Where Are They Now?

• John Cleveland writes to say: "Leon Redshaw, a long time member of the Arizona Opera Stage Crew, passed away on September 30th. Leon had been part of the stage crew longer than most of us have been in the chorus. Many of us, including myself, relied on him for guidance in our first year in the opera chorus when we didn't yet know the ropes of backstage etiquette. His good humor and patience will always be remembered and appreciated.
  I spoke with Polly Monroe today and AOC has no word on plans for a memorial service. However she did say that Leon's family probably needs some financial assistance at the present time. If any of you wish to help, please contact Polly Monroe at 520-293-4336, ext. 113.
  Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Leon Redshaw and we will all miss him very much." (10/8/04)

• Bob Altizer notes: "I've started a new day job as a Technology Delivery Manager for Bank of America in Phoenix. We'll soon be moving to the Collier Center in downtown Phoenix, across the street from the Symphony Hall stage door -- sure wish we were using that theatre this season!" (10/8/04)

• Rachel Velarde writes to say: "Hi Everyone!
  Well, Alessandra Tyler (Lexi-who will be THREE on October 10th, can you believe it?!?) got a new baby sister Friday, September 24th at 12:42 pm. Angelynn Michelle weighs 8 lbs 4 oz and is 20 inches long. Rachel had a planned c-section and is doing very well. Her dad (Mark), Grandma Bettyclaire, and friend Penny came in from Indiana to share in the fun. Another friend, Jen came in from NYC at the end of the week to play with the girls for several days. Doug also came down the hill (Prescott Valley) for the event.
  Also, for those of you who may not know, we moved in March to be nearer to Artie's parents and siblings. New contact information is [in the updated chorus roster]. We look forward to hearing from you!
  Love, Artie, Rachel, Lexi, and Angelynn" (10/8/04)

• James Zannelli (a/k/a JimmyZ) writes to say: "Hello friends. I am back in NYC (briefly) and it is so nice to be home. I just finished playing Major Holmes/Ensemble in The Secret Garden at the Fulton Opera House in Lancaster, PA. What a beautiful story, score and production.
  I am off to Raleigh, NC next to play Simon Stride in Jekyll & Hyde at the North Carolina Theatre Oct 10-Oct 31. Sebastian Bach (the former front man of the heavy metal hair band Skid Row) is playing Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. He played the role on Broadway in 2000 and has been one of my idols since I started singing. I am so excited! More info available at www.nctheatre.com
  After Jekyll & Hyde I will be "home for the holidays" in Phoenix visiting friends and family and performing in A Christmas Carol as well. Then its back to NYC around Jan 3.
  I hope to land an agent when I get back to the city and I am setting my sights on landing a production contract in 2005.
  That's all the news for now. Thanks to those who continue to keep in touch. I enjoy hearing from you. Hope to hear from you again soon." (9/29/04)

• John Massaro writes to say: "Effective immediately, I am resigning as Chorus Director. I will be putting together a more detailed resignation letter with my reasons for coming to this decision, which I can present to the board, the chorus and the press." (9/27/04)

• André DeLeon writes to say: "Hello to everybody from André & Robin De Leon! Robin's career is doing well. This past summer she performed the roles of Hannah in The Merry Widow, and Ninon in The Violet of Montmartre, with Ohio Light Opera. Last spring she played Rosina in Barber of Seville with West Bay Opera (Palo Alto, CA). Earlier last spring she was the lead soprano in a "Tribute to Emmerich Kalman" concert at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall. She'll beÊdoing another concert thisÊOctober, 2004, of early Broadway favorites, inaugurating a new theatre/performing venue at the J. Paul Getty museum in LA. Then in December, yet another operetta concert, again at Schoenberg Hall. She rocked in every role; got great reviews.
  I (Andre) amÊtoo much of computer geek to get back into theatre; the regular job and side jobs are more than I can handle. Just when I want out of this amount of computer work, somebody pulls me back in! The agent did send me on 2 TV commercials in the last few months. Both were stupid, cheezy, talentless affairs, for a ridiculous sum of $. Last winter 2003, we traveled to Salzburg, Austria. We saw a few concerts, hit every museum, and skiied & walked endless miles. This was Robin's first time on skis, nordics skis at that. She was a trooper, as she is with all of the dangerous crap I get her to do. The summer vacation was visiting her in Ohio, where, between her shows, we drove around Amish & Mennonite country eating cheese and trying not to stare at those weirdos like everybody else. Good luck to everyone, we miss all of you AZop choristers." (9/05/04)

• Catherine Eyde writes to say: "Hope you are well, I fly out Sat, life is crazy." She's moving to New York! I guess that's why she had the moving sale. (9/01/04)

• Juan Aguirre writes to say: "What a Great idea! It's always fun to hear from old friends to see what they're up to. Feel free to add this about me:
  Hi everyone, I have decided to take a year off from AzOP to concentrate on other things but I look forward to watching you all on stage this coming season. I just recently got back from an engagement in Honduras where I got to sing for the President! It was a great experience to say the least. I am also working hard at my voice-over career and so far so good...I'm lucky to speak fluent Spanish, as I have been getting a lot of those lately. I'm also teaching voice privately and will be performing in a couple of Musical theatre shows this season with the Az. Rose Theatre company. The first one is "Robin Hood"in October and yours truly gets to play Little John. Come check it out if you have a chance. And last but not least, there is a 99% chance that I will be hosting a series a educational kid's videos, through "Sharp as a sword" productions. Keep your fingers crossed.
  God Bless, take care, and everyone break a collective leg this season!" (8/25/04)

• Rachel Velarde writes to say: "I thought I'd let you know what's up on the Velarde front.
  Artie is still teaching third grade this year, although he is working hard to get a vice-principalship in the Tempe district (two have opened up this past week). I am still doing the chorus payroll this season, although we are not singing. Our second daughter (Angelynn Michelle) will be born on September 24th by c-section, so that pretty much put us out of the running for this season. Lexi will be 3 on October 10th. Can you believe it? It seems like such a short time since the "nursing nuns" of Carmelites! Since we are not singing this season, I have started selling The Pampered Chef to supplement our income. If anyone is interested in any products, PLEASE give me a call on my cell phone!!! Take care and please, everyone, keep in touch. We miss you guys!
  Thanks Bob for keeping everyone up-to-date on the chorus crowd. It is greatly appreciated." (8/25/04)

• James Zannelli writes to say "Hello. Just a quick note to say that I am performing in The Secret Garden at the Fulton Opera House in Lancaster, PA Sept. 9 through Sept. 26. It is a beautiful show and we have an amazing cast. Hope you can make it! Keep in touch." (8/22/04)

• Eric Deaver wrote to talk about performing in Carmen at Opera in the Ozarks this past summer: "I did all six of the Don Jose's this summer. It was an awesome experience. I learned a ton and hopefully will get the chance to sing it sometime again soon. One of the things I learned from doing it is that I am ultimately moving towards Wagner and heavy Italian rep like Otello, Turandot, etc. At least that is what everyone is telling me... Anyway, I got great reviews and I am excited about singing again. Actually getting a chance to do something will do that for ya!" (8/21/04)

• Sokrates Frantzis writes to say "Not long ago I visited NYC and decided that I was right about leaving that place. Portland [Oregon] may not be perfect, but it seems to be an OK place for me right now. ... I've actually thought about doing some tutoring, as I seem to have a knack for it.
  Glad that you're still enjoying the reading you do for the blind. The other day I stopped by the main branch of the public library and requested information on becoming a reader for children. I figure it will be a good way to work on my voice-over skills while generating some positive karma to boot. I've also applied to become a volunteer usher at the performing-arts center downtown.
  That's awesome that AOC may be doing "Dutchman" next year. Looking forward to the updates and photos, and crossing fingers that the company will be able to keep going. (8/21/04)

• Katie Jones has moved to Kent, WA. She writes to say "Just wanted to let everyone know that the Assisi Italy trip in October is looking for 1-2 Tenors and Basses (sorry ladies!!). A group from the states and one from Italy will be paring up for performances in Assisi. I am going and can't wait! I'm also taking the extra trip to Rome.
  It only costs $1000 for a week in Italy! I know that you sent information out a few weeks ago, but I got word that the group would like a couple more men from the states to join in. Anyone interested can contact me and I can give them more information. (Katie's contact info is in the on-line roster.) (8/21/04)

• Catherine Eyde had an art studio-moving sale on August 21. (8/21/04)

• Connie Fenton Trujillo writes to say "Rudy & I moved to the west side to be closer to Grand Canyon University. (Where Connie is on the Music Department faculty. Their new address and phone info is in the on-line roster.) Would you please pass on to our friends that Grand Canyon University is performing Turandot this fall. It opens on Oct. 8th. Rudy is Calaf! Hope you can attend!" (8/18/04)

• Kathleen Ruhleder is again teaching at Glendale Community College, and writes "For those of you who might still want another performance opportunity: GCC's Opera Workshop is holding auditions on Tuesday, the 24th, at 5:00. Please call me for more info at 480-726-2440.
  Repertoire includes:
  • A Game of Chance (Barab)
  • A Game of Quadrille (Caccini)
  • Card Scene from Carmen (Bizet)
  • Scenes from My Fair Lady and Guys and Dolls
  • Possibly A Hand of Bridge (Barber) and the Finale to Der Freischuetz

• Mareena Boosamra writes "These days I am the choral director at Rincon/University High School in TUSD. My students have been invited to perform in Carnegie Hall in NYC this coming March and our road will be paved by help from people from all over our community.
  Would you allow me to send letters out to our members asking them to consider Rincon/ University H.S. as a possible place to donate (loan) up to $250.00 of their AZ Tax payment? Any AZ state resident having to pay AZ State taxes may choose to donate up to $250.00 for a married couple, or $200.00 for a single and receive a 100% allotment to go their personal taxes.
  This is a great way to help out these terrific kids while paying the taxes they will have to eventually pay anyway but choosing where their tax dollars will go.
  Again thanks for maintaining this web page...it's really great!" (8/18/04)

• Niki Freeman writes to say "Miss you guys this season, but I guess it's a good season for me to miss, since we're gonna have another baby in March! :)" (8/18/04)

• Connie Stardub writes to say "Thanks for keeping me updated. Please do keep me on the list." (Last I saw her, Connie was singing in a well-known Phoenix area chorus; unfortunately, I can't remember the name of it!) (8/17/04)

• Erik Sparks has moved to East Stroudsburg, PA. What's up with that?? (8/17/04)

• Deena Armstrong Ebbert writes to say: "Just had a ... rehearsal ... with my singing group. We open on Saturday (at the Minnesota Renaissance Faire, IIRC). ... I am now drinking a bottle of nice wine, in order to call the sweet muse of sleep ...
  My real point was to ask if you ever do a "Where are they now?" section on your website for Chorus Alums? That'd be interesting. Like to know where folks ended up. (Your wish is my command ...)
  Wish I was there now, singing with AZ Opera. I always felt really special..." (8/17/04)

• James Zannelli writes to say: "Hello from NYC! I am happy to say that I qualified for subsidized housing and have just moved into my own apt. in midtown Manhattan. What? Me? A commitment!??!?!? Yes! I signed a one year lease and I am living in the Times Square Building on 43rd St & 8th Ave. I am in the heart of the theatre district, across the street from the Port Authority Bus Terminal and around the corner from Times Square. Walking distance to Penn Station. Its a small, one room studio with a full sized bathroom and kitchenette. Only $414.00 a month! My new address is [in the on-line roster].
  Other than the move, let's see, I was offered a contract to be in the ensemble of of a production on Miss Saigon but turned it down to play in the ensemble of Camelot starring Robert Goulet. Unfortunately the Camelot contract fell through so, I am waiting tables at a fancy-shmancy upscale fine dining establishment called Le Madri loated at 18th & 7th in Chelsea. Lot's of celebs frequent the place (Susan Sarrandon and Tim Robbins on Mother's Day, Meryl Streep last week, Carsen from Queer Eye) as well as publishers and lawyers and people with money who think they're important! I hum "Be Our Guest" to myself when polishing the silver and glasses and kissing ass. It helps me get through. Good money when we're busy and lately we've been busy! I am also continuing to audition (Fiddler on the Roof this Friday) and I am going to take another acting class. Finally saw Avenue Q and loved it!!! Still need to see Assassins and Wicked. I did see Madonna in concert at the Madsion Square Garden and she rocked!!!!!! She looked great and sounded incredible! AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!! I had never seen her in concert before so I was very excited. Missed out seeing Prince. DAMN! That would have been fun.
  So there's my story! It will be one year that I am in NYC on August 17. I love it here! I do miss you and I am hoping to schedule a "trip home" sometime this summer. Would love to see you. So, I hope you are doing well. Please keep in touch.
  Oh, and one more thing. Because of spam overload, I have a new email address: [it's in the on-line roster]. Please send me a return email to the new address so I can add you to my address book. (7/28/04)

• Dennis Tamblyn writes to say: "I am moving to Greeley Colorado which is about 60 miles northeast of Denver. Once there I will be going to the University of Northern Colorado to pursue my Master's in voice. I will have a TA in which I will be teaching voice to undergraduates and I will be the assistant director for the fall opera which is Menotti's "The Medium". It was a hard decision leaving Tucson, but I think I made the right one and I can't wait for my future there. I will miss my time with AZ Opera, but who knows. . .I might show up again once my degree is finished." (7/21/04)

Editorial Policy
For as long as it amuses me to do so, I'll use this page to post interesting news from Arizona Opera choristers, chorus alumni, and friends. Here are the guidelines I'll use:

• If you send me something in an email, I may post parts of it that are of general interest here; I'll excise any personal parts not appropriate for the public. Anything in italics, like this is my comment.
• I won't post personal contact info, such as email or street addresses or phone numbers; that info is all in the on-line roster. (Therefore names in news items WILL NOT be clickable to send someone an email -- maintain your own damn address book!)
• I'll post announcements you'd like made which might be of interest to this community (concerts, recitals, auditions, worthy causes, parties, etc.).
• This page is text only. I will post URLs (Web page addresses), but not attachments you send (art, photos, MS Office docs, etc.). I will post links to some place (e.g., Web or FTP site) where YOU pay to have that info posted.
• I reserve the right to edit any submission for good taste. This area is for persons of legal age (who are not necessarily grown-ups, you know who I'm talking about), so the level of refinement will be at least what you'd expect in the dressing room.
• Ad hominem attacks will not be printed unless the target really deserves it.