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.
- News
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
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
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!Aug15
Summer Success!
Posted in: News, Performance, Studio
Things have been busy on both the personal and studio fronts. Student Caitlin Barclay, who recently won a 10k music scholarship from the Kohler Foundation, will be sponsored by Carthage College, where she will major in vocal performance, for just about the rest of her college expenses! Student Ben Johnson, who is a high school freshman this year, was invited to join the Sheboygan Symphony Chorus. Rachel O’Keefe was asked to star as Lucy in Kohler High School’s upcoming production of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Many of my students performed with professionalism and panache at my studio recital in mid-August; check me out on Facebook and look at the link featuring student Genevieve Gannon, who will be attending St. Norbert’s College this fall, in her performance of “Ah! Je veux vivre” from the opera Romeo et Juliette.In July, I attended the Sound Connections convention for Unity musicians in Kansas City, MO and met many wonderful “posi” colleagues. I’m looking forwarding to rejoining Chicago Opera Theatre for my fourth year as a teaching artist in Chicago, and to reprising my role as Mama Bear in Goldilocks and the Three Bears with Chicago Opera Playhouse at the Rumble Arts Center near Humboldt Park this September. I’ll also be making my debut with Next Act Theatre in Milwaukee in The Exonerated, playing Sandra and Sue, and vocal directing Reefer Madness at Carte Blanche Studios in Milwaukee! Busy as usual. . .Jun26
Studio News
Posted in: News, Studio
Congratulations to student Caitlin Barclay, who was awarded a $10,000 Kohler Arts Foundation scholarship to further her vocal studies this fall at Carthage College. Tyler Williams, who has worked with me for five years, has just been offered a contract for the Turandot chorus with Florentine Opera. Congratulations as well to former student Katie Phillips, who, having finished her senior year at Interlochen Arts Academy, will now be attending Westminster Choir College and studying with dramatic soprano Sharon Sweet. Marielle Schuchardt was recently a finalist in the Sheboygan’s Got Talent competition. Holland White is performing at Maximillian’s this summer. Rachel O’Keefe will be performing in Kohler’s Taste of Italy event. Casey Campbell was just cast as Javert, and Ben Johnson, as the Bishop, in Sheboygan North-South High Schools’ upcoming production of Les Miserables. May31
“Opera for All” in the News!
Posted in: News, Performance
I am a teaching artist for Chicago Opera Theatre, in residence in two inner-city Chicago schools year-round with my fellow TA and COT Education Director Linden Christ. We recently presented this year’s final performance of the kids’ opera “School Rules!” at Clinton Elementary School. 4th and 5th grade kids wrote the music and lyrics and created props with the help of composer Adam Busch and artist Sonja Henderson, as well as the late great Mary Scruggs of Second City Theatre. Here is a link to a short Chicago TV news story on Clinton’s performance! http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=186506&terms=OperaMay23
This Fall at Next Act Theatre
Posted in: News, Performance, Studio
I’m pleased to announce that I will be making my debut with Next Act Theatre this fall in “The Exonerated”, their dramatic season opener in their new Third Ward space! Based on true stories of people wrongly convicted to, and later freed from, death row, this show confronts the human and spiritual price we pay as the only first world society that still imposes capital punishment. I will be playing Sandra/Sue, wives of two freed death row inmates.In other news, student Caitlin Barclay was awarded a $10,000 merit scholarship to pursue her studies in voice at Carthage College by the Kohler Foundation. She was one of five Sheboygan high school senior finalists competing for $60,000 in scholarships sponsored by the Kohler Foundation:
http://www.sheboyganpress.com/article/20110428/SHE04/104280356/Top-high-school-musicians-will-perform-Sunday-Kohler-Arts-Center-Senior-Honor-RecitalMar30
Studio News
Posted in: News, Studio
My students have been accomplishing extraordinary things this spring! Congratulations to Caitlin Barclay, who is one of five finalists for the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship; up to 60k, awarded to two graduating high school seniors in Sheboygan County for artistic merit. Caitlin was also recently named an alternate for Kids in Wisconsin and received a four-year music scholarship of 20k at Carthage College. Genevieve Gannon, who just completed a run as Babe in the Plymouth HS production of Good News, received a substantial music scholarship at St. Norbert’s College.
In other studio news, Brynn Crocker, Kayla Hang, Susan, Jim, and Ben Johnson, and Caitlin Barclay were all cast in the upcoming STC production of Guys and Dolls. Danielle Rammer is performing in the Lakeland Production of Godspell. Michelle White is starring as Jeannie in Carte Blanche Studios’ upcoming production of The Great American Trailer Park Musical in Milwaukee, WI. Jocelyn Dawson is rehearsing for a local production of Anything Goes. Erin Walton is in rehearsal with Soulstice Theatre for their upcoming production of American Enterprise. Rich Kottke, Lauren Ensor, Genevieve Gannon, Brynn Crocker, Hannah Miller, Michelle Zuehlke, and Caitlin Barclay were all advanced to the state level for Solo & Ensemble, in addition to Rachel O’Keefe and Erika Herrman, who competed in earlier rounds.
I’m so proud of all my students and their numerous accomplishments!
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