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at the Riverview Theater

CREATIVE TEAM

Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte 
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Directed by Alan E. Hicks
Conducted by Joe Illick
Scenic, Projections, and Concept by Alan E. Hicks
Lighting by Chris Rynne 
Costumes by Wardrobe Witchery
Wig and Makeup Design & Wigs provided by
Nottingham Design

Shreveport Opera debut

CAST

(in order of appearance)
Justin Ramm-Damron*
Charles H. Eaton ∅
Gwenyth Sell*
Benjamin Sieverding ∅
David Walton ∅
Sarah Tucker ∅
Cambria Metzinger*
Steve Valenzuela

* current SOX artist
∅ Shreveport Opera debut

CHORUS

(in alphabetical order)
Lucy Andress
Malaina Aultman
Olivia Currier
Ethan Davis
Jeremy Do
Rachel Gordon
Kaelon Gerard
Caleb Hensley
Jarius Knowles
Pat Magee
Seva May
Marcia Moffatt
Lee Ann Monat
Amelia Osborn
Harry Townsend
Lory Tubbs
Jessica Walker
Jessica Wright

If you wish to audition for the 2026-27 chorus, please fill out the form by pressing the button below

Mobirise

SHREVEPORT SYMPHONY

Michael Butterman, Music Director

Violin
Elizabeth O’Bannon, Resident Concertmaster
Elizabeth Beck, Acting Principal Second Violin
Henry Edwards
Michele Gunn
Daniel Santelices
Diana Hector-Norwood
Angela Russell

Viola
Borys B. Smolaga, Principal
Adrienne Gabriel

Cello
Jason Mooney, Principal
Brett Andrews

Double Bass
Justin Kujawski, Principal

Flute
Jennie McRae, Acting Principal

Oboe
Theresa Zale Bridges, Principal

Clarinet
Scot Humes, Principal
David Steele

Bassoon
Andrew Brooks, Acting Principal

Horn
Tom Hundemer, Principal
James Boldin

Trumpet
Jeremy McBain, Acting Principal

Timpani/Percussion
Chandler Teague, Principal

PRODUCTION STAFF

Stage Management
Carol Brian, Stage Manager
Hailey Chiasson, Assistant Stage Manager

Technical Director and Scenary Construction
Josh Talley

Stage Crew - IATSE Local 298
Kat Breitling, Head Props
Matt Dickerson, Head Carpenter
John Whited, Audio
Steve Pyatt, Head Flyman
Robbie Mayberry, 2nd Flyman
Tony Yuse, Head Electrician
James Jones, Weight Loader
Craig Elmore, Weight Loader
Bobby Griffe, Assistant
Dylan Keys, Assistant
Kira Henson, Assistant
Sam Copeland, Assistant

Costume Coordinator
Eura Coleman

Wigs & Makeup Assistants
Elizabeth Dickinson
Amelia Osborn

A NOTE ABOUT THE CONCEPT

When you read the synopsis, you will immediately realize that this is not your average Don Giovanni. It was conceived as a non-traditional telling of the story reimagined from the ground up with sets, costumes, lights, projections, and even the stage crew used in new ways. It may benefit from a few words of explanation.

The idea for this production began in 2017 during the "Me Too" Movement. Many industries experienced long-overdue reckonings, but none more than the entertainment industry. Some may remember news stories about film producer Harvey Weinstein but may not realize that theatre and opera also examined their procedures, and entire industries were created to increase the safety of performers in the business. "Intimacy coordinators" became standard additions to most opera and theatre productions - their jobs being to make love scenes look real while not putting the performers in uncomfortable positions.

As with all positive movements, there were unintended consequences - many operas, plays, and musicals that dealt in any way with sexual assault were slated to be "cancelled." Some of these shows were the very shows that we should not strike from the canon as they showed the consequences of such actions. In Rigoletto, for example, the Duke is never punished for his transgressions with women, though his victims are punished - and severely. In Don Giovanni, not only is he punished, his victims are left to live in the ruins of his actions. The consequences are the story, and that story should continue to be told. 

Alan E. Hicks, D.M.A.

SYNOPSIS

ACT I

As performers prepare for opening night of Don Giovanni, a soprano is assaulted in her dressing room by a masked man. As the culprit attempts to escapes, the bass playing "Il Commendatore" in the show tries to stop him. In the struggle, the old man is stabbed and dies. The offender and his assistant flee. Stricken with grief over the loss of her show “dad,” the soprano asks her real-life fiancé (the tenor) to avenge his death. A few minutes later, another soprano arrives late and tired. She knows that her former lover is schedule to perform and asks several crew members to help her find him. The baritone arrives dressed as Don Giovanni and tries to seduce this soprano but flees when she recognizes him. Now dressed as Leporello, the bass-baritone explains to the soprano that he has a book that contains all the names of his boss’s “conquests” - and there are many.

A crew party celebrates the wedding of two of their own - a crew member and a stage manager. Don Giovanni stumbles onto the party and takes a liking to the stage manager. He invites the crew to his house to continue the party and tells his assistant to get rid of the husband. Once alone, Don Giovanni attempts to seduce the newlywed, but his former lover (the other soprano) shows up and thwarts his efforts. The tenor and the soprano enter (now dressed as Don Ottavio and Donna Anna, respectively). They recognize Don Giovanni and ask for his help. The other soprano enters and tells Anna and Ottavio that Don Giovanni cannot be trusted. Don Giovanni tells the pair that the other soprano is "crazy." Anna and Ottavio don't know who to believe. The other soprano runs off in disgust. As Don Giovanni bids the couple farewell, Donna Anna recognizes him as the man who tried to rape her. She again tells Ottavio he must avenge her.

Leporello enters complaining that he needs to get away from Don Giovanni. Giovanni finds Leporello and tells him to go to his house and prepare a party so he can find more women to seduce.

The stage manager (now dressed as Zerlina) attempts to calm her angry husband (now dressed as Masetto). She playfully asks him to "beat" her so that they can make up. As they finally reconcile, Zerlina hears Giovanni in the distance and panics leading Masetto into a jealous rage. Don Giovanni enters and finds Zerlina and attempts to pick up where he left off with her. Masetto interrupts, so Giovanni (somewhat forcefully) invites them both to the party, and they leave.

Anna, Ottavio, and the other soprano enter and attempt to steady their nerves as they hope to catch Giovanni in a compromised position. They put on masks to hide their identities. Leporello and Giovanni find them, and Giovanni tells Leporello to invite them in.

At the party, the crew drinks and dances while Giovanni and Leporello scheme and Masetto and Zerlina fight. As Masetto is distracted, Don Giovanni pulls Zerlina into another room and attempts to assault her. Caught in the act by Ottavio, Anna, the other soprano, and the crew, Giovanni throws Leporello to the wolves and flees.

ACT II

Leporello has had enough. Giovanni tries to calm him, but nothing works until Giovanni offers him money. Giovanni tells Leporello that he has a new target - a maid. But he needs Leporello's clothes to seduce her as he doesn't think that the lower class looks too kindly on the rich. As they change, the other soprano appears in the window. In order to seduce the maid, he must rid himself of the other soprano. So, he forces Leporello (now dressed in Giovanni's clothes) to seduce her and take her somewhere else. Once alone, he attempts to get the maid to come to the window by singing.

Masetto enters with an armed group of men. Giovanni passes himself off as Leporello and Masetto sends the men to continue searching for Giovanni. Once alone, Giovanni beats Masetto and is about to kill him when he hears Zerlina in the distance. Zerlina finds her husband bloodied and attempts to make him feel better by suggestively inviting him home to consummate their marriage.

Leporello and the other soprano attempt to hide from the search party looking for Giovanni but are discovered by Zerlina, Masetto, Anna, and Ottavio. The other soprano attempts to protect her "husband," and all are surprised to find that it is not Giovanni under the hat, but Leporello. Leporello distracts the others and escapes. Ottavio asks Masetto and Zerlina to console Anna while he goes off to avenge her.

The other soprano laments that even though she has been betrayed, she would forgive Giovanni. As she puts on her make up and takes her dress from the costume rack, her transition to Elvira is complete.
Don Giovanni and Leporello meet up in the cemetery in front of the monument to the bass ("Commendatore"). Giovanni tells Leporello to invite the monument to dinner, and the monument agrees.

Ottavio has grown frustrated with Anna's sadness and tells her they should marry. She asks how he could think of marriage at a time like this. Rejected, he calls her "cruel." She begs him not to think of her that way and attempts to assuage his anger by reaffirming her commitment to him.

Leporello prepares Giovanni's dinner. Elvira enters and begs Giovanni to change his ways. He rejects her. As she leaves, a blood-curdling scream is heard. Leporello investigates and returns petrified - the monument has come to dinner. The Commendatore's ghost appears in the room. Giovanni tells Leporello to set another place for dinner. The ghost explains that he does not eat mortal food and asks Giovanni, instead, to come to dine with him. Giovanni says he is not afraid and the ghost offers his hand to shake on it. Giovanni takes his hand and is immediately stricken with a deadly chill. The ghost commands Giovanni to repent, but Giovanni refuses. The ghost tells Giovanni his time is up and Giovanni is cast out of the theatre and into hell.

The remaining performers enter the theatre searching for Giovanni. When Leporello tells them what happened, they all decide what to do next. They warn the audience that the wicked always get their comeuppance. The group leaves the theatre and the opera stage forever…all except Leporello…

ARTISTS' BIOS

(in alphabetical order)

Glenn Avery Breed
Costume Designer

Glenn Avery Breed is a department chair and professor of Costume Design, Costume Construction, Millinery, Corsetry and Basic Tailoring. Breed is an acclaimed costume designer for opera, musical theater and other specialty productions. As the resident costume designer for the Pensacola Opera, Fiesta of Five Flags and Janiec Opera Company at Brevard Music Center, he creates original costume designs for more than 10 stage productions each year. He is as passionate about teaching as he is about theatrical design. Having taught at UWF since 2006, he helped establish the University’s costume program. Before coming to UWF, he was the resident costume designer for West Virginia Public Theatre for five summer seasons and more than 40 productions. He was also a designer and technologist for Ensemble Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The State Theatre, Public Domain Theatre, Chautauqua Theatre Company, Austin Musical Theatre and Austin Playhouse. He is owner of Wardrobe Witchery, a full-service costume design, construction and rental company. His costume designs were recognized by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival with the Distinguished Faculty Costume Design for “The House of Bernarda Alba” in 2008 and “A Piece of My Heart” in 2006. 

Robert Cruz
Chorus Master, Assistant Conductor

A versatile musician whose musical passions and expertise run the gamut from Gregorian chant to contemporary musical theatre, Robert Cruz currently works as a freelance musician based in Shreveport, Louisiana. Robert is the organist at the historic Noel Memorial United Methodist Church, resident pianist and chorus master for the Shreveport Opera, the artistic director of the Carrefour Collaborative Music Project, and regularly performs as keyboardist with the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra and the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra. He has also regularly served as music director for productions at Stage Center, the Emmett Hook Center, and the Shreveport Little Theatre and as an accompanist and non-credit instructor at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Originally from the flatlands of central Indiana, Robert completed his graduate studies in organ and sacred music at Indiana University with additional study in collaborative piano at Boston University.

Mr. Cruz's work is generously sponsored by Drs. Ernest & LaWanda Blakeney, Carol Reyenga, Dr. Bob & JoAnna Robinson, & an anonymous donor 

Charles H. Eaton
Don Giovanni

Hailed as a "swaggeringly charismatic baritone with a versatile voice,” American baritone Charles H. Eaton begins his 2025/2026 season at The Metropolitan Opera, where he will sing the role of Oleskii in a workshop presentation of The Mothers of Kherson, to be premiered in their 2027/2028 season. He then makes company debuts with Houston Grand Opera as William Dale in Silent Night, and with Shreveport Opera in the title role of Don Giovanni. He also makes his company debut with Amelia Island Opera as Gaudenzio and Sam in a double bill of Il Signor Bruschino and Trouble in Tahiti (respectively). Charles returned to Wolf Trap Opera in the summer of 2025 as a Filene Artist to make role debuts as Il Conte in Le nozze di Figaro, Dancaïre in Carmen, and his debut with the National Symphony Orchestra as baritone soloist in Carmina Burana. His 2024/2025 season also included a return to Minnesota Opera for his role debut as Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette, a role and company debut as Silvio in Pagliacci with Pensacola Opera, and a debut of the title role in Don Giovanni with Madison Opera. Mr. Eaton was a resident artist at Minnesota Opera, where he was featured as Sam in Trouble in Tahiti, Schaunard in La Bohème, Argante in Rinaldo, and Masetto in Don Giovanni. He is also a graduate of emerging artist programs at The Glimmerglass Festival, Des Moines Metro Opera, and Opera Colorado, and holds a bachelor’s and master's degree in vocal performance from the University of Connecticut and the University of Minnesota respectively.

Mr. Eaton's performance is generously sponsored by Clay Abington, Dale Bauman & Paula Leonard, & an anonymous donor

Alan E. Hicks
Stage Director, Scenic and Projection Designer

Alan E. Hicks, stage director and designer, joins Shreveport Opera for the 2025-26 season as General & Artistic Director. Prior to his appointment, Alan directed productions San Diego Opera, Minnesota Opera, Palm Beach Opera, Tulsa Opera, Opera Santa Barbara, Miami Music Festival, Green Mountain Opera Festival, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, OpernFest Berlin, Austro-American Mozart Academy, Shenandoah Conservatory, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Iowa, and the University of Houston. Alan has also served on the directing and production staffs of Central City Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Michigan Opera Theatre, New York City Opera, Seattle Opera, and Tulsa Opera. In 2013, he was appointed Director of the Emerging Artist Program at Green Mountain Opera Festival, a position he held until the company's closing in 2015. Alan served as Resident Stage Director at San Diego Opera from 2018-2023. Alan is the 2025 receipient of the Charles Nelson Reilly Prize​​ in Stage Direction for his production of Tosca at San Diego Opera.

Joe Illick
Conductor

Joe Illick served as the Artistic Director of Fort Worth Opera from 2017 to 2022, having served for fifteen seasons as Music Director and Principal Conductor. He has also served as Artistic Director of the Lake George Opera Festival, as Interim Artistic Director of Greater Miami Opera (now Florida Grand Opera), Music Director of the Pittsburgh Opera Theater, Artistic Director of Shreveport Opera and Principal Guest Conductor of the Teatro Lirico d'Europa. He has also conducted for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Opera Carolina, San Francisco Opera (Merola), Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Augusta Opera, Opera Omaha, Skylight Opera Theater, Eugene Opera, Nevada Opera Theater, Minnesota Opera National Tour, Pittsburgh Opera Theater, Stadttheater Aachen, Vienna Chamber Opera and the Covent Garden Ensemble. His operas include Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World, Stone Soup, Bernadette’s Cozy Book Nook, Ricky, Feel the Tango, UnShakeable, and Stand Up

Mr. Illick's performance is generously sponsored by the Sons of Italy Heritage Club & an anonymous donor

Cambria Metzinger
Zerlina

Cambria Metzinger, mezzo-soprano, is delighted to return to Shreveport Opera for their 2025–2026 season. Last season, she performed the role of Mercedes in Bizet’s Carmen and will return to perform Musetta in Puccini’s La Bohème and Zerlina in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Cambria’s other credits include performances with Opera Santa Barbara—where she was a Chrisman Studio Artist during the 2021–2022 season—and Pacific Lyric Association, where she sang the role of Prince Orlofsky (Die Fledermaus). She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, where she studied with Catherine Cook. While at SFCM, Cambria performed roles including Véronique (Le Docteur Miracle), Teodata (Flavio), Taller Daughter (Proving Up), Amastre (Serse), and both Le tasse chinoise and La libellule (L’enfant et les sortilèges).

Ms. Metzinger's performance is generously sponsored by Dale Bauman & Paula Leonard, Dr. Jack & Anita Berg, Drs. Ernest & LaWanda Blakeney, Will Blanchard, Mark & Peggy Heacock, Calvin Head & Dr. Megan Conway, Dr. Bob & JoAnna Robinson, Ron & Billie Worthen, & an anonymous donor 

Sondra Nottingham
Wig and Makeup Designer

"Coming back to Shreveport is like coming home to family," says Sondra, a master wig and makeup designer bringing her expertise to Shreveport Opera's Don Giovanni. With 30 years of experience, she's a 798 IATSE professional who's collaborated with icons like Jack White, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Allison Janney, Tom Sizemore, Danny Trejo, Keith Carradine, and Quentin Tarantino. Having worked with Shreveport Opera since 2010, Sondra has established herself as a vital part of the company's creative team, designing for productions like Dead Man Walking and Turandot. Her credits include world premieres like The Jonah People with Nashville Symphony and Grammy-winning Elmer Gantry with Nashville Opera, Vinkinsport with Opera Saratoga, and Three Way with Nashville Opera and American Opera Projects. She also designed for Mobile Opera's innovative The Flying Dutchman, featuring underwater filming.

Justin Ramm-Damron
Leporello

Justin Ramm-Damron, Bass-Baritone, is excited to return to Shreveport Opera for their 2025-2026 season. Last season he performed the roles of Angelotti and Jailor in Puccini’s Tosca and Zuniga in Bizet’s Carmen. This year he is excited to reprise the roles of Colline in Puccini’s La Bohème and Leporello in Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Justin has been described as a “...poised and characterful bass-baritone...” (Opera Today) and known to give “a menacing performance” (KDHX). He has performed roles with several reputable opera companies throughout the United States including Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Sarasota Opera, Central City Opera, Teatro Grattacielo, Bronx Opera, Tundi Productions, Opera Magnifico, Shakespeare Opera Theatre, New Jersey Lyric Opera, and St. Petersburg Opera.

Mr. Ramm-Damron's performance is generously sponsored by Will Blanchard, Dale Bauman & Paula Leonard, Calvin Head & Dr. Megan Conway, Dr. Bob & JoAnna Robinson, & an anonymous donor 

Chris Rynne
Lighting Designer

Chris Rynne is a lighting and scenery designer of theatre, opera, museum exhibitions, and architectural features. His theatrical design work has been seen in productions around the country including The Old Globe, San Diego Rep, San Diego Opera, Cygnet Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, Madison Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Hartford Stage, Geffen Playhouse, Laguna Playhouse, Berkeley Rep and Off- Broadway. He has been responsible for lighting a number of independent touring theatrical productions that have played around the United States as well as in London, Paris, and Tel Aviv. In addition to his lighting design work, Chris also specifies theatrical, entertainment, and architectural control systems for theatres, houses of worship, hospitality, theme parks, schools, museums, and "architainment" features. He is a member of USA829.

Mr. Rynne is generously sponsored by the Sons of Italy Heritage Club

Gwenyth Sell
Donna Anna

Gwenyth Sell, Soprano, is thrilled to be returning to Shreveport Opera as the soprano Resident Artist. Last season she performed the roles of Micaëla (Carmen), Dater (Speed Dating) and Shepherd Boy (Tosca). Recently, Gwenyth graduated with her Performer Diploma and Master of Music from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, where she studied under the tutelage of Jane Dutton and was awarded two Performer’s Certificates. During her time at Jacobs, Gwenyth performed the roles of Arminda (La Finta Giardiniera), Nella (Gianni Schicchi), Le Prince (Cendrillon by Pauline Viardot), and Georgette (La Rondine). As a Mary Jacobs Smith Singer of the Year Competition Finalist, she was awarded the Dr. & Mrs. Bob Robinson Award. Gwenyth has also been a Young Artist at Cedar Rapids Opera where she performed the role of the Sandman (Too Many Sopranos) and was in the chorus of Tosca.

Ms. Sell's performance is generously sponsored by Dale Bauman & Paula Leonard, Dr. Jack & Anita Berg, Will Blanchard, Calvin Head & Dr. Megan Conway, Robert & Cheryl McGowen, Dr. Bob & JoAnna Robinson, & an anonymous donor 

Benjamin Sieverding
Il Commendatore

American bass Benjamin Sieverding has gained notice for his "resonant, expressive bass" (Star Tribune) and his range of characterizations spanning from "wickedly charming" (l'étoile magazine) to "genuinely threatening" (Phindie). During the 2025-2026 season, Mr. Sieverding makes his Festival de Musique de Saint-Barthélemy debut as the Bonze in Madama Butterfly while also singing Commendatore in Don Giovanni at Annapolis Opera, Western Plains Opera, and Shreveport Opera. Last season, Mr. Sieverding performed as the Jailer in Tosca and covered José Tripaldi in Ainadamar with the Metropolitan Opera. Mr. Sieverding made his debut with the Metropolitan Opera in Brett Dean’s Hamlet in 2022, and has since covered several roles with the company including Prison Guard 2 in Dead Man Walking, Tom in Un ballo in Maschera, Boroff in Fedora, and Pistola in Falstaff. Other highlights from last season include debuting with Resonance Works as Lord Rochefort in Anna Bolena, joining Minnesota Orchestra as Mandarin in Turandot, and appearing in Mozart’s Requiem with The Syracuse Orchestra. A graduate of the University of Michigan's Vocal Performance program, Sieverding furthered his training at Santa Fe Opera and Minnesota Opera.

Mr. Sieverding's performance is generously sponsored by Clay Abington, Craig & Kristi Shacklette, & an anonymous donor

Sarah Tucker
Donna Elvira

Described as “vocally glorious” (San Diego Story) and by Opera News as a “standout” with “impeccable pitch and phrasing,” acclaimed soprano Sarah Tucker is a must-see performer in leading opera houses across the United States and beyond. This season brings Ms. Tucker’s return to Fargo Moorhead Opera for an exciting role début as Violetta in La Traviata, her house début with Madison Opera as Fiordiligi in Così Fan Tutte, her house début with Shreveport Opera as Elvira in Don Giovanni, and the Countess in Le Nozze di Figaro with Amarillo Opera. Most recently, Ms. Tucker returned to San Diego Opera to sing Mimì in La Bohème, revisited the role of Micaëla in Virginia Opera’s production of Carmen, and appeared as a guest soloist with the Newport Classical Festival. Additional recent engagements include her Sarasota Opera début as Micaëla in Carmen, her return to Gulfshore Opera as Liù in Turandot, and to Fargo Moorhead Opera as Mimì in La Bohème, as well as appearances with Houston Grand Opera as Volunteer Girl in Another City, the Vallejo Center for the Arts as Tatyana in selections from Eugene Onegin, and the Dayton Philharmonic to premiere My Sister’s Voice by composer Reena Esmail.

Ms. Tucker's performance is generously sponsored by Marletta Eddy, Margaret Oden, & an anonymous donor 

Steve Valenzuela
Masetto

Baritone Steve Valenzuela is a dynamic and versatile performer known for his magnetic stage presence, warm vocal timbre, and compelling character work. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to artistic authenticity, he has brought a wide range of iconic roles to life across stages throughout the United States. Recent performances include Zarzuetta in the Northern California premiere of Zorro with Opera San José (also covering the role of Octavio Rivera y Moncada), Escamillo in Carmen with Shreveport Opera, and Papageno in The Magic Flute with Winter Opera St. Louis, where critics praised his "consistently amusing" portrayal and "hearty baritone." Other notable appearances include Marcello in La Bohème with First Coast Opera and Marchese d’Obigny in La Traviata.

Mr. Valenzuela's performance is generously sponsored by Dr. Jack & Anita Berg, Mark & Peggy Heacock, Mark & Shirlee Owen, & an anonymous donor

David Walton
Don Ottavio

Praised for his “plangent timbre,” David Walton dazzles stages across the country to critical acclaim as a versatile lyric tenor to watch. A favorite tenor of bel canto, Mr. Walton has frequented such roles as Ferrando in Mozart‘s Così Fan Tutte, Tonio in Donizetti‘s La Fille du Régiment, and Almaviva in Rossini‘s Il Barbiere di Siviglia. In the 2025-2026 season, Mr. Walton returns to Toledo Opera in his role début as Nemorino in L’elisir d’Amore. He is also pleased to return to Virginia Opera in one of his signature roles, Ramiro in La Cenerentola. Additionally, he will return to Opera San Antonio, reprising his role as Tamino in Barry Kosky’s production of Die Zauberflöte, and looks forward to bringing his celebrated Almaviva in Il Barbiere di Siviglia to his hometown company, Nashville Opera. On the concert stage, he will début with Virginia Symphony Orchestra in their Messiah.

Mr. Walton's performance is generously sponsored by Clay Abington, Margaret Oden, & an anonymous donor 

Kennedy Wilcher
Assistant Lighting Designer

Kennedy Wilcher, lighting designer, is a Louisiana native who graduated of Centenary College of Louisiana with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with Honors. She is a recent M.F.A graduate in Stage Design: Lighting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Kennedy is currently the Assistant Professor of Theatre: Scenic and Lighting at her alma mater, Centenary College of Louisiana. 

Erick Wolfe
Fight Director

Erick Wolfe is an author, educator, action scholar, and international fight director with over 25 years of experience in film, TV, Theatre, Musical Theatre, Opera, and Ballet, working in stunts, fight choreography, intimacy, directing, and movement. He recently moved to Kansas City and is happy to be working his first production at Shreveport Opera.

Mr. Wolfe is generously sponsored by the Sons of Italy Heritage Club

FROM THE GENERAL &
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

It is my pleasure and my honor to assume the reins of General and Artistic Director at Shreveport Opera. As a Southerner (raised in Mississippi) whose career has taken me all over the world, I feel a great responsibility to maintain the rich artistic tradition that is opera in the South. Most are unaware that the first operatic performances in the United States were not in New York, Boston, or Philadelphia, but in the South (specifically, South Carolina), and it is up to us as an artistic community not just to retain that tradition but to strengthen it. The retiring Steve Aiken leaves very large shoes to fill. I am not replacing him – only following him. As there is no Steve but Steve, some of you will notice changes. Steve always maintained an open line of communication with our patrons, and I intend to do the same. Send me an email and let me know what you think. The Arts should reflect the community.

Alan E. Hicks, D.M.A.

CORPORATE SPONORS

A special thanks for the ongoing support of our Corprate Sponsors.

PATRONS

*Gifts received between July 1, 2025 & March 20, 2026

Diamond

$20,000+

Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild
Mike & Judy McCarthy
Mark & Paula McCrocklin

RUBY

$10,000 - $19,999

Total Wine & More
Cynthia Murray
Stephen Roberts
*Louisiana Division of the Arts (LDOA) - Louisiana Office of Cultural Development
*Noel Foundation, Inc.
*Shreveport Regional Arts Council (SRAC)
*Willis Knighton Health System - Community Commitment Grant

Emerald

$5,000 - $9,999

Dale Bauman & Paula Leonard
Joe Illick
Mark & Shirlee Owen
Sybil T. Patten

Gold

$2,500 - $4,999

Carl Adkins
Drs. Ernest & LaWanda Blakeney
Marletta Eddy
Louise Jackson
Bill & Carole Lacefield
Carol Reyenga
Dr. Bob & JoAnna Robinson
*First Presbyterian Church of Shreveport - D. Thomason Fund
*Magale Foundation

Silver

$500 - $2,499

Crow Foundation
Paul & Betty G. McDonald Foundation
Sons of Italy Heritage Club
Anonymous
Michael & Eileen Adkins
Baker & Tookie Barr
Dr. Jack & Anita Berg
Susan Berry
Will Blanchard
Dr. Joseph Bocchini, Jr.
Barbara Brasher
William & Nancy Broyles
Eugene Bryson, Jr.
Luretta Bybee & Greer Grimsley
Nell Cahn
Jack & Mikey Carlisle
Edward Crawford, III
Roger & Becky DeKay
Chauncey Dyer
Sanders Fowler, III
Charles Gerard
Josephine Gloriosi
Paul & Catherine Guidry
Dr. Kathryn Hamilton
Dr. Dayne & Kathy Hassell
Mark & Peggy Heacock
Calvin Head & Dr. Megan Conway
Tim Jett
Marshall & Cindy Jones
Thomas & Margaret McElroy
Robert & Cheryl McGowen
Dr. Scott & Vicki Mighell
George & Carolyn Mills
Margaret Oden
David & Claudia Oliver
David & Janin Pou
Rev. Rothell Price
Janie Richardson
Kirby & Lois Rowe
Mandel Selber, Jr.
Tom & Melinda Simms, III
Cheryl Thompson
Robert & Kim Thompson
Henry Walker & Laurie Lyons
William Weaver
Ed & Carol Ytsma
*Community Foundation of NWLA - Edward Jacobs "Jake" Smith Fund (2025)
*Community Foundation of NWLA - Katherine S. Tyrrell Endowment Fund
*Vanguard Charitable - The David & Claudia Oliver Donor Advised Fund

Bronze

$1 - $499

Zadeck Family Foundation
Clay Abington
Judy Austin
Hugh & Amy Bailey
Elaine Baki
Paige Bass
Elizabeth Beck
Earleen Bergeron
Phillip & Sarah Boswell
Diane Bryan
Josette Cassiere
Michael & Suzanne Cate
David & Donna Cavanaugh
Jann Cox
Ginger Folmer
Ted & Susan Hardtner
Betty Henderson
Simone Hennessee
Kathleen Hinton
Oliver & Ann Jenkins
Lisa Johnson
Linda Kinnebrew
Frances Knipp
Daisy Lopez
Manaleta March
Bonnie Martin
Nancy McCarter
William McColgan
Laura McLemore
Carole Mullen
Thomas H. Murphy
Berte Muslow
George & Claire Nelson
Ron & Jackie Nierman
Fr. Thomas Nsubuga
Mike & Jennifer Owens
Charles Pinzon
Kathleen Plante
Rev. Carl Rhoads
Elle Scott
Mary Anne Selber
Linda Serio
Susan Stafford
David & Emily Stratton
Marty & Joan Stroud
Bob & Danielle Thames
Jasper Titone
Rene Todaro
John Todd
Marion Weiss
Dr. Stephen & Ellen White
Dr. Steven & Mary Ann Whited
Lidia Wilson
Billie Worthen
Lea Yancey
Lara Yerger
Mike & Susan Zavalydriga

HONORARIA & MEMORIA

*Gifts received between July 1, 2025 & March 18, 2026

In Memory of Merritt Chastain
Jack & Mikey Carlisle
Sybil T. Patten
Shreveport Bossier City Opera Guild

In Memory of Jasmine Fleming Egan
Edward Crawford, III

In Memory of Geoffrey Jenkins
Shreveport Bossier City Opera Guild

In Memory of Judith C. McColgan
The Crow Foundation

In Memory of Mrs. Lottie McGuire
Mike & Judy McCarthy

In Memory of Dr. Jerry McLarty
Kathleen Hinton

In Memory of Jan Querbes
Jack & Mikey Carlisle
George & Claire Nelson
Sybil Patten
Kirby & Lois Rowe

In Memory of Bill Reyenga
Shreveport Bossier City Opera Guild

In Memory of Mary Ann Valiulis
Jack & Mikey Carlisle
Shreveport Bossier City Opera Guild

In Memory of Judith Werner
Paige Bass
Jack & Mikey Carlisle
Betty Henderson
Ann Jenkins
Frances Knipp
Mary Anne Selber
Shreveport Bossier City Opera Guild
David & Emily Stratton
Dr. Stephen White
Lea Yancey
Lara Yerger

In Memory of Frances K. Zadeck
Zadeck Family Foundation

In Honor of Steve & Janice Aiken
Start “Suspenders” Holt
John Todd

In Honor of Marcia Moffatt
Ron & Billie Worthen

In Honor of Cathey Sholar
Mike & Jennifer Owens
John Todd

In Honor of Caroline Smith
Thomas H. Murphy

In Honor of the Marriage of Stephen Roberts & Mitzie Kilpatrick - February 14, 2026
Simone Hennessee
Linda Kinnebrew

In Honor of The Sons of Italy Heritage Club
Elaine Baki & Lisa Johnson

IN MEMORIAM

DR. JERRY MCLARTY

1941-2026

Shreveport Opera is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jerry McLarty, a long-time chorus member and staple of the Shreveport Opera community. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. 

Service Info:

Click HERE for Dr. McClarty's obituary.

SYBIL T. PATTEN

1937-2026

Shreveport Opera is deeply saddened by the passing of Sybil T. Patten, an esteemed executive board member and cornerstone of our organization. We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends. 

Service Info:

Click HERE for Mrs. Patten's obituary.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2025-26 OFFICERS
Marcia Moffatt, President
Mark Owen, Executive Vice President
Carol Reyenga, Secretary
Tom Simms III, Treasurer
Elizabeth Glassell, Guild President
Sandra Harrold, Past President

2025-26 MEMBERS
Lindsey Beckham-Melancon

Mikey Carlisle
Marletta Eddy
Elizabeth Glassell
Jodie Glorioso
William Lacefield
Alfred Lacy
Michael McCarthy
Mark McCrocklin
Mark Owen
Sybil Patten
Rev. Rothell Price
Toby Quarles
JoAnna Robinson
Robert Robinson, DrPH
Lois Rowe
Marshall Shaw

SHREVEPORT OPERA STAFF

Alan E. Hicks

General & Artistic Director

René Todaro

Patron Services Manager

Zoie Swint

Marketing, Development, & Artistic Associate

Sumer Cooner

Grant Writer

SPECIAL THANKS

Azalea Cleaners
Basic Matrix
The Catholic Diocese
Centenary College
The City of Shreveport & SPAR
Fairfield Studios
First Presbyterian – Shreveport
The Hertz Corporation
IATSE - Local 298
Regions Tower & Douglas Parking
Kilpatrick’s Rose-Neath Funeral Homes
Dr. Scott Mighell
Ninna's Road to Rescue
Northwest Louisiana Food Bank
Red River Radio
Shreveport-Bossier Opera Guild
Stage Center
Lory Tubbs
YMCA of Northwest Louisiana

Cast and Creative Team Housing Provided by*:
Marletta Eddy
Mark & Paula McCrocklin
Darrell & Claire Rebouche

*If you’re willing to host a cast member for 2-3 weeks prior to a production, please email us by pressing the button below. 

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