North Central College's Production at Pfeiffer Stage
April 17, 2025
The Impresario }{ At the Audition
Der Schauspieldirektor, by WA Mozart
English Song Translations by Giovanni Cardelli
Libretto adapted by Pamela Hinchman, Jason Carlson, and Jennifer Barrett
Featuring additional works by Gilbert and Sullivan, Mozart, Offenbach, Purcell, Romberg, and arrangements by Marissa Simmons
Program Director/Designer: Jennifer Barrett
Accompanist/Music Coach: Jon Warfel
Conductor: Dr. Timothy Semanik
Assistant Director: Marina Jokanovic
Assistant to Conductor/Orchestra: Maddy Travnicek
Tech & Facilities Liaison: Brighton Liese
Stage Managers: Ari Watts, Emma Schmalz
Additional Rehearsal Accompanists: Rowan Brandou, Caroline Derango
Dramaturg: Siobhan McNulty
Choreography Assistants: Marina Jokanovic, Gaby Sorrentino
Lighting/House Team: Brighton Liese, Rowan Brandou, Joie Fagaragan
Costume Team: Francesca Whalen, Mariella Santoro, Alexa Gangoso
Prop Team: Tracey Gentile, Gabriela Sorrentino, Ari Watts, Marissa Blomberg
Makeup Team: Siobhan McNulty, Josette Falzone, Carleanne Cagampang
Poster/Social Media: Caroline Derango
With Dramaturgy for this show, my focus was on making the history and terminology of opera accessible to our audience and singers, many of whom had never worked in this medium before. My Vocal Pedagogy training greatly assisted in explaining the difference in vocal style from other forms of singing, and helped singers understand where they would fit in an operatic space. Mozart's irreverence and the campy nature of the piece were particular topics of interest. Characterizations like Tom Hulce's portrayal of Mozart in the film, Amadeus were utilized as examples to see these old pieces in a new light.
Also serving as the head makeup artist, I had the opportunity to help create a simultaneously consistent and eclectic feel to the piece from several angles. Exaggerating the 1940s aesthetic of our interpretation with the added anachronisms used in the auditioning pieces was fun challenge.
While there are more topics I wished to explore, particularly gender fluidity and voice type (ie the history of trouser roles and transgender vocalists), I am very proud of my Dramaturgy debut.