Grand Valley State University Opera Theatre

10/13/2021

We are gearing up for our second weekend of SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM!

Last week, Artistic Director of Opera Theatre Dale Schriemer talked with Blue Lake Public Radio. Take a listen:
https://bluelake.ncats.net/ondemand/Interviews-Dale%20Schriemer%20of%20GVSU%20talks%20about%20Side%20by%20Side%20by%20Sondheim-0-20211006.mp3

Tickets are still available for this weekend at:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1022406/side-by-side-by-sondheim-allendale-louis-armstrong-theatre-at-grand-valley-state-university

COVID-19 Policies:
-Performers are following a policy which allows them to be unmasked while performing.
-Audience members must wear masks while inside the building and performance space.
-Audience members must show their passed self-assessment.

Find out what's going on at Louis Armstrong Theatre before you miss out!

10/06/2021

TWO DAYS TO OPENING NIGHT!

We wouldn't be anywhere without our amazing guest director/choreographer, Ericka Mac, who is returning to GV Opera Theatre after directing WORKING in 2020.

Ericka is a Chicago-based director/choreographer/performer with over 25 years professional experience. She has served as Associate Director/Choreographer for the U.S. premieres of the new award winning musicals: Ride the Cyclone (MCC Theatre Off-Broadway, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Seattle’s ACT Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta); the world premieres of Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical (Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis); Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventures (Chicago Children’s Theatre) and The Polar Express National Interactive Train Ride (Warner Bros./ Rail Events). As a Director/Choreographer: Bright Star (Boho Theatre Ensemble, Chicago, 7 Joseph Jefferson nominations); WTTW’s Night of Broadway starring Tony Award Winner Heather Headley (Chicago, 2018); Mamma Mia (Choreographer, Jeff nomination for Best Choreography, Marriott Theatre, Chicago); Ericka has performed in Chicago at The Rosemont Theatre (Radio City Christmas Spectacular), The Marriott Theatre (30 shows!), Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Writer’s Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Peninsula Players Theatre, and played Ellie in Showboat at the world renowned Lyric Opera of Chicago. Ericka has served as an Adjunct professor and has taught master classes at Loyola University Chicago, Northwestern University (Summer Cherubs program), Grand Valley State University and The Joffrey Ballet. Ericka is a voiceover artist for companies such as Motorola, ESPN, and The American Dental Association.
Proud member of AEA, AGMA, AGVA.

Tickets to SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM can be purchased at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1022406/side-by-side-by-sondheim-allendale-louis-armstrong-theatre-at-grand-valley-state-university

10/01/2021

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM opens one week from today, and we'd like to take this opportunity to talk about our Music Director, Josh Keller!

Josh is joining us for the first time this Fall, but has worked extensively in the Grand Rapids community! At Grand Rapids Civic Theater, Josh is proud to have been a part of Ragtime (Keys III), Thoroughly Modern Millie, Annie, and The Little Mermaid (ensemble). His most recent music director works include All Shook Up! at Civic Theatre, plus Freaky Friday, the 21st Century Broadway, and Hello Sunshine concerts at Circle Theater.

When he’s not in the theater he loves to teach his piano and voice students. “Thanks to my family back home and my Grand Rapids family for your unwavering support of me and of the arts. Special thanks to my mentors and those pushing me onward.”

IG:

09/28/2021

Our Side by Side cast is prepping for opening next week, and we wanted to highlight some of our amazing guest artists leading up to opening night!

First up is guest performer Kathy Gibson! She has performed in every type of venue from classrooms to concert stages. She was The American Traditions Singing Competition silver medalist in Savannah, Georgia and is the recipient of six Grand Awards for Musical Theatre. Favorite roles include Margaret (The Light in the Piazza), Edith/Edie (Grey Gardens), Mrs. Lovett (Sweeney Todd), Velma (Chicago), Mama Rose (Gypsy), Eva Peron (Evita) and Fosca (Passion). As a director/choreographer credits include Beehive, I Love You, You’re Perfect , Now Change, The Drowsy Chaperone, Beauty and the Beast and Steel Magnolias to name a few. Kathy was a member of the Motown rock and soul band Sounds Like Fun and sings with The River City Jazz Ensemble (Big Band). She has also performed pops concerts with many regional orchestras around the country. Recordings include The Pink Album, Not since Prom -Sounds Like Fun, I Love A Piano with Rich Ridenour and Taking a Chance On Love with The River City Jazz Ensemble. She has opened for The Drifters, The Platters, The Shirelles, Little Anthony, Bob Newhart, Jay Leno, former Presidents and the Ambassador to Italy. Kathy’s vast performance experience and Somatic Voicework technique foundation has brought great success to her students. They can be found working in every major market and all sectors of the music industry including Broadway, Nashville, Las Vegas, national tours, cruise ships and more.

Tickets are now available at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1022406/side-by-side-by-sondheim-allendale-louis-armstrong-theatre-at-grand-valley-state-university

Masks and passed self-assessment required. Limited seating, so reserve your seat today!

08/10/2021

While there's still a few weeks left of summer, we are already looking forward to our Fall Opera Theatre production, SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM! 🎶

This musical r***e of Stephen Sondheim's most iconic work will be presented October 8, 9, 15, and 16 at 7:30 PM, and October 10 and 17 at 2:00 PM in the Louis Armstrong Theatre (fingers crossed for public audiences by that point!)

The cast for SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM is:

Elise Alvaro Dysart
Dan Bittner
Sara Ecenbarger
Elise Endres
Spencer Escareno-Kniat
Jarod Jeffery
Aurora Krueger
Eric Mackall
Joe Mayer
Alyssa Veldman
and Kathy Gibson (Special Guest Artist)

🎟 Ticket information will be posted on our Facebook and our website when available!