I am so thrilled to be a part of the world premiere of Buffalo Nation, a new classical music-theatrical work by composer Jerome Kitzke and librettist Kathleen Masterson. Featuring baritone Kurt Ollman and four actor-singers, including myself, Alison Mary Forbes, Norman Moses, and Joel Kopischke; the Present Music ensemble; and a sound effects chorus, the piece addresses the near-extinction of the buffalo and the devastating impact of this tragic destruction upon the peoples of the Indian Nations. I play Claire, a character based upon interviews with Charlotte Black Elk, the great-granddaughter of Nicholas Black Elk and a prominent Native American activist and lawyer. It is a treat and a privilege to experience the gorgeous music and poetic libretto of this work, and to work for the first time with Present Music conductor Kevin Stalheim. I’m looking forward to seeing the accompanying film as well. Only three performances: Saturday April 14 at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm, both at the Indian Community School; and Sunday, April 15 at 4 pm at the Lincoln Center for the Arts. Visit www.presentmusic.org to purchase tickets, but hurry, they are going fast.
Apr10
BUFFALO NATION: PRESENT MUSIC
Posted in: News, Performance
Apr10
GODSPELL at UW-Sheboygan a Success!
Posted in: News, Performance
What an incredible experience music directing GODSPELL at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan was! We sold close to a thousand seats in one weekend–no small feat–and received rave reviews from those in attendance, including the one below from a patron who was moved to write a letter to the editor of the Sheboygan Press! I am so proud of the students of mine in the cast: Marielle Schuchardt, Casey Campbell, and Danielle Rammer, as well as the members of my band, with whom I played piano for this production. Director Simon Provan, an Equity actor, was an absolute delight to work with. Here is the text of the letter to the editor, and the link to the online Press follows:
“The University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan went above and beyond expectations with its recent production of “Godspell.” At times, the audience was louder with laughter and applause than the performers. I would compare “Godspell” to the off-Broadway theaters in New York, it was that terrific. I would like to take this opportunity to give the cast and crew a big “God Bless.” Thank you for sharing your talents with our community.”
Phyllis Welsch, Sheboyganhttp://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20120408/SHE0601/204080315/Letters-UW-Sheboygan-s-Godspell-outstanding?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE%7Cs
Mar23
I’m music directing Godspell at University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan and we open in a week, on Palm Sunday weekend! This show has come together so beautifully, thanks to director Simon Provan; a fantastic cast including my students Marielle Schuchardt, who was recently accepted to the very selective UW-Stevens Point BFA Acting program, and Casey Campbell, accepted with scholarships in voice and basson to the music program at North Park University in Chicago, IL; and Danielle Rammer; and also due to the efforts of my band, all of whom have worked so hard to make this show come to musical life! Visit the link below to read comments from the director, to see rehearsal pics, and for info regarding tickets and showtimes. One weekend only–don’t miss it!Mar7
When Ideas Attack! Opera for All
Posted in: News
I am a Teaching Artist for Chicago Opera Theater in residence at two CPS schools, Clinton and Hampton. Throughout the course of a school year, we work with elementary school students to create and perform their very own opera! This year, my fourth teaching with COT, I decided to attempt writing the script with students. In the past, they have written song lyrics and melodies, which we have then woven into a script for them. I was thrilled with the results of my literary experiment with the kids! Read my blog about the process at this link:http://cotoperaforall.blogspot.com/2012/02/script-writing-at-hampton-clinton-when.html
Jan26
I am so excited to announce that I will be performing in the world premiere of Buffalo Nation (bison bison) with Present Music. Composed by Jerome Kitzke, originally from Milwaukee, with a gorgeously poetic libretto by Kathleen Masterson, the piece concerns the history of the bison, or buffalo, from sacred importance in Native American culture to virtual destruction and back again. The piece is scored for sound effects choir, baritone, four actors, and instrumental ensemble. I will be one of the four actors featured in the piece. For more information regarding tickets, or Present Music, please visit this link: http://www.presentmusic.org/buffalo_nation_bison_bison.aspx
Jan26
Studio and other news
Posted in: News, Studio
As usual, my students are making me proud with various appearances and accomplishments. Ben Johnson is currently performing in Seussical Jr. with Theatre for Young Audiences in Sheboygan, WI. Larry Marcus will be appearing in a duets revue presented by Mill Street Singers and Friends at the Plymouth Arts Center. Casey Campbell and Ben Johnson appeared to rave reviews in the North-South High School production of Les Miserables. Marielle Schuchardt is starring in Proof with Sheboygan Theatre Company. Danielle Rammer sang with Paul Sucherman’s ensemble in their Wicked revue in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Rachel O’Keefe appeared as Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at Kohler High School. Genevieve Gannon performed in Hansel and Gretel as a freshman at St. Norbert’s College. Caitlin Barclay is a voice major on full scholarship at Carthage College, a freshman, and also won a substantial scholarship from the Kohler Foundation in 2011. More news as it comes up!
Jan26
On to the next exciting project: music directing Godspell at University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan! Can’t wait to get started with auditions next week, February 2-3. I will be working with director Simon Provan, fellow actor and theatre professor at UW-Sheboygan. The show will run one weekend only, March 29-April 1!Dec2
New Headshots by Braden Moran
Posted in: Uncategorized
I recently had new headshots done by Braden Moran, an actor and photographer who splits his time between Los Angeles and Chicago. He made me feel so at ease, referred me to a fantastic stylist who was also present for the shoot, and I am thrilled with the results! I recommend him 500%. He’ll take great care of you throughout the entire process, and his rates are incredibly reasonable.You can contact Braden at info@bradenmoranphotography.com, or see more of his work at www.bradenmoranphotography.com. Thank you, Braden!
Nov15
Reefer Reviews!
Posted in: Uncategorized
Carte Blanche Studio’s production of Reefer Madness, for which I am the music director and keyboard player, is getting some killer buzz! It is ”…easily the single most enjoyable musical comedy this season…” according to Russ Bickerstaff of the Shepherd-Express, and Visit the following the links to read two wonderful reviews, then get your tickets for this Wednesday’s pay what you can performance, or for the regular shows on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We close this weekend. www.carteblanche.com for tickets.http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/blog-7536-reefer-madness-musical-comedy-way-way-way-over-the.html
Nov3
Sexy, smoky, seedy, and spliffy–that’s Reefer Madness, opening this weekend at Carte Blanche Studios in Milwaukee, WI! This rock-pop satire takes the premise of a 1940s era info-reel ( that smoking pot turns teens into sex-crazed, cannibalistic cannabis zombies) to literal conclusions that will leave audiences with political and musical munchies!
I’m music directing and playing piano in the kick-ass band. Our killer cast is unbelievably talented, featuring Carte Blanche ensemble veterans, and many new faces as well.
Visit http://carteblanchestudios.com/ for tickets now. Don’t miss it–we had to add shows to meet the demand for our last musical collaboration, The Great American Trailer Park Musical. This show is on track to be just as amazing, but Thanksgiving will probably make added dates an impossibility. So get your Reefer Madness groove on now! For adult audiences.
About Lisa Golda
With experience and training that bridges both the operatic and musical theatre worlds, Lisa Golda is active in the greater Wisconsin and Chicago areas as both a performer and a teacher. Read More