KATHERINE BARTLETT

Susanna

Katherine Bartlett is excited to be part of her fifth opera at Arizona State University. She is currently pursuing her Master’s in Music for Opera Performance in the studio of Stephanie Weiss. She has performed various opera and musical theatre roles including Anne Trulove in The Rake’s Progress, Belinda in Dido and Aeneas, Kate in The Pirates of Penzance, and Jo March in the musical adaptation of Little Women. Special thanks to all involved in creating this production. 

HOLLY BINGHAM

Susanna

Holly Bingham is excited to be performing in The Marriage of Figaro at ASU. Miss Bingham is in her final semester of her Masters in Music for Opera Performance. Some of her favorite past roles include Gretel in Hansel and Gretel, Amina in La sonnambula and most recently Eleanor of Aquitaine in the chamber opera Sanctuary and Storm. Special thanks to her friends and family for their love and support throughout the rehearsal process. 

MICHELLE PÉREZ

Countess

Mexican-American Soprano MICHELLE PÉREZ is prized for her technical mastery, stylistic versatility, and compelling characterizations. Originally from the Rio Grande Valley, she recently performed at Arizona State University as Anne Truelove in The Rakes Progress, Marie in La fille du régiment, and Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel. She won the 2023 ASU Concerto Competition and will be performing Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915 with the ASU Orchestra this fall. In Graz, Austria she performed with the AIMS Festival Orchestra under the direction of Maestro Martin Lukas Meister and was a semi-finalist in the Meistersinger Competition. She is in demand as a recitalist and has appeared as the soloist in Handel's Messiah, as well as Faure and Mozart Requiem in San Diego and Phoenix. Michelle received her Masters of Music in Opera Performance from ASU where she is continuing in the Doctoral program. She would like to thank all the amazing cast, crew, and professors for their never-ending support! www.michelleperezsoprano.com

TERESA MURPHY

Cherubino

Teresa Murphy is a mezzo-soprano and choir director, who is currently pursuing a doctorate in choral conducting at ASU. She is grateful to be at a school where she can learn to sing and conduct at a high level! She directs the men’s choirs at Brophy College Preparatory and serves as founder and assistant director of Latidos Music Foundation of Venezuela. In her free time, she enjoys salsa dancing, tango dancing, and speaking Spanish and German.

WAN ZHAO

Cherubino

Wan Zhao is thrilled to be cast in The Marriage of Figaro at ASU. She is a doctoral student majoring in Vocal Performance and studying with Dr. Stephanie Weiss. She was last seen as Baba the Turk in The Rake's Progress at ASU, Soon-Yi Nam in ¡Figaro! (90210) and as Gossip 3 in The Ghosts of Versailles at Chautauqua Opera. Special thanks to her family, friends, the incredible cast and crew, and the voice teacher for all their love and support.

ISABELLA SAN PABLO

Cherubino Study Cover/Chorus

Isabella San Pablo is thrilled to call ASU’s The Marriage of Figaro her first-ever operatic performance. She is a freshman pursuing her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Amanda DeMaris, as well as her Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience. Her favorite parts of the show include the Act I terzetto (featuring chair-eography!), the Act IV finale, and the defenestration of Cherubino. She would like to thank her current and past teachers for their support of her craft, as well as her family, friends, and colleagues for all of their love.

CARLIE BECKERT

Marcelina

Carlie Beckert grew up in Utah and graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance. She was most recently seen in ASU’s production of Pirates of Penzance as Ruth, Into the Woods as Jack’s Mother, The Rake’s Progress as Mother Goose, and Daughter of the Regiment as the Marquis.  She has also performed with UVU Opera, UVAA Opera, and Utah Festival Opera holding leading and supporting roles: Prince Orlovsky (Die Fledermaus), Gertrude (Romeo et Juliette), Third Lady (Magic Flute), Flora (La Traviata), and ensemble (Carmen, Magic Flute, and The Tenderland). Thank you to the amazing MTO faculty, this amazing cast, and all of you for coming to support.

SIENA ZOE LILJEGREN

Marcelina Cover/Chorus

Siena Zoe Liljegren is 19 years old and a sophomore Music Theater major at ASU. Some of her other favorite roles include Ensemble in The Pirates of Penzance at ASU, Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg (Ride the Cyclone), Rona Lisa Peretti (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), and Donna Sheridan (Mamma Mia!). Siena is thrilled to be in her second-ever ASU production and would like to thank the production team and her castmates for all of their hard work. Follow her on Instagram, @siena.zoe!

GABRIELLE SALOMON

Barbarina

Gabrielle Salomon she/her - is a fourth year undergraduate double majoring in Vocal Performance and Music Learning and Teaching with a History minor under Dr. Amanda DeMaris. Her most recent credits include Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance, Anne Trulove cover in The Rake’s Progress, and Meg in Dickstein’s Little Women. She recently placed second in the 2024 NSAL AZ Classical Voice Competition. Upcoming performances for Gabrielle include soloist in selections from Handel’s Messiah at Victory Lutheran Church and her senior recital at ASU. After graduation, she plans to begin auditions to pursue a Master’s degree in Opera Performance. 

ALICIA MARISOL WERNER 

Barbarina

Alicia Marisol Werner is so excited to be welcomed for her final opera performance here at ASU! Alicia is graduating this Spring with her bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance at Arizona State University, studying with Stephanie Weiss. She has greatly enjoyed her time here at ASU, and in La Nozze di Figaro, and would like to thank everyone for coming to see the result of the cast and crew's hard work! After graduation, Alicia will be attending the FIO Italia Summer Program, performing the role of Sister Constance. She plans to apply for graduate school when she returns. Special thanks to family, friends, loved ones, and all music educators.

SHAUL LEKET-MOR

Figaro

Shaul Leket-Mor is a second-year graduate student at ASU. A Tempe native, he has performed across the valley with various organizations such as Arizona Opera, Arizona MusicFest, and Beth Morrison Projects. He previously performed at ASU in Into the Woods and The Rake’s Progress. Figaro is his debut as a principal cast member in opera, and he is really excited to share with you this beautiful work along with all his colleagues. Shaul wants to give appreciation to the cast, crew, staff, and musicians involved with this production.

CARICK VEALE

Figaro Cover/Chorus

Carick Veale is a baritone in his sophomore year at ASU pursuing a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Learning and Teaching studying under Professor Gordon Hawkins. He has also been a part of the ASU Music Theatre and Opera productions of La fille du régiment and The Rake’s Progress as a member of the chorus. Carick is very excited to be a part of The Marriage of Figaro!

JOSHUA-PIERRE MOORE

Count Almaviva

Joshua-Pierre Moore, JP has performed in a number of productions with ASU Music Theatre and Opera, and he is thrilled to be performing the role of The Count in The Marriage of Figaro! JP is in his second year pursuing a Master of Music degree in Opera Performance, where he has played roles such as Nick Shadow in The Rake’s Progress, Major General Stanley in The Pirates of Penzance, and Sulpice in Daughter of the Regiment. Graduating in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Music for Vocal Performance, JP has also performed roles such as, Ariodate in Xerxes, Le Roi in Cendrillon, and Sarastro in The Magic Flute. JP is excited to finish his studies this semester and hopes you enjoy the show!

JOHN PIERCE KRAFT

Bartolo

John Pierce Kraft is excited to be back for the 60th season. John received his Bachelor’s in voice performance at DePauw University, and his Master’s in opera performance at ASU as a student of Dr Jerry Doan and Gordon Hawkins. While at ASU John performed as Don Alfonso in Così fan Tutte, Spencer Coyle in Owen Wingrave, Uberto in La Serva Padrona, among others. John regularly performs with Chandler Opera Company, including as Dr Grenvil/Giuseppe in La Traviata, and Benoît/Alcindoro in La Bohème. He can be heard in Starrynight Productions' The Wonderful Wizard of Oz as the Tin Woodman, available through Soundbooth Theater.

BEN SASNETT 

Basilio/Don Curzio

Ben Sasnett is a first-year master's student. He's thrilled to be here in beautiful Arizona and is grateful to be a part of this fantastic production. Some favorite past roles include Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, Tony in West Side Story, Rodolfo in La Bohème, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte. Some of his oratorio credits include the tenor soloist in Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and the premier of Haydn's Creation in Varna, Bulgaria. Huge thanks to Mom and Dad for their endless love and support, and to the ASU students and faculty for their warm welcome!

VICTOR FLORES

Basilio Cover/Chorus

Victor Flores is excited to be in this production of The Marriage of Figaro at ASU. He is a Senior pursuing his Bachelor's in Music for Voice Performance. He has performed at Symphony Hall and The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall with Arizona Opera. His favorite roles include Tamino in Die Zauberflöte and Basilio in The Marriage of Figaro.

CAEL SZABADOS

Antonio

 Cael Szabados is excited to be cast in The Marriage of Figaro at ASU this semester. He is a third-year undergraduate obtaining a bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance and Music Learning and Teaching. He is thrilled to be making his debut opera performance with such an incredible cast and production team. He hopes to learn and experience as much as possible from this wonderful show. He gives special thanks to everyone who has supported his journey and cannot wait to show everyone more to come. 

JOSEPH GREEN

Antonio Cover/Chorus

Joseph Green is thrilled to be a part of The Marriage of Figaro at ASU. He is a sophomore pursuing a B.A. in Theatre Acting and a minor in Musical Theatre. His favorite previous roles include Tevye in Fiddler on The Roof, The Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, and an Officer/Pirate in Pirates of Penzance. He would like to thank his parents for their constant support and encouragement for him pursuing his dreams.

KIMBERLY MARSH

Chorus

Kimberly Marsh is a senior pursuing her Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and is thrilled to be cast in Le nozze di Figaro! Kimberly was previously in ASU MTO’s productions of Donizetti’s La fille du régiment and Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance. She greatly enjoys performing in period costumes and collaborating with so many talented individuals both on and off the stage. Special thanks to her loved ones, cast and crew, and Dr. Will for all their love, guidance, and never-ending support—and a big thanks to you for coming to see the show!

MORGAN PEOPLES

Chorus

Morgan Peoples is delighted to be cast in The Marriage of Figaro at ASU. She is a first-year student pursuing her Bachelor’s in Music for Voice Performance studying under Gordon Hawkins. Some of her favorite roles include Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Morticia in The Addam’s Family, and Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music. She would like to send thanks to all of her family, friends, professors, and peers for all of their support!

LEXI FIELD

Chorus

Lexi Field is a Sophomore undergraduate at Herberger’s College in the MTO program and I am on my way to pursuing a career in music. I am a Voice Performance major and I am very excited to journey through my very first show at ASU! The Marriage of Figaro is my first opera and I couldn’t be more delighted to share this experience with my colleagues, friends, and family. I would like to say thank you to everyone who supports me to help my dreams become a reality. You are all amazing. 

KAYLYN YAGER

Chorus

Kaylyn Yager is excited to be cast in her second show at ASU. She is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Vocal Performance and Biology. She has performed in several venues in Washington, including (but not limited to) Renton Civic Community Theatre, Auburn Community Theatre, Kentridge High School and Seattle Opera. Her favorite role would have to be Cinderella in Into the Woods. She would like to thank her family and friends for their constant support.  

DAVID RADAMÉS TORO

Stage Director

Latino-American director, David Radamés Toro, applies his background in music and mime to create innovative opera productions. He has worked at companies such as Minnesota Opera, the Wexford Opera Festival, Seattle Opera, and Washington National Opera.

 An admirer of modern-era opera, David has had the privilege of directing 21st-century works such as Dead Man Walking (Opera Idaho, 2022), The Shining (Opera Colorado, 2022), Glory Denied, (Opera Fayetteville, 2020), and Flight (Minnesota Opera, 2020).  He also enjoys directing opera for young audiences and has done so with Tri-Cities Opera, Minnesota Opera, and Opera Saratoga.

 Future productions include: Cruzar la Cara de la Luna (director, Minneapolis Opera & Austin Opera), The Lion, The Unicorn, and Me (assistant director, Washington National Opera), and Le nozze di Figaro (Director, Arizona State University)

CARLOS ELIAS BARRAZA TREVIÑO

Assistant Stage Director

Carlos Elias Barraza Treviño a Mexican tenor from Chihuahua, holds a bachelor's degree in music education (voice emphasis) from the University of Texas at El Paso. He recently earned a master's degree in Voice Performance & Pedagogy and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Vocal Performance at ASU. Carlos excels in art song, particularly in German and Spanish. Beyond performing, he teaches voice at the undergraduate level as a graduate teaching assistant. Carlos is dedicated to elevating vocal artistry and education.

BRIAN DEMARIS

Music Director/Conductor

Brian DeMaris serves as Principal Conductor of Anchorage Opera and Artistic Director of Music Theatre and Opera at Arizona State University. He has led productions with Anchorage Opera, Opera Columbus, El Paso Opera, Mill City Summer Opera, Syracuse Opera, Tri-Cities Opera, Ash Lawn Opera, American Lyric Theatre, and American Opera Projects. He has served as Associate Conductor of New York City Opera, Assistant Conductor of Florida Grand Opera and Glimmerglass Opera, Resident Conductor of Ashlawn Opera Festival, and Répétiteur at Opera Theater of Saint Louis. He has appeared at the United Nations, the Aspen Music Festival, Boston’s Jordan Hall, New York’s Studio 54, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Symphony Space, Alice Tully Hall, and in recitals, competitions, and master classes throughout the United States and abroad. He is the 2nd place winner of the 2013 and 2015 American Prize in Opera and Musical Theater Conducting. He was previously Director of Opera and Musical Theatre at Ithaca College and founding Music Director of the Mill City Summer Opera in Minneapolis.

ZACHARY SALSBURG-FRANK

Associate Music Conductor

Conductor Zach Salsburg-Frank brings classical music to life with dynamic interpretations that blend passion and precision. Zach’s 2023-24 season includes conducting Tawnie Olson’s Sanctuary and Storm at the National Opera Association conference, Chandler Opera’s La traviata, and assisting Jordan de Souza on the Canadian Opera Company’s La bohème. He will join Opera Saratoga as a Festival Artist to assistant conduct Così fan tutte and will conduct opera scenes with orchestra at Festival Napa Valley.

Past engagements include assistant conducting Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera’s La bohème and Opéra de Toulon’s Don Giovanni, serving as an apprentice conductor on Seattle Opera’s Tristan und Isolde and Arizona Opera’s Die Zauberflöte.

MICHAEL SHANNON

Repiteteur

Michael Shannon (he/him/his) is proud to join the creative team at ASU Music Theatre & Opera for his eighth production of his favorite opera, The Marriage of Figaro. As a pianist, vocal coach, and music director born and raised in London, Canada, Michael served on music staff at the Canadian Opera Company for almost a decade, and has also enjoyed a fruitful relationship as a musical director with Tapestry Opera in Toronto, creating new operas and challenging the boundaries of the art form. Most recently, Michael has been a member of music staff at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, International Vocal Arts Institute in Montreal, and Prague Summer Nights where he will play and coach his ninth Figaro this summer. 

MOLLY LAJOIE

Choreographer

Molly Lajoie is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the AMDA, New York. She has worked extensively throughout the valley performing, choreographing and directing. Some of her ASU choreography credits include Guys and Dolls, Company, The Drowsy Chaperone,Children of Eden, The Bartered Bride and H.M.S. Pinafore. She also directed and choreographed Kiss Me Kate here. She has choreographed and directed at many of the theatres in town including The Phoenix Theatre Company, Arizona Broadway Theatre, Black TheatreTroupe, Arizona Opera, TheaterWorks and Desert Stages. Molly’s a Faculty Associate in the MTO Program at ASU and the Director of TPTC’s Summer of Dance program.

HANNAH MANER

Production Stage Manager

Hannah Maner She/Her/Hers, is new to the MTO family, with this being her first production! Her recent credits include The Prom, Ain’t Misbehavin, and Big River with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma and Bright Star and The Children of Eden with Oklahoma Opera & Music Theatre Company. Hannah would like to thank her family and friends for all of their support. Roll Tide, Go Stars, Forks Up!

MATT GRIESGRABER

Assistant Stage Manager

Matt Griesgraber is a senior Musical Theatre performance major. He has been seen in other Arizona State University productions such as: Pirates of Penzance (Frederic), Bright Star (Billy Cane), and Into the Woods (Rapunzels Prince). Social: @mattgriesgraber

STEPHANIE SADOWNIK

Intimacy Coordinator

Stephanie Sadownik (she/her) is currently a Faculty Associate in the voice area at Arizona State University where she teaches applied vocal instruction and frequently stage directs for their Music Theatre and Opera program. Recent productions with MTO include We’ve Got Our Eye on You by Nkeiru Okoye, The Infinite Energy of Ada Lovelace by Kamala Sankaram, Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti, a double-bill of Nora at the Alter-Rail & A Hand of Bridge, and original adaptation of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. This season she directed Albert Herring at the Maryland Opera Studio and the 2023 National Opera Association Chamber Opera Competition Winner Sanctuary and Storm by Tawnie Olsen, composer, and Roberta Baker, librettist. As a dynamic and versatile performer, Ms. Sadownik  has been an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, a Young Artist with PORTopera, and a three-time Opera Fellow awardee for the Aspen Opera Center. She has earned praise for her portrayals of Marcellina/Le nozze di Figaro, Madame Flora /The Medium, La Zia Principessa /Suor Angelica, Mrs. Lovett / Sweeney Todd, Arnalta /L’incoronazione di Poppea and Samira/Ghosts of Versailles. Passionate about new music and creating collaborative spaces, Ms. Sadownik is the Artistic Director of the Arizona Women’s Collaborative, a new-works initiative for marginalized genders. To date the AWC has premiered 28 new pieces with themes centered on climate change, sisterhood, the voiceless, hope, and enduring through challenge. Ms. Sadownik graduated with Bachelor of Music from Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music, received a Master of Music from the Maryland Opera Studio at University of Maryland, College Park and earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in 2020 from Arizona State University.