myth of Lucretia as recorded by Livy, but in this new take on the story Lucretia is convinced not to kill herself after being assaulted. The piece is highly motivated by the events of the #MeToo movement. There will be a talkback with the composer/librettist, director, and cast following the performance.
Alumni Jake Goz is singing Sextus Tarquinius with Christos Kokkinis covering the same role and Melaina Mills is singing First Woman.
Concerts
IPL Yuletide Celebration
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
Indianapolis, IN
Performances run November 30-December 23
Tickets and more info
“Get ready to ring in the holidays with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra! This season, we celebrate 34 years of bringing you one of Indiana’s most cherished holiday traditions — IPL Yuletide Celebration! This holiday season, we are pleased to welcome first-time Yuletide host, Frankie Moreno! Back this year are the whimsical “Holly Jolly Dollies” and so are the traditions of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and the famous tap-dancing Santas. Along with aerialists and a cast of singers and dancers, Indy’s own dance group Expressenz returns to the Yuletide stage after competing in World of Dance in 2017 and earning six national titles together. As always, musical and visual surprises will abound.”
Alumna Donata Cucinotta is a featured soloist.
Handel’s Messiah
Sequoia Symphony Orchestra
Visalia, CA
December 8 @ 3:00p
Tickets and more info
“Join the combined choirs of El Diamante and Golden West as they share the quintessential holiday work, Handel’s Messiah. We’ll share the Christmas portions of the nativity story with soloist and chamber orchestra in its original orchestration.”
Alumna Heather Jones is the alto soloist.
The Christmas Revels: Celestial Fools
Washington Revels
Washington, DC
Remaining performances:
December 13 at 7:30p
December 14 at 2:00p and 7:30p
December 15 at 1:00p and 5:00p
“Holiday magic is just around the corner in a rustic village in Europe!
As the Winter days grow short, three wandering performers from far-off lands weave music, dance and stories from their cultures into an enchanting and dramatic tale of the Winter Solstice. But when the sun finally sets on the longest night — and darkness seems to stretch on without end — these “Celestial Fools” lead us on a journey into the heavens to reclaim the light and restore its warmth to the world.
Join Washington Revels to celebrate the season with rousing carol sing-alongs, a mad-cap Twelve Days of Christmas, and dancing in the aisles with a cast of over 100, ages 9-90. Enjoy an exuberant blend of music from around the globe by renowned Klezmer and world-music instrumentalists Seth Kibel (clarinet & flute), Vladimir Fridman (guitar), and Bob Abbott (string bass), with the glorious tones of the Washington Revels Brass. Finally, embark on a Winter journey led by tradition bearers Karim Nagi (Arabic drumming & dance), Shizumi Shigeto Manale (Japanese dance & theater), and Mark Novak (Jewish song), as they share wit, wisdom, and even some Winter Solstice magic to help call back the light. Welcome Yule!”
Seagle alumna Evanne Browne is the assistant music director, leader of the bell choir, composer of a new piece and composed several soprano descants, and performs in the costumed show. whew!
A Concord Christmas: Music Inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
Seaglass Theater Company
Milton, MA & Cape Cod, MA
December 14 at 2:00p
December 15 at 3:00p & 7:00p (*note different locations)
Tickets and more info
“Seaglass Theater Company celebrates the 150th anniversary of the release of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women by presenting A Concord Christmas in 3 historic churches in Massachusetts. Immerse yourself in music inspired by Little Women and a traditional family Christmas at Orchard House, the beloved Alcott family home in Concord, Massachusetts. Repertoire includes selections from Handel’s Messiah, traditional carols, and an exclusive arrangement of O Holy Night.”
Alumna Megan Callahan is a featured soloist.
An Ars Musica Holiday
Ars Musica Chorale
Ridgewood, NJ
December 14 at 7:00p
Tickets and more info
“Join us for our signature Holiday concert, which will bring together the glorious forces of voices, brass, organ, percussion, and the angelic sounds of the NJ State Children’s Chorus in an evening of Christmas and Hanukkah music, with carols for all to sing. You’ll hear diverse works by Judith Clurman, Jonathan Dove, Morten Lauridsen, John Rutter and others, along with traditional pieces for the holiday season.”
Alumna Heather Jones is a young artist with this ensemble for the 2019-20 season, and will be a featured soloist on this concert.
Handel’s Messiah
Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra
Jacksonville, FL
December 14 at 7:30p
December 15 at 3:00p
Tickets and more info
“Celebrate the season as the Jacksonville Symphony and Chorus perform Handel’s Messiah, one of the most inspiring works of music ever written. Featuring timeless classics such as “And the Glory of the Lord” and the “Hallelujah Chorus,” the Messiah is the perfect way to share the joy of music with family and friends.”
Alumnus Eric Ferring is the tenor soloist.
Handel’s Messiah
New York Philharmonic
New York, NY
December 17-19 & 21 at 7:30p, December 20 at 2:00p
Tickets and more info
“Dazzling vocal solos, instrumental fireworks, and splendid choral writing make Handel’s Messiah the Philharmonic’s most beloved holiday tradition. This year Baroque master Harry Bicket leads all forces in the Messiah of Messiahs, the quintessential musical crown of the season.”
Alumnus Colin Campbell is singing as a member of the Handel & Haydn Society Chorus.
Holiday Spectacular
New Albany Symphony Orchestra
New Albany, OH
Sunday, December 22 at 3:00PM
Tickets and more info
“Celebrate the holidays at home in New Albany, featuring local guest artists from Opera Columbus and the heartwarming songs and traditions that make this the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Don’t forget to arrive early for the fabulous Holiday Gift Basket Fundraiser. This concert sells out every year!”
Alumni Catherine Goode, Scott Clark, and Raphella Medina are featured soloists.
Handel’s Messiah
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia, PA
Sunday, December 22 at 2:00p
Tickets and more info
“Shortly after sending Handel his libretto for a new oratorio, Charles Jennens wrote to a friend, hoping that the composer “will lay out his whole genius and skill upon it.” In 24 days of feverish writing, Handel did just that, creating his immortal Messiah. Pioneering conductor and Handel expert Jane Glover brings her decades of experience with opera and Baroque music back to the Kimmel Center for our holiday presentation of this masterwork, with the Philadelphia Symphonic Choir joining the Orchestra for a revelatory performance.”
Alumnus Jonas Hacker is the tenor soloist.
The Tapestry Rock Opera LIVE at Bokeh Lounge
The Tapestry
Evansville, IN
December 28 @ 9:00PM
Tickets & More Info (separate links)
” “…Queen meets Pavarotti!” The Tapestry plays its unapologetic, high-octane fusion of the BEST of OPERA and ROCK. The Tapestry formed out of a deep love for PEOPLE and MUSIC. They introduce people to musical traditions currently unfamiliar to them in order to bring DIVERSE COMMUNITIES of music lovers TOGETHER.
By playing their singular, unapologetic, high-octane fusion of the BEST of opera and rock, they remove the veil between classical and popular music, right before your very eyes and ears, showing the world that the things we have in common are greater than our differences.”
Alumna Bridget Cappel will be a featured soloist on the concert, performing Carmen, Dalila, Lady Gaga, and more.
