Audience comments
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"I am amazed at what your company is able to do with such a limited time in the theater. Great sets and costumes. Lots of fun dancing and singing"
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"Better than the Broadway production I saw of the show"
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"I lived during the era of Guys and Dolls, and it is so great to see 'real' characters"
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"Another great show from High Desert Opera! Attending on New Year's Eve has become a tradition for us"
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"Thank you for the lovely presentation of "Guys & Dolls." All aspects of the production were beautifully done. I have not engaged myself in the theatre that much for a very long time"
Review from an HDO patron
"Congratulations to everybody who participated in your outstanding production of "Guys & Dolls." The singing and acting were great. The choregoraphy was great. The backdrops were absolutely stellar. The support from the orchestra was super. The staging was perfect. Every aspect of the performance was attended to with professionalism and detail.
I know performances like that are the result of coutnless hours of preparation on the part of many people. Your publicity and financial supperters deserve kudos too for making "Guys & Dolls" a wonderful gift to the Grand Junction community.
Bravo! Brava! Bravissimo!"
- Linda Jenks, Doctor of Musical Arts
Thank you to WCCF
High Desert Opera is grateful for a generous grant given by the Western Colorado Community Foundation in support of "Guys and Dolls".
WCCF is a wonderful nonprofit focused on sustained support for our many community causes.
• Visit their website at www.wc-cf.org
Production photos
Professional photos from "Guys & Dolls" will be available through local professional photographer George Brown.
The photos are professional quality and modest in cost. Whether you were a performer on the stage or an HDO patron in the audience, these photos help celebrate wonderful memories from the production.
Contact George by email - photoman534@gmail.com
Video clip from "Guys & Dolls": "The Oldest Established"
Principal cast
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Jordan Christie - Sky Masterson
Jordan is a classically trained Bass Baritone who studied vocal performance at Colorado Mesa University under Dr. Jack Delmore and currently studies under Dr. Graham Anduri (since 2012). Jordan is absolutely honored and thrilled to be playing Sky Masterson. In 2014, Jordan joined HDO in its production of Madame Butterfly as Yamadori. Currently, he is raising money to study opera abroad in Germany for the International Performing Arts Institute, and in Italy for Operafest where they'll be producing Mozart's Don Giovanni. Look for him this 2017 Spring season in CMU's production of Mozart's Cosi fan tutte as Don Alfonso! Jordan gives special thanks to all who have been supporting him throughout his musical journey.
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Belle Weathers - Sarah Brown
Belle is graduating in May with a Vocal Performance major at CMU. Guys and Dolls is Belle's first principal role in a musical. You might have also seen her perform in CMU's opera scenes program and in performances with the First Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction. This previous summer brought a lot of experience to her as a performer through the role of Ottavia in L'incoronazione di Poppea with Georgia State University's Harrower Summer Opera Workshop. She also had the opportunity to participate in the International Performing Arts Institute in Germany. Look forward to seeing Belle portray Dorabella in CMU's production of Cosi fan tutte this spring!
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Lee Borden - Nathan Detroit
Lee Borden is a very familiar face to Western Colorado theater goers. He majored in music theatre at Mesa State College in the early 1980s . Since that time, he has been in hundreds of productions around the region. Some of memorable roles include Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Henry in Lion in Winter, and Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast. Lee appeared in the 2012 CMU Summer Rep season production of The Fantastics and the HDO's winter 2013 production of Les Misérables as Thenardier. Most recently he appeared in the 2014 CMU Summer Rep production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike as Vanya. Mr. Borden is the Executive Director of The Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction, and is a freelance voice actor and voice over artist.
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Juli Jacobson - Ms Adelaide
After portraying Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables 3 winters ago, Juli is thrilled to be back on the stage with HDO and at her alma mater, CMU. Juli studied at AMDA in New York City on a national scholarship, but has performed all over the U.S. and in Germany. Prior to her trip overseas, Juli was the original "human" character in the first national tour of VeggieTales Live! Her most important role these days is being mommy to 12-year-old Jeni and twin boys, Austin and Sawyer, who are 10 years old. "Special thanks to God for my many blessings, to my amazing hubby, Trent, and to YOU for supporting live theatre!"
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John Moniz - Lt. Brannigan
John hails from Alexandria, Virginia, where he retired from the U.S. Office of Naval Research in 2015. He is currently an engineering consultant specializing in military wireless communications and information system science and technology. John sings liturgical music and Gregorian Chant and made his stage debut as Ewart Dunlop in HDO's 2015 production of The Music Man.
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James Werner - Nicely-Nicely Johnson
James spent over 25 years as a professional singer and actor, with over two thousand performances in leading roles in a variety of dramatic as well as musical productions. He eventually found his way to New York and to a very successful career in theater. After 3 ensuing national tours and 5 more years of performing in top regional theaters across the country, he decided to concentrate on classical singing and spent 4 years training with operatic teachers. In 1995 he returned to New York and began a career as an operatic tenor. He has sung leading roles in New York, Chicago, Puerto Rico, and with several regional companies around the country and has performed many concerts with symphony orchestras. Since moving to Grand Junction 17 years ago James has performed and directed extensively in the Grand Valley. He has also sung with the Grand Junction Symphony and has performed numerous concerts in the area. He teaches private voice lessons, is choir director at First United Methodist Church, and conducts the Messiah Society's Easter production of the complete Messiah. James is co-founder, along with his wife Marnie, of HDO. He is also the organiation's artistic director.
Tim Spagna - Big Jule
Mr. Spagna is making his on-stage debut with "Guys and Dolls," and he would like to thank James Werner for the opportunity. Tim was born in Maine and grew up in Connecticut, but somehow made his way to Grand Junction, where he has lived for almost 30 years. He works at First United Methodist Church, where HDO rehearses for its productions. Tim has attended High Desert Opera productions for the last 3 years and never thought he would get a chance at "the bright lights."
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David Kenworthy - Benny Southstreet
David is pleased to be a part of another High Desert Opera performance after playing the Fakir in The Secret Garden 2 seasons ago. He has been a regular performer in the Grand Valley for over a decade. Favorite roles include The Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz, Billy Flynn in Chicago, and John Wilkes Booth in Assassins. David is very excited to be on stage with his brother Jonathan. He dedicates this performance to his father Merrell, who played Nathan Detroit almost 40 years ago, and to his favorite productions, William and Alexander.
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Jonathan Kenworthy - Harry the Horse
Jonathan moved to Grand Junction from Indianapolis in 2015 with his wife Gina. He is the younger brother of David Kenworthy and works for Junction Square Pizza downtown. He has performed in numerous productions for Red Barn Summer Theatre in Frankfort, IN, and his hometown's Kokomo Civic Theatre. His favorite role was in Godspell, in which he has appeared in three separate occasions, singing "All Good Gifts" and "We Beseech Thee." He is excited to be joining the HDO cast for his first onstage appearance in a musical in over 8 years. "I would like to thank my brother for sharing this opportunity with me and my beautiful, talented wife for her love and support!"
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Rick Peterson - Rusty Charlie
Rick Peterson is a 59 year old science teacher from Grand Junction. This is his third appearance with High Desert Opera after performing in HDO's last show, "The Music Man," last winter. His stage credits are limited to one play in high school, a community theater show when he was in the Air Force, and a musical (Jesus Christ Superstar) at Mesa State College (now CMU). He currently exercises his vocal talents with the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church Choir and the Messiah Choral Society's performance of Handel's Messiah.
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LeRoy Donegan - Arvide Abernathy
LeRoy has been involved in dance and theater close to 50 yrs. Twenty-two of those years have been spent here in the Grand Valley. This is his third production with HDO his last as Mayor Shinn in The Music Man. I hope you enjoy this production.
Supporting cast
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Chuck Breaux - Brandy Bottle Bates/Hot Box MC
Chuck has found choral singing to be a great diversion from his busy pediatric surgical and surgical critical care practice. He has sung in the HDO chorus since 2006 and is also a member of the Schumann Singers. He shares many of his musical experiences with his wife Robbie. They both encourage you to support HDO, other local music/art groups, or the not-for-profit organizations of your choice.
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Abby Bridgett - Hot Box Girl
Abby has been living in the Grand Valley all her life and will be graduating from CMU this Spring with her bachelors in Liberal Arts. While choir has been a big part of her life for years, this will be her debut theatrical performance on stage. Most of her spare time is spent hiking, reading, and traveling as much as possible. Choreographed dancing has been an entirely new experience during this production that pushed her out of her comfort zone. She is immensely grateful for the hard work and patience of her fellow cast members and amazing directors for allowing her to try something new.
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Jill Delavan - Mission Band (Agatha)
After more than 30 years of directing stage productions in middle and high school, Jill now graces the other side of the footlights, having great fun in the process. "We may not be the 'oldest established permanent floating theatre group' in Grand Junction, but we enjoy performing for you. We hope you are having fun! Thanks, Jim and Marnie." Jill would also like to extend a special thanks to Karen McCulley, "hairdresser to the near famous!"
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Steve Doyle - Angie the Ox
Steve and his wife Sibylle moved to the area when High Desert Opera was just a babe. They are thrilled to help celebrate HDO's 14th season with this production. Steve has performed in many of HDO's "brilliant masterpieces," having most recently performed the role of Charlie Cowell in last season's The Music Man. Steve is continually humbled by how much Jim, Marnie, Heidi, Scott and the entire ensemble give of themselves.
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Jake Fairbanks - Liver Lips Louie
Jake's last appearance with High Desert Opera was in "The Music Man" a year ago, wherein he fulfilled the role of bass singer in the quartet. Since then, however, he has been involved in multiple extracurricular activities as a senior at Grand Junction High School. Such activities include Drum Major for the Tiger Pride Marching Band, 1st chair French Horn player in the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic band, and 2nd chair Jazz Trumpet in the school's top Jazz Band. Jake also wrestles, and throws shot put and discus for the track team. He appeared as a lead in the LDS Church production "18 Lives and the Book of Mormon." Jake's post high school plans include obtaining Associate's and Bachelor's degrees from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) and serving in either the United States Air Force or the United States Marine Corps.
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Celeste Gutentag - Featured dancer
Celeste has performed with the HDO troupe in The Sorcerer, The Mikado, Camelot, The Secret Garden, and Hansel & Gretel, not to mention behind the scenes help with I Do I Do and Les Misérables. Celeste dances with Adagio Dance Academy and has taken classes in New York City, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and the JUMP and NUVO dance conventions. Celeste loves ballet, playing the saxophone, and is a junior at GJHS. "I'm looking forward to another great show!"
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Jomas Gibson - Featured dancer/Society Max
Jomas has been performing with HDO since the Summer of 2011, when he made his on-stage debut with the chorus in The Barber of Seville. His 5-year exploration of the performing arts has allowed him to improve his dancing, acting, and singing in the theatrical atmosphere that he has come to love. His most notable performance was as Enjolras in Les Misérables 3 years ago. Jomas is an entrepreneur in the Grand Junction area, running a moving business, working on launching his design firm, dabbling in multiple business ventures, and taking care of graphic design and website needs for the opera company. He likes to travel, play sports, exercise, watch movies, meet new people, and try new things. "Collaborating with a group of individuals to put a show together and go out to perform under the lights is a beautiful thing and a privilege. Everyone has an important role to play, both on stage and in life."
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Joyce Helm - The General (Mission Band)
Joyce is a prodigal Grand Junction native. She will be fulfilling the role of the General in this production – her biggest role to date. She appeared with the HDO ensemble in The Elixir of Love, Madame Butterfly, Hansel and Gretel, and The Music Man. "I am so grateful for the HDO family, who loves to tell stories and play make believe as much as I do. Thank you for enabling our passions! May you take away something in return."
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Natasha Krasnow - Featured dancer
Natasha holds a BA in Theatre Arts: Dance with a minor in Anthropology from Mesa State College and an MA in Anthropology with focus on the Anthropology of Dance from the University of Bristol in England. Natasha is recognized as a performer, choreographer, and teacher throughout the Grand Valley and beyond. You may have seen Natasha performing locally with Beyond Boundaries Dance, Salt Wash Dance Theatre, Aspen Dance Connection, IllumiCirque, The Theatre Project, Grand Valley Chamber Music Series, CMU, and of course High Desert Opera. Her last appearance with HDO was in Les Misérables 3 years ago.
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Eric Madsen - Scranton Slim/Mission Band
Eric has always enjoyed ballroom dancing and singing, and has performed in different recitals and plays, including HDO's production of Hansel and Gretel and The Music Man. Eric also sings the Messiah with the Grand Junction Messiah Choral Society. He looks forward to singing with them next year. You may also see him as Coach Bolton in Central High School's production of High School Musical this spring.
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Elisabeth (Lizzy) Madsen - News stand girl/Ensemble
Elisabeth sings in Church choirs and likes to dance. This is her second performance with High Desert Opera. She enjoyed being in The Music Man last year and is excited about this opportunity. She sang this year with the Messiah Choral Society. In her free time Lizzy likes to draw, among other things, and is touted by her family as an aspiring artist.
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Roxanna Madsen - Mission Band/Ensemble
Roxanna has performed as Dido in Dido and Aeneas, Amanda Wingfield in The Glass Menagerie, Laurie Williams in Oklahoma; and Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel. This is her 2nd performance with High Desert Opera. She was in last year's performance of The Music Man. This year she sang with the Messiah Choral Society. She is the mother of 9 children and loves seeing them perform. She is pleased to be in this with 2 of her children (Eric and Lizzy).
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Anna Moniz - Hot Box Girl/Ensemble
Anna made her HDO debut as a Wa-Tan-Ye girl in its production of The Music Man a year ago and has been singing and acting since 2008, including high school musicals and comedies. She has performed in several operas at the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts and at The Crested Butte Music Festival. She has performed in the children's chorus for multiple performances of the Nutcracker at the John F. Kennedy Center for the performing arts. She sings a variety of liturgical music, including Gregorian Chant.
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Annie Murphy - Mission Band/Ensemble
Annie is thrilled to perform again with High Desert Opera. She has been performing in musical theater since high school and singing in choirs since the fourth grade. She directs two Catholic youth choirs (at Immaculate Heart of Mary and Sacred Heart) and plays guitar and sings at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita. She is also an attorney with Dufford, Waldeck, Milburn & Krohn, LLP and is a busy mother of two young children.
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Olivia Nikkari - Hot Box Girl (Mimi)/Ensemble
Olivia is a junior at Grand Junction High School, where she is heavily involved in the drama and choral departments. She has performed in HDO's last 3 winter productions, including Les Misérables and The Secret Garden. Her most recent appearance was as Zaneeta Shin in The Music Man. She has also fulfilled ensemble in operas with HDO. Olivia would like to thank you for supporting the show!
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Aaron Osborn - Waiter/Crapshooter
Aaron begins his 4th year with High Desert Opera with the opening of Guys and Dolls. He is currently working towards a career in computer science. When he is not working on a show, Aaron's hobbies include blacksmithing and tinkering at his piano as well as passing time playing videogames. Aaron is also very active with his church community and enjoys spending time with friends.
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Hannah Perkins - Hot Box Girl
Hannah is a Grand Junction native, and this will be her 6th performance with HDO. She is currently working on her music major with Full Sail University, and aspires to one day be a professional opera singer. Not only does she sing, but she plays the violin, piano, mandolin and guitar. You never see her without music of some sort, and can often be heard singing (she thinks to herself) all over town. She hopes you enjoy the show.
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Rylan Piper - Mission Band (Calvin)/Crapshooter
Rylan is headed into his junior year at CMU as a manufacturing major. Though this is his first performance with High Desert Opera, he has been involved in music and theatre productions for several years, including playing Oberon in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream and assisting HDO with set strikes and tear-downs since its memorable performance of Les Misérables three years ago. Rylan also enjoys creative use of his hands, multi-player video games, outdoor activities, and Medieval hobbies like swordplay.
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Laura Ann Trusty - Hot Box Girl
Laura is a soprano who graduated in 2010 with a vocal performance minor from Colorado Mesa University. She has taken 6 years of voice lessons under Carol Ann Niles. Her most memorable vocal performance was at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Atkinson's combined select choir singing Handel's "Sing unto God" and Vaughan Williams' "Serenade to Music." Since 2013, Laura has appeared with High Desert Opera in Les Misérables, Madame Butterfly, Secret Garden, and The Music Man. She currently takes lessons with James Werner and sings with the Messiah Coral Society, in addition to HDO.
Orchestra
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Scott Betts - Conductor
Scott earned his Bachelors in Music Education with an instrumental emphasis in 1977 and a Masters in Music Education in 1984 at UNC. He then moved to the Grand Valley, where he taught at local middle and high schools for 30 years. In the spring of 2014 he retired from teaching orchestra and choir at Redlands Middle School. Scott performs as a trumpeter with numerous groups in the area, and sings and plays the guitar with his jazz quartet, Hot Tub Jazz. He has been conducting with HDO since 2008. Besides music, Scott's hobbies include exercise and dancing the Argentine Tango with his wife Alice.
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Sandy Sundstrom - Concert Master/Violin 1
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JoEllen Foutz - Reed 1
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Tom Watson - Reed 2
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Laura Brown - Reed 3
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Robin Mitchum - Reed 4
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Jack Nisley - Horn
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Judd Berry - Trumpet 1
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Jeff Pearson - Trumpet 2
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Greg Karly - Trombone
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Rachel Lavadie - Violin 2
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Michelle Berry - Violin 3
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Carissa Docteur - Conductor
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Mathew Johnson - Conductor
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Lonni Karly - Conductor
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Jack Chipchase - Conductor
