Opera company to perform ‘Butterfly’

The Opera Western Reserve will perform the Puccini work in the original Italian.

special to The Vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — Principal casting has been completed for Opera Western Reserve’s Nov. 7 production of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly.”

The title role will be sung by soprano Misook Yun, professor of vocal studies at Youngstown State University. She sang Nedda in “I Pagliacci” and Mimi in “La Boheme,” OWR’s first two productions.

Lt. Pinkerton will be performed by tenor Clayton Hilley, recently of the Indianapolis Opera, and Suzuki will be sung by mezzo-soprano Irene Roberts, currently at the Cleveland Institute of Music, both making their debuts with Opera Western Reserve.

Baritone Brian Keith Johnson of Cuyahoga Falls is returning for his fourth role with OWR as Sharpless. He will be joined by William Clarence Marshall of Cleveland, the Doctor Bartolo of “Le Nozze de Figaro,” as the Bonze.

The opera will be sung in the original Italian with the English text projected above the action.

Susan Davenny Wyner will conduct the orchestra, and stage direction and design will be by David Vosburgh.

Tickets will go on sale Oct. 1 at the Opera Western Reserve office in Stambaugh Auditorium or by calling (330) 480-0693. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. Nov. 7 in Stambaugh Auditorium.

The Opera Western Reserve board of trustees recently added several new members: Dr. Iole Checcone, professor of foreign languages and literature at YSU; Claudia Corbe, coordinator of gifted and talented programs for Girard and Niles city schools; Karen O’Malia, a professional photographer and Web site designer; Nancy Perruzzi, interior decorator; and Krista White, marketing coordinator for Armstrong Cable. Their appointments were made at the May 20 annual board of trustees meeting in Stambaugh’s Christman room.

Future productions by Opera Western Reserve will include Bizet’s “Carmen” in November 2009, Verdi’s “La Triviata” in November 2010, and celebrating the restoration of Stambaugh Auditorium’s historic Skinner Organ, Puccini’s “Tosca” in November 2011.