Die Fledermaus | February 2025

DR. JACQUELYN ABBOTT, soprano, has loved singing from a very young age and began her vocal training not far from here in Kaysville, Utah. After obtaining an undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders from BYU, she felt singing was her true calling and went on to receive a Doctor of Music in Voice Performance with distinction from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University. Jacquelyn enjoys teaching at Utah State and maintains a private studio with her husband, Marc Abbott. She loves to perform and direct as often as she can and recently appeared as Berta in The Barber of Seville and Phoebe in A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.

Italian-American lyric coloratura soprano Miriam Costa-Jackson is the youngest of the Costa Jackson Sisters. In 2019, she made her acclaimed Seattle Opera debut as Clorina in La Cenerentola. Performing since age 14, she has appeared in productions with Utah Festival Opera, debuted professionally as Micaëla in Carmen at the Phoenicia Festival in 2018, and performed roles like the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte. Regularly performing with her sisters, Miriam has toured with Dmitri Hvorostovsky and appeared in concert at Wichita Opera. She was a finalist in the 2018 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions and has studied with Renata Scotto and Sherrill Milnes.

Deborah is excited to make her debut in a lead role with Lyrical Opera Theater. She has recently performed in Hunchback of Notre Dame as Florika, various productions in the Utah Opera Chorus and Lyrical Opera Theater Chorus, Dorothee in UVAA's Cendrillon, and Lady Beconsfield in Draper Historic Theatre's Jekyll and Hyde. She looks forward to playing the role of Adele in Die Fledermaus next February with Lyrical Opera. Outside of evening performances she is a piano and voice teacher as well as a piano tuner. She enjoys mountain biking, four-wheeling, camping, hiking, and crocheting. She'd like to give a big thanks to her husband for all his support in her vocal health and performances.

Soprano Jocelyn van Wyk Soprano Jocelyn van Wyk thrilled to be returning to Lyrical Opera Theater to perform the role of Adele, in Die Fledermaus. Jocelyn's most recent operatic roles include; Lucy in The Telephone, Musetta from La Bohème, and the Sandman & Dew Fairy from Hänsel and Gretel. Jocelyn received a Masters of Music in Opera Performance from Longy School of Music of Bard College in Cambridge Massachusetts in 2020. She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Utah University in 2017.

David Sauer, Full Lyric Tenor: David Sauer has drawn praise from the New York Times, Opera News, and Salt Lake Tribune, among others. He recently performed with The Miami Music Festival (Ruggero, La Rondine), The American West Symphony (Beethoven 9th, Verdi Requiem), Chamber Orchestra Ogden (Beethoven 9th), and in the title role in the world-premier of Neely Bruce's oratorio Circular 14: The Apotheosis of Aristides at the Salt Lake Tabernacle. He has regularly sung with The Montefeltro Festival in Italy (Rodolfo in La Boheme, Alfredo in La traviata, and Ruggero in La Rondine). He was a Rocky Mountain Region finalist and Utah District winner in the 2014 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions.

Somehow, in the course of a year, Chris has sung bass, baritone, and tenor roles! Dramatic coloratura soprano next, maybe? ;) He graduated with his BA in Classical Voice from Westminster College in 2015. In 2017, he earned his MM also in Classical Voice from The Manhattan School of Music, under Metropolitan Opera legend James Morris. Upcoming roles include Ford in Falstaff, also with LOT. Previous role highlights include Escamillo in Carmen, Don Basilio in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Schaunard in La Bohème, Lord Savage in Jekyll & Hyde, Peter in Company, and various operatic, musical theatre, and jazz gigs in Utah & New York City.

Daniel Perez, originally from Mexico, is a tenor currently residing in Provo, Utah. He is currently a student of Isaac Hurtado at Utah Valley University. Perez is no stranger to Lyrical Opera Theater's stage as he has performed in multiple productions including: Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, Mario Cavaradossi in Tosca, and Rodolfo in La Bohéme. He was recently a young artist at the 2023 Mediterranean Opera Festival in Sicily singing the role of Alfredo in La Traviata and Normanno/Arturo in Lucia di Lammermoor. His other more recent roles are: Hoffmann in The Tales of Hoffmann, Algernon Moncrieff in the North American premiere of L'importanza di essere Onesto, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Camille de Rossillon in The Merry Widow. He has also sung as a chorister in multiple productions of Utah Opera and with the Utah Symphony.

Anthony Ruiz has performed in various settings and with varying disciplines including chamber choirs, jazz, musical theatre, band, opera, and more! In fact, his introduction to the world of music began with instruments. That passion sewed by playing low brass instruments has driven him to explore vocal performance and many genres that have ultimately led him to where he is now: Performing on stage with Lyrical Opera Theatre. He is currently rehearsing in UVU's production of La Bohéme and A voice for Good's production of The Lamb of God by Rober Gardner, taking on the role as Peter. He participated in Utah Valley Vocal Arts Le nozze di Figaro by Mozart. Although he is only starting to explore the opera world, he's enamored by this classical art form and the opportunities it offers.

Jesse Toftum is a composer, vocalist, and plays several musical instruments. He started studying music theory on his own at 16. By midway through high school his band director was deferring to Jesse to answer other students. He studied music composition for four years at Snow College, where he learned his love for Opera. Jesse is now a Junior at the University of Utah studying Computer Science. This is Jesse's fourth consecutive season with Lyrical Opera. He sang the Duke in their production of Rigoletto and Remendado in Carmen. He is happy to be working again under the direction of Lynnette Owens and with this stellar cast.

With a voice and stage presence described as "rich and powerful, in both appearance and operatic sound," St. John's passion for the stage began at the age of nine, when a VHS recording of Bryn Terfel ignited a dream. After attending BYU to study Vocal performance and a lengthy career in business, he has at last returned to his first love. St. John is known for his "infectious laugh" and "mischievous nature"- he delights in entertaining everyone. With recent performances at the Slovak Radio Hall in Bratislava, Prague's Hibernia Theater, and Utah's own Abravanel Hall, St. John is excited to continue pursuing his passion for performance.

Hailed as having a "rich baritone voice" and being described as a "truly… talented musician and performer," Hayden Höglund is pleased to return to LOT as Zuniga in Carmen. His favorite stage credits include Mr. Todd in Sweeney Todd, Silvio in Pagliacci, Betto in Gianni Schicchi, Figaro in Le nozze di Figaro, and Seneca in L'incoronazione di Poppea. Höglund recently completed a season at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre where he performed in the ensembles of Lohengrin, Aida, and Our Town; as well as in Oliver! as Mr. Sowerberry, gaining him praise for "[springing] the show forward with [his] physical comedy and lively singing."

Nelson LeDuc has never been a stranger to music. He played clarinet in elementary school, bass guitar in a rock band in the late 1970s, and since 1988 has been a regular singer with Utah Opera Company, having now sung in 84 productions with that company. Besides singing a number of cameo roles with Utah Opera, Nelson has also been a featured soloist in the Mozart Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and with Utopia Early Music. He sang the title role in Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado with Pages Lane Theater (predecessor to Centerpoint Legacy Theater) in 1991. More recently, he has performed the role of Simone in Puccini's Gianni Schicchi with Utah/Idaho Performing Arts Company in 2015, and has sung the roles of Lord Mountararat in Iolanthe (2011) and Dr. Tannhauser in The Grand Duke (2017), both Gilbert & Sullivan operettas presented by Holladay Performing Arts. This is his third season with Lyrical Opera Theater, having previously sung the roles of Pistola in Falstaff and Baron Douphol in La Traviata. Besides his active performance schedule, Nelson is currently pursuing a degree in music composition from the University of Utah.

Rod Hansen has appeared in four productions with Lyrical Opera Theater. He played Fiorello in The Barber of Seville, Benoit in La Boheme and sang in the choruses of Pagliacci and Carmen. Prior to that, he appeared in musicals, such as Spamalot and Fiddler on the Roof and at Evermore Park. He is often found at Renaissance Faires performing as a medieval style bard; singing, playing guitar, and juggling.

A Utah native, Rebekah loves singing onstage. Rebekah has a MM degree from BYU and a BM degree from Snow College. Rebekah teaches private lessons at Daybreak School of Music. Her favorite roles have been Luisa (The Fantasticks), Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Sarah Brown (Guys and Dolls), Casilda (The Gondoliers), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors), and Fatmé (Zémire et Azor). She sang with the Utah Opera Chorus in Die Zauberflöte, and was principal understudy and background vocalist in Kurt Bestor's The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. When she's not teaching or performing, Rebekah enjoys spending time with her husband Devan.

Kate Haycock is a Junior Vocal Performance Major at Utah State University. She grew up in Southern Idaho and has been on stage for as long as she can remember! Her favorite roles include Marian Paroo (The Music Man), Ariel (The Little Mermaid), Adina (The Elixir of Love) and most recently the soprano soloist in Handel's Messiah at the Wilson Theater. In her free time, she loves making chocolate chip cookies and going on hikes with her husband. She hopes to share her love of music, especially opera, by continuing to perform for as long as she can. She wants to give a huge thank you to her parents, family and wonderful husband for supporting her in her journey thus far!

Holly Banfield is currently studying for her DMA in vocal performance at the University of Utah where she was recently cast as Mrs. Lovett for their April 2022 production of Sweeney Todd. This summer, she performed with the La Musica Lirica program in Baraboo, Wisconsin as the Principessa in Suor Angelica and Tisbe in Cenerentola. Earlier in 2021, she was assistant director for the University's production of Rigoletto, in which she also appeared in the role of Maddelena. She has portrayed the Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, the Komponist in Ariadne auf Naxos, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Zita in Gianni Schicchi, and Juno in Semele. She is thrilled to be on stage with Modesto Opera as Papagena for their production of The Magic Flute.

Emily Anderson Mijarez is excited to be making her fifth appearance at Lyrical Opera Theater. She recently played the role of Berta in Lyrical Opera's performance of Barber of Seville and played the role of Flora in Lyrical Opera's performance of La Traviata in 2019. However, she has spent most of her musical career on the musical theater stage. She has performed at The Hale Theater Orem in South Pacific and Guys and Dolls, as well as in many local community productions. Her favorite roles to date are Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde and Ms. Hannigan in Annie. Emily is extremely grateful to her family, friends and husband who encourage her daily to pursue her dreams. She is also very grateful to Lynnette Owens who continues to push her outside her comfort zone.

Sarah Seamons grew up in Ogden Utah and was part of High School and Community Theater. Sarah has also sung with the Mormon Youth Chorus and is currently taking voice lessons with Lynnette Owens. Sarah sang Giovanna in Rigoletto and is the cover for Suzuki in LOT's Madama Butterfly. She was a soloist with Lyrical Opera Theater's Masquerade Party 2019 and on Salt Lake City's Festa Italiana. She has sung in the chorus of La Traviata and Falstaff.

Julie Burgess, mezzo-soprano, is delighted to join the chorus of Die Fledermaus with Lyrical Opera Theater. Her extensive performance experience includes roles such as Mama Murphy in Bright Star, Florence Foster Jenkins in Souvenir, the Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, and Shelby in The Spitfire Grill. Julie was thrilled to music direct The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, a project selected as a winner in the New Works Festival at the York Theater in New York. She has also provided music direction for multiple productions in Utah Valley, at Hale Center Theater in Orem and the SCERA theater. When she's not performing, she enjoys spending time with her husband and baking cookies with her grandkids.

Lauren grew up singing with her four older brothers. In high school, she performed with Madrigals, concert choir, All-State Choir, and in the chorus of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In college, she sang with University of Utah Institute Singers. Lauren completed a Masters degree in public health in 2019, and is the mother of four rambunctious children. She works as a full-time data analyst doing healthcare IT research. Lauren continues to sing with family, friends, and for church events, but is excited to spend more time on stage as her kids get older.

Lori-ann has a degree in Vocal Performance and has been in many shows and choirs over the years. Some of her favorite roles are Lily (The Secret Garden), Pitti Sing (The Mikado), Wife (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Soprano Soloist (Handel's Messiah), and leads in several original musicals in Utah County. She is a sought after vocal coach and music director with a booming private vocal studio. Her first love is performing and is thrilled to be back on the stage the past two years after taking time off to raise her family.

Michelle Mohlman makes her operatic debut in Die Fledermaus with Lyrical Opera Theater. Michelle is an accomplished local vocalist with a rich musical background and a passion for storytelling through song. Michelle is a cherished performer in the local music community, captivating audiences in concerts, recitals and choral works. While this marks her first foray into opera, Michelle is no stranger to the stage, and she is deeply honored to share the experience with such a talented cast and crew.

Kristie is excited and grateful to be debuting with Lyrical Opera Theater. While Kristie was heavily involved in music and drama in high school, Kristie has spent the last several years with her 4 children and is thrilled to be coming back to the stage. A Cache Valley native, Kristie loves getting outside with family and friends. Kristie would tell anyone to follow their dreams and never stop improving themselves, especially when it's scary.

Emma is thrilled to be making her first appearance singing with the Lyrical Opera Theater. She has previously been seen accompanying Barber of Seville and the Little Red Riding Hood school outreach program, both with the Lyrical Opera Theater. She also has experience in musical theatre, most recently as Angel in Rent. She is currently pursuing a degree in piano pedagogy at the University of Utah, studying under Viktor Valkov.

Jake Hendriksen has long had a love of music and performing. Favorite roles include Captain von Trapp (The Sound of Music), Ewart Dunlop (Barbershop Quartet Tenor; The Music Man), and Joseph (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Jake is excited to spend more time in the world of operetta and classical singing. Jake and his wife Nicole have been married for 20 years, with 4 wonderful children. They love hiking, camping, and traveling together. Having his children join him in theatrical productions has been a great joy. In addition to theater, Jake sings and plays keyboards with a rock cover band and sings tenor in an a cappella quartet.

Jacob Kenison, tenor, is thrilled to perform with Lyrical Opera Theater in Die Fledermaus. Trained by Lawrence Gee, former Assistant Conductor with the New York City Opera, Jacob has built a love for classical and opera music. He has performed extensively in musical theatre productions across the Salt Lake Valley. A three-time MTNA national finalist, he earned third place in the Young Artist division in 2023. Jacob is excited to bring his passion for storytelling and music to the operatic stage.

A Utah native, Kaeleb Josiiah Hunt is excited to be making his Lyrical Opera Theater debut! His previous works have mostly been in Musical Theatre, and he's very excited to step into opera. He has performed at Draper Historic Theatre, Empress Theatre, Hale Centre Theatre, as well as the Hibernia Theatre in Prague, the Slovak Radio Hall in Bratislava, the Lorely-Saal in Vienna, and Le 13ème Art in Paris. When he's not on stage, Kaeleb works for Sunroc as a fuel truck driver and heavy equipment lube tech. His favorite job, however, is being a father.

George DeLorean, a Utah native, is a versatile performer with talents spanning music, lyric/libretto writing, acting, voice-over, podcasting, and storytelling. His screen credits include The Last Policeman, 13:59, Mr. Watchdog, Twice the Dream, and Altered Spirits. His notable voice-over work features roles in The Phantom of the Opera, Noragami, Sailor Moon, Transformers, and Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core. This marks his third stage production, following his role in the world premiere of Elise Hanson's Craven at the Eccles Theater.

Carly Schaub lives in SLC, where she also completed her M.F.A. at the University of Utah in Modern Dance. Before SLC, she lived in ND, dancing and serving as Outreach Coordinator for Northern Plains Dance. She also has a B.F.A. in Theatre/Dance from the University of Wyoming. Carly is an adjunct for Salt Lake Community College, and Westminster College, and teaches Modern and Ballet at Wasatch Arts Center. She teaches Dance for Parkinson's for UofU's Skagg's Wellness Center and RDT. She has choreographed for Deseret Experimental Opera, Snow College, and Cache Valley Civic Ballet, Northern Plains Dance and teaches Baroque and Renaissance dance. Carly directs Dance Balletti, an early Ballet reconstruction ensemble and she also dances with Municipal Ballet.

I have 15 years of dance experience and will be going to UVU this fall, majoring in ballet with a minor in entrepreneurship. I got my ballet training at Wasatch Arts center along with experience on their company using modern, and jazz style techniques in addition to my ballet skills. Before becoming serious in dance I took 4 years of drama classes and was in a school production of Fiddler on the Roof. I have found that my roots in theater have been a great tool for me in the dance world and in my performances. Roles I've performed for Oquirrh Mountain Ballet's Nutcracker include, The Mouse King, Spanish Princess, Snow corps, Drosselmeyer's Maid, Chinese, and Russian variations. Roles from other shows include Peter Pan, Marry from the nativity, and Sneezy from Snow White.

Megan Fotheringham has been a dancer since she was three years old. She danced with Ballet Center Utah, Inc. from 2006 to 2021 where she performed, choreographed, and taught. Megan had the privilege of working with Oleg Vinogradov and his acclaimed faculty with whom she has danced internationally, including St. Petersburg, Russia for the International Youth Ballet Festival, and Incheon, South Korea with the University of Utah. In 2021, she traveled to Detroit to study with Complexions Contemporary Ballet, where she performed work set by Clifford Williams. Megan is pursuing a BFA in dance at Westminster College where she studies and performs.

Originally from West Virginia, Cassie began her training at the Mid Ohio Valley Ballet under the direction of Suzy Gunter. Upon graduation, she moved to Virginia where she received her Bachelor's of Fine Arts from Radford University's dance program. During her time at Radford, Cassie had the opportunity to train and perform in various ballet and contemporary works and was able to choreograph several of her own pieces. Cassie also performed in The Roanoke Ballet Theatre's production of Giselle while she was a student and later joined the company after graduation. Cassie was with the Roanoke Ballet Theatre for three seasons before she moved to Utah and has been dancing with the Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative since.

After enjoying his last experience, Lee Wailes is grateful to be invited back to Lyrical Opera and their brilliant production of Carmen. Used to productions where is the only stage manager, and the only stage hand, he is grateful for another experience with a talented crew he can trust at his side; he likes to think the feeling is mutual. "I'd like to once again thank my friend Matilda for reaching out to me about Lyrical Opera and its opportunities. A thank you as well to Aaron and Kayden for their constant professionalism and hard work. If anyone in the audience happens to be from OBT, welcome, hope to work with you soon."

Kaden Larsen, a seasoned stagehand on his third opera, is celebrated for his unwavering work ethic and adaptability. A reliable and versatile team member, he effortlessly takes on any task to ensure the opera's success. Grateful for partner Damien and their extended family, Kaden finds comfort in the company of two senior cats and a growing collection of plants. Amidst the controlled chaos of opera production, he values each team member's unique contributions. Known for his handiness, cat-whispering skills, and familial ties to the opera, working alongside Damien's father and sister, Kaden brings a familial touch to the production. He has eclectic musical tastes and eagerly anticipates each opera, always ready to contribute with enthusiasm and a helping hand.

Brody Peck has a solid theater background, a proficiency in construction, and a passion for the performing arts. Known for flexibility and composure under pressure, he excels in collaboration with directors, designers, and crew members. With strong problem-solving skills and a keen eye for detail, Brody ensures safe and smooth productions.

Tiaree is thrilled to be joining the Lyrical Opera Theater Team as a Lighting Tech. Tiaree has been involved with all things performing arts since she was 12 years old. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in Theatre Arts and loves being able to put that degree to use. Tiaree has spent the last few years as a Light and Sound Technician at Desert Star Playhouse. When she isn't participating in the arts, she can be found curled up with a Dr. Pepper and a good book. Tiaree would like to thank her family for their constant support, and LOT for this incredible opportunity!"