_edited_edited.jpg)
Opera on the James
Backstage Pass
Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will feature a theater and exploring the theater's beginnings, evolution over the years, and goals for the future - plus some fun facts along the way.
This issue, we are visiting a group that brings musical theater to a whole other level. Since 2005, Opera on the James has established itself as a vocally and visually stunning member of the Lynchburg theatrical community. Over the past twenty years, Opera on the James ("OOTJ") has grown from a small regional company to a distinguished organization performing fully staged operas and concert events. Despite what is seen on stage now, OOTJ has humble beginnings similar to other theaters in the area, and it all began with recognizing a need.
Madame Butterfly, 2011
"The organization was established by a group of city leaders who recognized the need for a professional opera company in the region," shares Peter Leonard, General Director for OOTJ. Born and raised in Boston, Leonard grew from playing piano to participating and conducting orchestras. "That has been the most exciting aspect of my craft: collaboration and teamwork. Whether leading an opera from the pit, a symphony orchestra concert on stage, or stage directing and producing a show, my inspiration comes from the chance to work with colleagues who love the work as much as I do!" After receiving his Master's Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Julliard, Leonard became involved with the classic Verdi opera Rigoletto as an assistant conductor in Germany. Along with his love of Strauss and Wagner, opera quickly found its way into Leonard's blood and has been there ever since. Upon Leonard's arrival back in the United States, he was asked by then director of OOTJ Cecilia Schieve to guest conduct The Marriage of Figaro. "The Company and I worked well together, so Cecilia asked me to be the principal conductor for all the large OOTJ productions," says Leonard. Since 2015, Leonard has been a staple at OOTJ as its current General Director. His extensive operatic background is instrumental in OOTJ's ongoing success.
Upon OOTJ's inception in 2005, productions were initially performed in the Academy Warehouse Theatre. David Neumeyer was OOTJ's first board president. "Our first production was Three Terrific Tenors in November 2005 featuring Scott Ramsay, Marcus McConico, and David Ossenfort with Emily Yap Chua on piano," says Neumeyer. "That sold out, giving us the courage to present our first staged opera, Pagliacci, in April 2006, featuring Andrew Stuckey, Drew Slatton, and Marcia Jones Thom." After another successful sold-out show, it was clear that the need for a local opera company was there, and audiences wanted more.
Peter Leonard
Over the years, OOTJ has performed an impressive array of both beolved opera classics and modern works.
Rigoletto, 2016
The Barber of Seville, 2011
OOTJ has also developed an extensive education program. The Tyler Young Artist Program is a five-week residency where trained singers develop their operatic and vocal performance skills through OOTJ. Only a select few are chosen from a pool of applicants, and these artists perform in a one-act touring opera around the Lynchburg area and city schools. This program is led by Thomas Getty, an opera vocal coach who travels to Lynchburg from the New York City area for these residencies.
Clue, 2023
Wolfbane has continued to grow over the years. Williams' husband Ken Arpino became Executive Director in 2016 and helped turn Wolfbane from a smalltime theatre company into a successful non-profit. With the help of technical director/house manager Christine Yepsen, a board of directors made up of respected community members, and countless actors, technicians, and volunteers, Wolfbane is now a professional theatre company with a complete show season each year. In addition, the PAC is being updated with a new entryway, a new concessions area, and and overall sprucing up of the grounds. Nobody is more surprised than Williams how much Wolfbane has grown over its short lifetime. "We weren’t trying to build a company or pay bills. We didn’t even pay ourselves for the first then years. It was just having fun. And that spirit has become our northstar."
Each issue of Scenes From the Hat will feature a theater and exploring the theater's beginnings, evolution over the years, and goals for the future - plus some fun facts along the way.
This issue, we are visiting a group that brings musical theater to a whole other level. Since 2005, Opera on the James has established itself as a vocally and visually stunning member of the Lynchburg theatrical community. Over the past twenty years, Opera on the James ("OOTJ") has grown from a small regional company to a distinguished organization performing fully staged operas and concert events. Despite what is seen on stage now, OOTJ has humble beginnings similar to other theaters in the area, and it all began with recognizing a need.
Madame Butterfly, 2011
"The organization was established by a group of city leaders who recognized the need for a professional opera company in the region," shares Peter Leonard, General Director for OOTJ. Born and raised in Boston, Leonard grew from playing piano to participating and conducting orchestras. "That has been the most exciting aspect of my craft: collaboration and teamwork. Whether leading an opera from the pit, a symphony orchestra concert on stage, or stage directing and producing a show, my inspiration comes from the chance to work with colleagues who love the work as much as I do!" After receiving his Master's Degree in Orchestral Conducting from Julliard, Leonard became involved with the classic Verdi opera Rigoletto as an assistant conductor in Germany. Along with his love of Strauss and Wagner, opera quickly found its way into Leonard's blood and has been there ever since. Upon Leonard's arrival back in the United States, he was asked by then director of OOTJ Cecilia Schieve to guest conduct The Marriage of Figaro. "The Company and I worked well together, so Cecilia asked me to be the principal conductor for all the large OOTJ productions," says Leonard. Since 2015, Leonard has been a staple at OOTJ as its current General Director. His extensive operatic background is instrumental in OOTJ's ongoing success.
Peter Leonard, General Director
Perry Payne, Executive Director
Upon OOTJ's inception in 2005, productions were initially performed in the Academy Warehouse Theatre. David Neumeyer was OOTJ's first board president. "Our first production was Three Terrific Tenors in November 2005 featuring Scott Ramsay, Marcus McConico, and David Ossenfort with Emily Yap Chua on piano," says Neumeyer. "That sold out, giving us the courage to present our first staged opera, Pagliacci, in April 2006, featuring Andrew Stuckey, Drew Slatton, and Marcia Jones Thom." After another successful sold-out show, it was clear that the need for a local opera company was there, and audiences wanted more.
Over the years, OOTJ has performed an impressive array of both beolved opera classics and modern works. Even those with just a passing knowledge of opera will recognize the music from The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro, or La Boheme. Despite many being performed in a foreign language, the sets, costuming, actors, and score are designed in a way that the story is still communicated. In addition, OOTJ has ways for audiences to follow along with the story. "We have a synopsis in the program, and some shows have English supertitles projected over the stage," says Perry Payne, Executive Director for OOTJ. "We have even used an iPhone app for translation for a production of Suor Angelica." Performing the shows in their original language is the best way to experience an opera as composer's intent is inherent in how the music and lyrics link together.
Rigoletto, 2016
Red Riding Hood, 2024 (featuring Tyler Young Artist
performers)
The Telephone, 2025 (featuring Tyler Young Artist
performers)
The Barber of Seville, 2011
In addition to its season of shows, OOTJ has also developed an education program for those who have received or are pursuing a degree in opera or vocal performance. The Tyler Young Artist Program is a five-week residency where trained singers develop their vocal performance skills through courses and instruction with OOTJ. Only a select few are chosen from a pool of applicants, and these artists perform in a one-act touring opera around the Lynchburg area and city schools. This program is led by Thomas Getty, an opera vocal coach who travels to Lynchburg from the New York City area for these residencies. OOTJ has the ongoing goal of extending its educational opportunities within the Lynchburg community, and the caliber of educators ensures these events will be well worth it.
Karl Lindevaldsen has done a number of shows with OOTJ. A classically trained singer himself, he knows the value of a well-produced opera. "When I think of Opera on the James, I think of excellence," he shares. "We are so blessed to have a vibrant and professional opera company in Lynchburg. Everyone who loves beautiful singing should get a ticket to their next production and experience this wonerful company firsthand." Another performer with OOTJ is Merry Barth, a familiar face on numerous stages here in Lynchburg. "I love listening to and singing opera, and working with Opera on the James has definitely nurtured that love." The uniqueness of what OOTJ manages to elevate the already strong vocal capabilities of our local talent.
Tosca, 2022
Suor Angelica, 2024
Gianni Schicchi, 2013
La Boheme, 2024
"Opera on the James is committed to high-caliber productions while maintaining a deep connection to our local community."
Leonard is proud of what is being accomplished with OOTJ in Lynchburg. "This area is unique in my experience. There are so many talented and engaged theater people here." He recognizes the exceptionally large theater community in the greater Lynchburg area. "The number of theater groups and productions is staggering! There are many regions with much larger populations which manage only a small portion of what is done here. It is a thrill and an honor to be part of this rich theatrical landscape."
There are many ways to get involved with OOTJ. Local actors and singers are VERY welcome and are strongly encouraged to audition for chorus and solo roles in productions. There are also lots of backstage opportunities in the areas of props, costumes, wigs, makeup, etc. For more information, please send an email to PeterL@OperaontheJames.org. Coming up, make sure you plan on attending the picnic concert at Point of Honor on June 8 to help celebrate OOTJ's 20th anniversary. For tickets and information to upcoming shows and season announcements, you can visit www.operaonthejames.org or check out our performance calendar here.