West Side Story Cast & Team

CAST

CRISTINA MARÍA CASTRO Maria

A San Antonio, TX native who’s still very much in touch with her Puerto Rican roots, Cristina María Castro is a sought-after performer equally at home in the worlds of both classical music and musical theatre. In the 2024-2025 season, Cristina María will be making her debut with Seattle Opera and On Site Opera in the world premier of Lucidity by Laura Kaminski, a return to Opera Montana as Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Maria in West Side Story with Indianapolis Opera and with St. Petersbug Opera as Frasquita in Carmen. Recent theatrical performances include Monica in the Spanish-language premiere of Menotti's La Medium with Fort Worth Opera, Guan Yin in Monkey: A Kung Fu Puppet Parable with White Snake Projects, La Decimista Soprano in El Oratorio Panhispánico with Music at Co-Cath, and Toledo in The Falling and the Rising with Opera Montana. An avid champion of new music, Cristina María has had the honor of originating and creating several roles including Guan Yin and La Decimista Soprano, as well as Mrs. D in Howie D: Back in the Day, Cristina María in Local Opera Local Artists’ opera pastiche, We Might be Struck by Lightning, and Catherine in a New York Theatre Festival new musical, Bright is the Ring of Words. She has also workshopped many compositions in Frontiers with the Fort Worth Opera Festival. In addition to performing, Castro has begun producing creative works, including her new position as Associate Director of the Brooklyn-based organization Music at Co-Cath where she curates awe-inspiring and multicultural sacred music concert-plus experiences.

ERIC BOTTO Tony

Praised for his “warm-voiced” tenor (Stage and Cinema), Italian-American tenor Eric Botto is best known for his vocal and dramatic versatility onstage, dazzling the audiences of Sarasota Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Central City Opera, Opera San Antonio, Pacific Opera Project, First Coast Opera, New Amsterdam Opera, and other esteemed companies across the country. Eric’s 2024/25 season includes multiple house and role debuts with Opera Southwest as Federico in Carlo Coccia’s Matilde, ossia una fatale supposizione, Pacific Opera Project as Il Conte di Belprato in Don Bucefalo, Opera in the Heights as the Lamplighter in The Little Prince, Sarasota Opera as Don Basilio and Don Curzio in Le Nozze di Figaro, with Indianapolis Opera as Tony in an original production of West Side Story, and his highly anticipated professional debut as Rodolfo in Chautauqua Opera’s August production of La Bohème, along with the workshop of Missy Mazzoli and Royce Vavrek’s newest opera, Lincoln in the Bardo, commissioned by The Metropolitan Opera for its 2026 premiere. Eric has been recognized in prestigious competitions in recent years, including 1st place in both the Arizona and Birmingham Chapters of the Dorothy Lincoln-Smith Voice Awards Competition, 2nd place in the Lyra New York International Vocal Competition, the Career Advancement Award from the Pikes Peak Opera League, and was a finalist in the nationally recognized Lotte Lenya Competition, hosted by the Kurt Weill Foundation. Eric holds an Artist Diploma from the University of Colorado, and music degrees from Colorado State University and the University of Mobile.

OLGA PEREZ FLORA Anita

Cuban-American mezzo-soprano, Olga Perez Flora (she/her/ella), has been lauded by Opera News for her “smoky tones” and “firm, pleasant voice and lively poise.” She has performed with opera companies and symphonies across the country and internationally and is best known for her sultry Carmen, which she has performed numerous times, including her debut with Amarillo Opera. Dr. Flora was recently featured in Frida with Opera Southwest and Michael Ching’s Completing the Picture which was recorded and filmed remotely during the pandemic, for Opera Company Middlebury. She has sung with opera companies and symphonies across the United States including Pittsburgh Opera, Arizona Opera, Opera Company Middlebury, Opera Southwest, Erie Chamber Orchestra, Amarillo Opera, New Jersey Opera Theatre, Akron Symphony, Idyllwild Festival of the Arts, Resonance Works, ReNew, Lake Tahoe Chamber Society and more. Recent performances include Carmen in Carmen and The Sea in Before Night Falls with Opera Southwest in the Spring of 2024 as well as her debut recording Canciones de mi Corazón featuring Cuban classical songs. Her debut with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will feature Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde in the Spring of 2025. Dr. Flora is currently an Assistant Professor of Voice and Head of the Voice area at the University of New Mexico where she directs the Spring opera.
olgaperezflora.com

KENNETH STAVERT Riff

Hailed as “the real thing, a classic Verdi baritone with resonance, flexibility, and vigor,” baritone Kenneth Stavert is a fixture on operatic and concert stages throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. With his strong “sense of theatricality,” he brings a signature boldness to each role he inhabits. In addition to his debut with Indianapolis Opera, Kenneth’s 2024-25 season includes a debut with Union Avenue Opera and a return to Vero Beach Opera as Silvio (Pagliacci), as well as a return to the Southern Illinois Music Festival as Belcore (L’elisir d’amore). Kenneth’s recent performances include Sonora (La Fanciulla del West) with Washington Opera Society, Conte di Luna (Il Trovatore), Jochanaan (Salome) and his role debut as Don Carlo (Ernani) with Southern Illinois Music Festival, the title role in Verdi’s Macbeth with Heartbeat Opera, and Sharpless in Pacific Opera Project’s revival production of the Japanese/English translation of Madama Butterfly at the famous Aratani Theater in Los Angeles. Other notable highlights include Marcello (La Boheme) with Dayton Opera, Newport Classical Music Festival, Gulfshore Opera and Pacific Opera Project, Scarpia (Tosca) and Renato (Un ballo in maschera) with Opera in the Heights, Yamadori (Madama Butterfly) with Santa Fe Opera, Prince Afron (Le coq d’or) with Sarasota Opera, Harlekin (Ariadne auf Naxos) with Palm Beach Opera, the title role in Sweeney Todd with Holy City Arts & Lyric Opera, Ponchel (Silent Night) with Opera San José, Escamillo (Carmen) with Glow Lyric Theatre and Masetto (Don Giovanni) and Marco (Gianni Schicchi) with Opera Montana.

RYAN HENRY Bernardo

Ryan Henry, a baritone of Mexican American heritage, captivates audiences with his compelling renditions of strong-willed characters, commanding the stage with a potent blend of vocal prowess and dramatic intensity. He is a recent graduate of the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM), where he earned his master’s degree in vocal performance under the tutelage of Dr. Quinn Patrick Ankrum. Mr. Henry will be continuing his studies at CCM in the Fall of 2024 to earn his Artist Diploma in Vocal Performance. While studying at CCM, Mr. Henry has performed the roles of Dr. Rappaccinni in Rappaccini’s Daughter by Daniel Catán, Junius in Benjamin Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia, and Tommy McIntyre in Gregory Spears’ Fellow Travelers earning acclaim for his charismatic and intense portrayals. While earning his bachelor’s degree at Georgia State University, Mr. Henry received acclaim for his portrayal of the role of Count Almaviva in Le Nozze di Figaro with: “Henry... deftly demonstrates his emotional range, conveying aggression and charisma by turns...” (The Signal, Atlanta) Mr. Henry was a finalist of Mobile Opera and Atlanta Opera’s scholarship competitions and was the winner of Georgia State University’s Honors Competition. His other stage credits include Scarpia/cover (Tosca), Falstaff (Falstaff), Bastianello the Elder (Bastianello), David (A Hand of Bridge), Elder McLean (Susannah), and the jazz trio baritone (Trouble in Tahiti). Equally at home with oratorio, Mr. Henry has sung the baritone solos in Haydn’s Creation, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Handel’s Messiah, Duruflé’s Requiem, Fauré’s Requiem, and Saint-Saëns’s Oratorio de Noël. While living in Atlanta, GA, Mr. Henry joined the professional Mariachi group, Mariachi Búhos de Oro, as a vocalist and instrumentalist touring the deep South.

ELLA TORRES Rosalia/Maria Cover

Ella Torres is a Colombian American soprano from Wilmette, Illinois. She is excited to be a Resident Artist with Indianapolis Opera this spring. Recent opera credits include Serpetta in Mozart’s La finta giardiniera (Indiana University Opera Theatre), Princess Dora in Lori Laitman’s The Three Feathers (Opera Steamboat), and Erste Dame in Die Zauberflöte (Chicago Summer Opera). She has performed in scenes as the titular character in Massenet's Manon, Ginevra in Handel's Ariodante, Frasquita in Carmen, and Despina in Così fan tutte. Ella has also been in the choruses of Ainadamar, L'Ètoile, and Die Fledermaus. In addition to opera, Ella frequently performs choral and chamber music. Ella has appeared as a choral fellow at the Spoleto Festival USA and with NOTUS, Indiana University’s contemporary vocal ensemble. She has performed as a soloist in concerts at The Juilliard School and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Among her more unique musical collaborations include performing Dowland's lute songs with period instruments and belting out jazz standards with her double bass-playing dad. Ella is an alumna of the Castleton Vocal Immersion Program, OperaWorks Engaged Artist Program, Opera Steamboat’s Opera Artist Intensive, Chicago Summer Opera, and the Opera Viva Young Artist Program. She holds a B.M. from the Eastman School of Music and an M.M. from Indiana University. Ella is an occasional podcast host for What is Opera, Anyway? – an opera education non-profit. She was a collegiate initiate of Pi Kappa Lambda and is a proud alumna of Sigma Alpha Iota.

LUISANA RIVAS Consuelo/Anita Cover

Mezzo-soprano Luisana Rivas has been praised for her “heart-rending expression” (Music City Review) and her dedication to championing the music of Latinx composers, which she regularly showcases in recitals and festivals across the United States. During the 2024-2025 season, Luisana looks forward to portraying Consuela and covering Anita in West Side Story at Indianapolis Opera. She has appeared with Houston Grand Opera, OPERA San Antonio, Opera Steamboat, Ópera Panamá, and others. Some of the roles in her repertoire include Cherubino in Le Nozze di Figaro, Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel, Suzuki in Madama Butterfly, Dido in Dido and Aeneas, La Zelatrice in Suor Angelica, and L’enfant in L’enfant et les sortilèges. She frequently performs contemporary works for young audiences and has toured extensively throughout the Houston metropolitan area and other Texas cities, presenting operas by Kamala Sankaram, Carlos Simon, and Faye Chiao. Luisana holds dual citizenship in Venezuela and France and has pursued studies in Panama and the United States. In addition to her work as a performer, she is a seasoned community arts educator who finds joy in uplifting communities through opera, theater, and the visual arts.

WILL UPHAM Action/Tony Cover

Will Upham is quickly gaining a reputation as an exciting, visceral, and versatile lyric tenor. Most recently, Mr. Upham performed as the tenor soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra and Indianapolis Opera. Summer 2024 found him at Des Moines Metro Opera as an Apprentice Artist where he covered the role of Herod and performed as First Jew in Strauss’s Salome. Ably spanning the repertoire gamut, Mr. Upham also recently performed as Beadle Bamford in I.U. Opera Theater’s production of Sweeney Todd and later as the tenor soloist in Puccini’s Messa di Gloria with Second Presbyterian Church. Coming up, Mr. Upham is excited to return to Indianapolis Opera as a Resident Artist where he will join the 50th Anniversary Legacy Gala with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and perform Action and cover Tony in Bernstein’s West Side Story. He will also perform as the tenor soloist in Haydn’s The Creation with Second Presbyterian Church in March. In May, Mr. Upham will join the Masterwork Chorus in Morristown, New Jersey as the tenor soloist in Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives. This summer, he will be returning to Des Moines Metro Opera as an Apprentice Artist where he will cover Steuermann in Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman and perform in numerous concerts and events. A native Hoosier born in Franklin and raised in Bedford, Will Upham recently earned his Performer Diploma in Voice from the internationally acclaimed Indiana University School of Music under the tutelage of renowned bass Peter Volpe. Previously, he received his Master of Music degree in Voice Performance from Southern Methodist University and his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from DePauw University. Mr. Upham is currently based in Bloomington, Indiana.

MATTHEW ALTMAN Chino

Matthew Altman is thrilled to be making his Indianapolis Opera debut. For the last 4 years, he has been singing baritone as a member of the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus. Some of his favorite concerts were “Whatever, As If!”, Andrea Bocelli, South Pacific with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and living his best “Copacabana” life in Muppet Mania. He has recently been seen in Zach & Zack’s The Rocky Horror Show as Columbia & A Very Phoenix Christmas at the Phoenix Theatre. His previous stage credits include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Monty Python’s Spamalot, Mamma Mia!, Young Frankenstein and many more. He thanks his family and friends for always loving & believing in him.
Instagram: @MattyAHunny

STEVE WRIGHTON Doc

Steve Wrighton is enjoying his 13th season with the Indianapolis Opera Company for this 50th year celebration. He has been delighted to do most of his singing with the Company as a baritone in the chorus although he’s been privileged to play several named roles over the years. Prior to his time with the Company, Steve was active in theatre around the Indianapolis area including memorable roles as Fred/Petruchio in Kiss Me Kate, El Gallo in The Fantasticks, Joe Keller in All my Sons, and Father Flynn in Doubt.

SEAN MANTERFIELD Officer Krupke

Indianapolis native Sean Manterfield is thrilled to be performing once again with Indianapolis Opera. This is Sean’s 6th season performing with the company. Past performances include Faust, The Flying Dutchman, Carousel, Tosca, The Magic Flute, Carmen, and The Barber of Seville. He has been singing since childhood, singing at Christ Church Cathedral since 1991. He then pursued degrees from Florida State University (Music Education) and Bowling Green State University (Vocal Performance). Sean is in high demand as a singer around Indianapolis singing with Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis Opera, Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, the Dickens Carolers, Intimate Opera of Indianapolis, and the Ji-Eun Lee Music Academy. An accomplished pianist, he is also in high demand with various schools in the Indianapolis area. Sean is very involved in his church, currently serving as Senior Warden. In his free time, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, running, and reading. He would like to thank his beautiful family for their patience and support in all of these endeavors!

BENJAMIN ELLIOT Detective Schrank

Benjamin Elliott is a musician, actor, singer, teacher, and cross-over artist currently living in Fishers, Indiana. Benjamin studied Musical Theatre at Anderson University, with a special interest in classical voice, and he has since gone on to perform in several regional theatre productions, as well as operas, concerts, and cabarets. Credits include It’s a Wonderful Life (Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre), Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo (Miami Music Festival), The Marriage of Figaro (Anderson University), Beethoven’s Fidelio (Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra), Rodger’s and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Harmony Theatre), and Cole and Hoagy: A Cabaret Musical (Claude McNeal Productions). He would like to thank Heather Hansen, who helped him develop his love for classical voice, as well as David Starkey and the entire creative team at Indianapolis Opera for their support and artistry.

MEGAN ARRINGTON Anybodys

Megan Arrington (she/hers) is an Indianapolis based actor, singer, and dancer. She holds her BFA in Musical Theatre from Belmont University. She has been seen performing both regionally and locally at Beef and Boards, Actors Theatre of Indiana, Zach and Zack Productions, & the Lily Theatre at the Indianapolis Children's Museum! Some of her favorite roles she's played through the years include Sophie in Mamma Mia, Marian Paroo in The Music Man, Ellie in Freaky Friday. She is thrilled to be working with the Indianapolis Opera and is ecstatic to play such a fun and dynamic role! Much love to her friends, family, and her amazing fiancé for all the love and support!

JOEY BOOS Baby John

Joey Boos is thrilled to be making his Indianapolis Opera debut in West Side Story, a show he holds close to his heart! Originally from Kansas City, Joey received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Theatre Performance & Leadership Studies from Kansas State University. Go Wildcats! Joey made Indianapolis homebase in the fall of 2022. Alongside performing, he is on staff at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre as Company Manager. Some of his favorite Beef & Boards credits include: Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow), Fiddler on the Roof (Motel), Beauty and the Beast (LeFou), and Newsies (Specs). Other favorite regional credits: Cats (Skimbleshanks) & Funny Girl (Eddie Ryan) at Musical Theater Heritage in KC. Les Misérables & Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Circa 21 Playhouse in the Quad Cities. West Side Story & Fiddler on the Roof at Spinning Tree Theatre also in KC. Joey enjoys traveling, sweets, and cuddles with his dachshund pup, Peggy Sue. All my love to my supportive family, sweet friends, & wonderful husband Brett. Enjoy the show! Instagram: @joeyboos

ANDY RIGGS Snowboy

Andy Riggs is thrilled to be performing in West Side Story with Indianapolis Opera. Andy has been a part of IO productions since 2012 as part of the Indianapolis Opera Chorus. Andy has also performed with the Indianapolis Symphony, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Indianapolis Men's Chorus, Indianapolis Arts Chorale, The Dickens Carolers, and as a soloist for many events in Indianapolis. Andy has been the Music Director and/or Vocal Director for several musicals around Indianapolis and beyond. Andy is currently the conductor for Indianapolis Rocks- a choir for those who are 55 and older. This choir performs rock n roll music from the 1950's, 60's, 70's, and beyond. Recently, Andy had the opportunity to conduct at the Kennedy Center through Encore Creativity for Older Adults. Prior to returning to Indianapolis, Andy was the Guest Artistic Director for the San Diego Gay Men's Chorus, helping the chorus to return to the stage after Covid. He was a frequent soloist, section leader, dancer, and proud tenor II for the ensemble. Andy also conducted the Voices of Our City Choir, which is a choir for those experiencing homelessness. This group was featured on America's Got Talent. Andy also conducted the choir at Pioneer Ocean View United Church of Christ who was invited to sing at Carnegie Hall with DCINY. Andy performed with Sacra Profana, a professional choral ensemble, and the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus and a few professional caroling groups in San Diego. Andy was also delighted to sing the National Anthem on the flight deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt for the Navy's celebration of Pride. He also was a part of a quartet that sang a reworded version of Jingle Bells for the San Diego Padres.

NOLAN DAUGHERTY A-Rab

Nolan Daugherty is incredibly excited to make his debut with Indianapolis Opera, marking a thrilling new chapter in his performing career. Based in Indianapolis, Nolan is a dedicated artist who has trained extensively in dance, acting, and singing. Over the past five years, he has had the joy of participating in more than 40 productions, each enriching his experience and passion for the stage. Some of his favorite performances include his role in The Christmas Tradition in Marietta, GA, portraying Rolf in The Sound of Music, and playing Gus in Cats with Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre. Nolan is committed to his craft, spending time honing his skills in voice with Tyley Ross and Eric Arceneaux, acting with Paul Hopkins, and dance with Doug King and at the Broadway Dance Center. Thank you for supporting the arts and Indianapolis Opera!

MICHAEL HUMPHREY Pepe/Dance Captain

Michael Humphrey brings an extensive resume including having performed for artists and ensembles such as: Snoop Dogg’s music video “ Don’t Kiss Me, “ Stiletto Entertainment in Los Angeles (Holland America Cruiseline), NBA Indiana Pacers, WNBA Indiana Fever, Indianapolis Yuletide Celebration, Beef & Boards and Kings Island Entertainment. Michael has also performed in following musicals DreamGirls, HairSpray, Matilda and the Wizard of Oz. Michael also extends his resume to his acting career including Grey’s Anatomy on ABC. Michael has taught at multiple studios and schools in Indiana including: Premiere Dance Centre, Wishes Dance Studio, Avon High School, the current Brebeuf Jesuit Dance Team Coach ( 9 time jazz state champions and Top 3 in Hiphop) and the current Dance Director at Lawrence North High School. This is Michael’s first performance with the Indianapolis Opera and hopes you all enjoy the magic and high energy of WestSide Story!

AIDAN CLEMENZ Indio

Aidan Clemenz is excited to be making his professional debut with the Indianapolis Opera. Aidan is from Lafayette, Indiana, and is a vocal music education major at Ball State University. He has been a student there for two years and spent 3 semesters pursuing a BFA in musical theater before changing his major. Aidan has been involved with several productions at Ball State including The Spring Choreography Projects (Spring ‘24), The Underclassmen Cabaret (Spring ‘24), Kinky Boots (Spring ‘24), and most recently appeared in Ball State’s production of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 in February. Aidan also sings with the Concert Choir and Cardinal Chorus at Ball State. In his spare time, Aidan loves to be active and spend time outdoors.

MATTY ROHRER Luis

Matty is very excited to perform for the first time with the Indianapolis Opera in one of his favorite shows of all! He received his BFA in Dance Performance at Ball State University and is the Location Manager at The Escape Room USA located in Indianapolis. Matty has been in the Escape Room for the past 6 years. He is also a Featured Performer with the Indianapolis Men’s Chorus and just ended his 2nd season with the group with the 90’s themed show “Whatever, As If!” Where he portrayed Steve. He wants to thank his family and friends for all of the support. Other Credits include Hunchback of Notre Dame & Billy Elliot (Bod Direx), Lost in the Shuffle (IMC), and The Nutcracker (Ball State Dance Theatre). Thank you for coming to the show. With everything going on in the world, this story is just as relevant today as when it was written. Fight for what is just, and there will be a place for all of us!

BRIANNA HOLT Velma

Brianna Holt is a soprano from Indianapolis, Indiana. Holt earned a Master of Music in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University, where she studied with Dr. William Nield Christensen. She was a coaching student of Jan McDaniel and Dr. Sara Chiesa. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda and Phi Kappa Phi. Holt holds two majors and two minors from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music: Bachelor of Music Education in Choral Music, Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, and minors in Conducting and Theatre & Drama. During her time at Indiana University, Holt studied with Marietta Simpson, Nina Yoshida Nelsen, and Jane Dutton. Her most recent operatic roles include Lizzie Borden (Abigail Borden cover), La traviata (Violetta), Die lustigen Weiber von Windsor (Frau Fluth), Die Zauberflöte (Königin der Nacht), and The Scarf (Miriam). She is the first resident soprano of the newly launched Flyte Young Artist Program with Scissortail Productions, Inc. in Oklahoma. Holt is currently an Adjunct Instructor of Voice at Oklahoma Christian University and serves as the Director of Children’s Music and Program Coordinator for Big Faith Resources at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. Prior to Oklahoma, Holt resided in Indianapolis where she worked in education. She was the Choral Director at Lawrence Central High School, Whiteland Community High School, and Choral Assistant and Clinician at North Central High School, her alma mater. She also served as the Director of Children’s Music at Second Presbyterian Church and Children’s Choir Director at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

INGRID RODRIGUEZ Minnie

Ingrid Rodriguez grew up in her hometown of Indianapolis, IN singing in the Indianapolis Children's Choir. She graduated from North Central High School, and at 19, she became a serious opera student at Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music. At Jacobs, Ingrid studied under the tutelage of opera legend, Teresa Kubiak. She was also a member of the Grammy Award-nominated Singing Hoosiers for 3 years, whom she performed with all over the United States. Ingrid began her professional career singing Italian opera at some of Indianapolis’ upscale Italian restaurants- such as Mama Carolla’s and Ristorante Roma. For 3 years, she also taught voice lessons at Bongo Boy Music School in Indianapolis. Today, Ingrid makes regular appearances with the Indianapolis Opera chorus- performing in such productions as Don Giovanni, Carousel, Carmen, and Tosca. She also conducts solo concerts with Classical Music Indy- a non-for-profit outreach dedicated to bringing classical music performance to underserved populations in Indianapolis. Ingrid has performed solo at such Indianapolis venues as, The Jazz Kitchen, Indiana Landmarks, the Indianapolis Zoo, Eskenazi Hospital, the Harrison Center for the Arts, and The Melody Inn. In June 2018, she produced her first solo cabaret show for children titled, "Dreams Come True: A Princess Cabaret Show" at the Theater at the Fort in Indianapolis. In 2019 she released her first album titled, "Opera Meets Broadway”. In addition, Ingrid regularly performs in plays and musical variety shows at the Historic Ritz Theater in Rockville, IN.

ELIZABETH ENDERLE Clarice

Elizabeth Enderle is an Indianapolis-based soprano and theatre artist. A graduate of the University of Indianapolis, her recent credits include Pride and Prejudice (Mary Bennet), Nora: A Doll’s House (Nora 1), and the premiere of Player 2 Productions’ Murders at the Maniac Manor : The Musical (Isabella) at the Indy Fringe Festival 2024. Her work extends offstage, as seen in The Disaster Pact (Playwright/Composer/Director) and Tick, Tick,...Boom! (Stage Manager). Elizabeth just finished her six-year run as the singing gondolier Caterina and the General Manager for Old World Gondoliers on the Indianapolis Canal. This fall, Elizabeth plans to pursue a Master’s of Arts Administration with a focus in Environmental and Public Affairs.

ALEXA ABBOTT Graziella/Dance Captain

Alexa Abbott is thrilled to be performing with the Indianapolis Opera for the first time, as well as acting as their dance captain! Alexa is a 2021 grad from Ball State University with a BFA in dance performance. Previously, Alexa has been at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, performing Joseph & the Amazing Tecnhicolor Dreamcoat and The Wizard of Oz. Alexa also performs with the ISO in Yuletide Celebration! Alexa thanks all for attending and supporting the local arts, and her parents for always cheering her on.

GABRIELLE RAYLS Francisca

Lyric Soprano, Gabrielle Rayls is well regarded for her thrilling voice and versatility on the stage. Ms. Rayls made her operatic debut singing Annina with Indiana University Opera Theater's production of La Traviata. She appeared in workshop scenes as Anita in West Side Story and Poppea in L'incoronazione di Poppea, Maria in West Side Story, and Susanna in Le nozze di Figaro under the direction of Sylvia McNair and Heidi Grant Murphy. Ms. Rayls has been an important member of many ensembles, including the opera choruses of Cendrillon, Xerxes, La Traviata, and La Boheme. As an avid concert artist, Ms. Rayls has been featured as the soprano soloist in works such as Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Mozart's Missa Brevis in D and Missa Brevis in B♭. In addition to her classical repertoire, Ms. Rayls is also an experienced musical theater performer. Some of her favorite roles include Amneris in Aida, Grace in Annie, Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress, and Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar. Ms. Rayls holds both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music where she studied with Patricia Havranek. Since returning to Indiana, she has begun studying with Angela Brown. Ms. Rayls resides in the Greater Indianapolis area with her husband and their two children.

SARAH TEWES Teresita

Sarah Tewes is a Butler University alumna and an Indianapolis local. She is thrilled to join the cast of West Side Story. She was most recently seen as a dancer in Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. Her other favorite credits include Kristine (A Chorus Line), ChaCha (Grease), and ensemble/ tap-dancing egg (Something Rotten). Additionally, she shares her love for dance by choreographing musicals and summer camps around the central Indiana area. She continues to serve as an assistant choreographer for Mt. Vernon High School’s theatre program and last fall choreographed Herron High School’s fall musical. She thanks her parents for all of their love and endless support!

ARTISTIC TEAM

A. SCOTT PARRY Director

With over 125 productions spanning an enormous range of repertoire, from Così fan tutte to West Side Story, A. Scott Parry's direction has been hailed by Opera News as "marvelous," "lively," "imaginative," and "spot-on," working with such companies as New York City Opera, Florida Grand Opera, Des Moines Metro Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Boston Lyric Opera, Michigan Opera Theatre, Dallas Opera, Chicago Opera Theatre, Pittsburgh Opera, Chautauqua Opera, Opera Delaware, and Madison Opera to name only a few. He conceived of, directed, and designed the world premières of I lavori d’amore persi, a pastiche of music theatre fragments by Claudio Monteverdi for the Bloomington Early Music Festival, and the modern absurdist opera The Pig, the Farmer, and the Artist by David Chesky for the New York Fringe Festival at La Mama Off-Broadway. Mr. Parry spent almost a decade on the directing staff of New York City Opera at Lincoln Center, has served on the faculty of Indiana University in Bloomington, and has been a visiting professor at the New England Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, and Amherst College, in addition to spending a decade as the Producing Artistic Director of The Ohio State Opera & Lyric Theatre in Columbus. He currently serves on the faculties of Manhattan School of Music and New York University and is the Stage Director and Acting Coach for Dolora Zajick’s Institute for Young Dramatic Voices and the American Wagner Project. As a composer, he premiered his quartet theatre song-cycle "On the Impracticality... of Love" at NYC’s Singer's Forum and recently completed a libretto adaptation of La mère coupable (The Guilty Mother), the third "Figaro play" of Beaumarchais, which is being set to music.

MAESTRO ALFRED SAVIA  Conductor

Recently appointed Artistic Advisor and Principal Conductor of the Indianapolis Opera, Alfred Savia is no stranger to the Indianapolis musical scene. Savia served as Associate Conductor of the ISO and Artistic Director of Symphony On the Prairie from 1990 to 1996. In 2019-20, Maestro Savia celebrated his 31st and final season as Music Director of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. Under his leadership the Orchestra added a Youth Orchestra program, Philharmonic Chorus, and Eykamp String Quartet. He initiated many new programs including Messiah, Nutcracker, Music Alive residencies, and fully staged opera presentations. Savia’s American guest conducting appearances include the Orchestras of Saint Louis, Detroit, Phoenix, Columbus, Memphis, San Antonio, Louisville, New Orleans and Naples (FL). Internationally, he has conducted orchestras extensively in Europe (Florence, Belgrade), Central and South America (Santiago, Montevideo, Quito; Toluca, and Jalapa in Mexico), and Asia (Korea Philharmonic). Festival appearances include Chicago’s Grant Park Symphony and the Wintergreen Summer Music Festival. He recorded Russell Peck’s The Thrill of the Orchestra with London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and, with pianist Antonio Pompa-Baldi and the Evansville Philharmonic, Respighi’s Piano Concerto. A native of Livingston, New Jersey, Savia graduated from Butler University. Conducting studies at the ASOL Institute of Orchestral Studies and the Tanglewood Music Center led to his first professional appointment as Assistant Conductor of The Omaha Symphony. Subsequently, he served as Resident Conductor of the Florida Philharmonic and New Orleans Symphony Orchestra, Associate Conductor of the Florida Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Orlando Opera.

BERNARD McDONALD Associate Conductor

Bernard McDonald has worked with major opera companies in North America, Europe, and the Far East. International appearances have included engagements at the New National Theatre Tokyo, the Netherlands Opera, the Netherlands Radio Choir, the Dutch National Opera Academy in Amsterdam and The Hague, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow, and productions of Carmen, La Bohème, Die Zauberflöte, and Le Nozze di Figaro for Opera Kelowna in British Columbia. Upcoming engagements include Albert Herring with Opera Orlando, the professional world première of Evan Mack’s Ghosts of Gatsby, Trouble in Tahiti, and Gallantry at Mobile Opera. Recent engagements include Rusalka with Opera Orlando and Rigoletto, Tosca, La Bohème, Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, Il tabarro, Le Villi, and La Canterina with Mobile Opera. McDonald conducted the US staged première of Montemezzi’s L’incantesimo for Pittsburgh Festival Opera, where he also conducted productions of Gianni Schicchi, Le Nozze di Figaro, The Merry Widow, and The Magic Flute. Professional training at the San Francisco Opera Merola Program led directly to an invitation to join the music staff of the New York City Opera. He was subsequently Head of Music and Chorus Master at the Florida Grand Opera in Miami. As chorus master at Glyndebourne, he prepared over twenty-five productions to great critical acclaim. Additional appearances include the Aspen Music Festival, the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, Pittsburgh Opera, the Central Iowa Symphony, and Bay View Music Festival. He has worked as a vocal coach at the Manhattan School of Music, Indiana University Opera Theater, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

DOUG KING Choreographer

Doug King is an Indianapolis local director, choreographer, and equity actor. Most recently with Indianapolis Opera, he served as choreographer for Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel at the Palladium. On stage, Doug has worked extensively in Chicago and Indianapolis. Locally, he primarily works with Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre, having been in over a hundred productions. Roles include Will Parker (Oklahoma), The Scarecrow (Wizard of Oz), Frank Shultz (Show Boat), Cosmo Brown (Singin' in the Rain), Joy (Cinderella). Other productions include South Pacific, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, and 42nd Street. Dough was in the first national tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and he has directed nearly a dozen productions of the show at various theatres and schools. Doug has danced in A Yuletide Celebration with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and with Indianapolis Ballet Theatre and Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre. He is on the dance faculty at Anderson University teaching tap, jazz, and musical theatre. Doug works with numerous high schools and universities with the choral and theatre departments.

JESSICA BURTON Assistant Director

As a military brat, Jessica Burton likes to say she is from everywhere and no where. Most recently she is from Austin, Texas, where she received her Doctor of Musical Arts in Opera Direction from the University of Texas. She also has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Science in Technical Theatre from West Texas A&M University. During the pandemic, she taught private voice and musicianship classes at Orpheus Academy of Music in Austin. She has worked in almost every aspect of theatre, as director, performer, designer, and administrator.

This past March with IO, Jessica directed the Indiana premiere of Charlie Parker’s Yardbird at the historic Madam Walker Legacy Center to great acclaim. Other directing credits include Gallantry, & Veteran Journeys with Indianapolis Opera; Little Women, At the Statue of Venus, Speed Dating Tonight, & Das Lied von der Erde with UT Austin; Cendrillon & Pomme d’api with FAVA France; Angels in America, The Laramie Project, & Bent with Avenue 10; and numerous scenes programs. She has also assistant directed at Austin Opera, Amarillo Opera, LOLA (Local Opera Local Artists), UT Austin, Spotlight on Opera, FAVA France, and now Indianapolis Opera. As a performer, notable past roles have included the Witch in Into the Woods (Stage Right Theatre, Amarillo), Fastrada in Pippin, and Morgana in Alcina (West Texas A&M University). Past costume designs have included The Magic Flute, Dido and Aeneas, Suor Angelica (Texas State University), Metamorphoses, The Who’s Tommy, and Aida (Amarillo Little Theatre). Jessica’s passion is cultivating community engagement among the next generation of opera goers. Jessica would also love to thank Emily Hancock for being a wonderful host and all around fabulous human being during her time in Indianapolis!

RACHEL BENNETT Rehearsal Pianist

Rachel S. Bennett, pianist, is a versatile collaborative artist, educator, and vocal coach, originally from Asheville, North Carolina. Currently based in Tallahassee, Florida, she is a faculty vocal coach in the Opera Department at Florida State University, working with graduate and undergraduate singers and graduate assistant pianists. In January 2025, Rachel will serve as music director for outreach performances of Cinderella and The Magic Flute with the Florida State Opera. Rachel comes to Tallahassee from Greensboro, North Carolina, where she was on faculty at High Point University working in musical theater, accompanying, and piano instruction. Highlights from this appointment include receiving the student-voted ‘Adjunct Professor of the Year’ Award in 2019-2020 and co-leading a musical theater exchange program to Costa Rica. While in Costa Rica, Rachel led masterclasses for students and faculty at La Colmena, the country’s only musical theater training program. In recent years, Rachel has premiered numerous new works, including a concertino with baritone saxophone at the National American Saxophone Alliance convention, and several vocal chamber works at the 2023 Operation Opera Festival in Sacramento. Her recording of Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe is currently airing on PBS’s “Thomasville: Live from the Center.” Rachel holds a BM in Piano Performance and an MM in Collaborative Piano from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she studied with Paul Stewart and Jim Douglass. She holds a DM in Collaborative Piano from Florida State University, where she studied with Valerie Trujillo. Rachel is excited to join Indianapolis Opera as a Resident Artist for their spring 2025 season.