Re-living the great moments from 15 years of shows
High Desert Opera produced a special New Year's Eve extravaganza celebrating 15 seasons of delivering Broadway Musical and operatic productions to the Grand Valley.
HDO recalled big musical numbers from its past musicals and also presented new musical selections from "Kiss Me Kate" and "Hairspray," as well as a tribute to the fully-staged operas produced over the last decade and a half.
A memorable tribute to our repertoire
Audiences were able to enjoy a slideshow of photos and videos from the shows of HDO's past as the live orchestra, headed by Scott Betts, played on. Local vocalists in tuxedos and gowns captured the attention of the audience in 3 shows at Robinson Theatre, singing musical hits with undying energy.
A talented ensemble sported its own soloist moments, as well as full dance numbers that added to the extravaganza that was "A New Year's Celebration."
More than just a celebration of 15 seasons
High Desert Opera has strived to improve the quality and splendor of its Broadway Musical (and opera) productions ever since its first successful show The Tales of Hoffmann in Summer 2004.
Founded in 2002 by James and Marnie Werner, HDO has gone from concerts and small shows in a church basement to extravagant, fully-staged productions complete with live orchestra, professional vocalists, quality ensembles, and all the trimmings of a top-notch theater company.
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Audience comments
Review from a patron...
You did it again. I was the first on my feet at the end of the performance, but was quickly joined by the rest of the audience. I honestly think that it was more enjoyable than a full blown musical, as we heard so many old favorites, even though it was difficult not to sing along. Several of the songs brought tears to my eyes and the finale being Les Mis, was perfect, patriotic, uplifting and so beautifully presented by some very professional voices. Thanks to you and Jim for your tireless effort in producing something so special for the community. There is an audible sigh when Jim appears, as we know that we are in for something exceptional. Happy New Year and many, many thanks. - Anonymous
The performers
- Lee Borden - soloist
- Charles (Chuck) Breaux - ensemble
- Jill Delavan - ensemble
- Scott Fairbanks - soloist/ensemble
- Jake Fairbanks - soloist/dancer/ensemble
- Stuart Gardner - ensemble
- Jomas Gibson - soloist/dancer/ensemble
- Sabrina Jackman - soloist
- Juli Jacobson - soloist
- David Kenworthy - soloist/ensemble
- Gina Mangruem-Kenworthy - soloist
- Jonathan Kenworthy - soloist/ensemble
- Elisabeth (Lizzy) Madsen - ensemble
- Eric Madsen - ensemble
- Roxanna (Roxie) Madsen - ensemble
- Roxanna Madsen - ensemble
- Christopher McKim - soloist
- Kristin Mercer - dancer/soloist/ensemble/choreographer
- Anna Moniz - soloist/ensemble
- John Moniz - ensemble
- Philip Nelson - ensemble
- Hannah Perkins - ensemble
- Sierra Rode - soloist
- Michaela Sessum - soloist
- Laura Ann Trusty - soloist/ensemble
- Alissa VanCamp - soloist
- Rob Wallace - soloist/ensemble
- Nicole Weintraub - ensemble
- James Werner - soloist/artistic director
Orchestra
- Scott Betts - conductor
- Alisha Bean - concertmaster
- Ashley Gardner - violin
- Brittni Nack - violin
- Kara Leonardi - viola
- Carissa Docteur - cello
- Ronnie Jordan - bass
- JoEllen Foutz - reed 1
- Dane Skelton - reed 2
- Ellen Tomlinson - oboe
- Reilly Breckheimer - bassoon
- Jack Nisley - horn
- Judd Berry - trumpet
- Jeff Pearson - trumpet
- Greg Karly - trombone
- Lonni Karly - keyboard
- Javier De Los Santos - guitar
- Dan Sommerville - percussion
