Tamino - Dylan Davis

Tenor Dylan Davis is making a name for himself in the opera world with a dynamic and varied repertoire. A 2022 Apprentice Artist with Santa Fe Opera, he performed the role of Shepherd in Tristan und Isolde and participated in the chorus for Carmen, The Barber of Seville, and M. Butterfly 蝴蝶君. Recently, Dylan completed two engagements with the Metropolitan Opera Chorus, appearing in Lohengrin and Verdi’s Requiem.

Dylan’s career highlights include his 2019 season as a Studio Artist with Central City Opera, where he earned the Studio Artist Award and returned in 2021 as an Apprentice Artist, covering the Duke in Rigoletto. As a Resident Artist with Shreveport Opera in 2021/22, he performed roles such as the Duke in Rigoletto, Don José in The Tragedy of Carmen, and Basilio in Le Nozze di Figaro. In 2022, he debuted as Count Almaviva in The Barber of Seville with Shreveport Opera. In 2023, he performed Gastone in La traviata, covered Alfredo Germont, and debuted with Mid-Ohio Civic Opera as Jaquino in Fidelio.

A native of Marion, OH, Dylan holds degrees from Otterbein University and The Ohio State University, where he performed roles inLe Nozze di Figaro and Candide. He now resides in Columbus, OH.

Pamina - Rachel Blaustein

Rachel Blaustein’s 2024-2025 season features exciting debuts and returning engagements that showcase her versatility and artistry. She will debut with Austin Opera as Jocelyn Jordan in The Manchurian Candidate and perform Handel’s Messiah with South Florida Symphony. Rachel will also take on the title role in Rusalka with Pacific Opera Project and debut with Cincinnati Opera in summer 2025.

In the 2023-2024 season, Rachel made her role debut as Gilda inRigolettowith Opera Delaware and Opera Baltimore, earning praise for her “lovely, pearly thread of tone” (Tim Smith, Baltimore Sun). She also appeared with Opera Omaha, performed inKavalier & Claywith The Metropolitan Opera, gave a recital at the Academy Art Museum, and debuted with the Indianapolis Symphony forMessiah. Previous highlights include Nanetta inFalstaff(Maryland Lyric Opera), Countess Almaviva inLe nozze di Figaro(Annapolis Opera), and Pamina inThe Magic Flute(Opera Theatre of St. Louis). She made her Carnegie Hall debut as the soprano soloist inCarmina Buranaand has recordedThe Lord of Cries, which earned a Grammy nomination in 2023. Known for her distinctive voice and stage presence, Rachel continues to captivate audiences across a diverse repertoire.

Papageno - Jake Stamatis

Born and raised in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, baritone Jake Stamatis has earned acclaim for his versatility on the operatic stage, performing a wide range of roles that showcase his dramatic intensity and comedic flair. His repertoire spans both the dramatic and lighthearted, including standout performances as Enrico in Lucia di Lammermoor, Zurga in Les pêcheurs de perles, and Marcello in La bohème. Equally at home in comedic roles, Jake has delighted audiences as Papageno in Die Zauberflöte, Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia and Le nozze di Figaro, and The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance.

In the 2024-25 season, Jake will make his highly anticipated role debut as Il Conte in Le nozze di Figaro with Sarasota Opera. Other season highlights include reprising the roles of Figaro​.

Papagena - Sarah Stembel

Lyric soprano Sarah Stembel, a native of New Orleans, has captivated audiences across the Gulf South and beyond with her radiant voice and versatile performances. Most recently, she was an Apprentice Artist with Sarasota Opera, performing in Carmen, Lucia di Lammermoor, and Luisa Miller. She has also appeared as Edith in The Pirates of Penzance with MiOpera and as Doris Parker in Charlie Parker’s Yardbird with Dayton Opera, where she was a Resident Artist in 2022.

Sarah earned her Master of Music in Opera Performance at the Maryland Opera Studio in 2021, performing roles such as Violante in La finta giardiniera and Miss Wingrave in Owen Wingrave. A 2018 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, she starred in roles including Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and Yum-Yum in The Mikado. She also performed in the ensembles of Turandot, Rigoletto, and Carmen with Opera Mississippi and the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company. 

A decorated competitor, Sarah has won the Gulf Coast Steinway Vocal Competition and earned top prizes in several national competitions. With her compelling stage presence and vocal artistry, she is emerging as a rising star in the operatic world.

Queen Of The Night - Michelle Allie Drever

American dramatic coloratura soprano Michelle Allie Drever is celebrated for her powerful, agile voice and stunning lyricism. Recently, she debuted as Tosca with Pocket Opera and earned critical acclaim as Donna Anna in Don Giovanniat West Bay Opera. Her repertoire includes leading roles such as Violetta in La Traviata, Lucia in Lucia di Lammermoor, and the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte, performed with companies like LA Opera, Utah Lyric Opera, and Miami Lyric Opera. A featured artist with Pacific Opera Project, she gained attention for her portrayal of the Queen of the Night in their Nintendo-inspired The Magic Flute and dual roles in L’enfant et les sortilèges.

Michelle holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, where she originated La Condesa in Carla Lucero’s Juana. She reunited with Lucero to portray Anne Sullivan in the world premiere of Touch at Opera Birmingham, a role written for her. Praised as a “force of nature” by critics, Michelle is recognized for her singer-actor artistry. Originally from Northern California, she now resides in Los Angeles, continuing to captivate audiences with her commanding performances and nuanced interpretations.

Sarastro - Miguel Pedroza

Venezuelan bass-baritone Miguel Pedroza has brought his rich voice and commanding stage presence to the stages of esteemed companies such as Opera Columbus, Opera Maine, Opera Southwest, and Opera on the James, among others. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music and the University of Houston, Miguel has earned recognition for his versatility and depth in a wide range of roles.

Recent highlights of his career include his portrayals of Masetto in Don Giovanni, Colline in La bohème, Marco in Gianni Schicchi, Randy Curtis in Lady in the Dark, Marchese d’Obigny in La Traviata, and Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro. In addition to his solo work, Miguel has been an integral part of the choruses at both Cincinnati Opera and Houston Grand Opera, further honing his skills alongside world-class performers.

This season, Miguel is excited to join Opera Mississippi, where he will perform the role of Sarastro in Die Zauberflöte, showcasing his rich, resonant bass voice in this iconic role. With a growing reputation for his artistry and powerful performances, Miguel continues to captivate audiences across the operatic stage.

Monastatos - Cody Boling

Tenor Cody Boling, praised as “a vocal standout as Little Bat” by Arts Knoxville in 2023, is set to make his Opera Mississippi debut in Die Zauberflöte. Known for his versatility, Cody has performed a wide range of operatic roles, including Peter Quint in The Turn of the Screw, Prunier in La Rondine, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte. His recent work includes premiering the role of Murray in Jason Overall’s Doctor and the Devils with Marble City Opera, showcasing his ability to tackle new and challenging roles.

In musical theatre, Cody has brought dynamic characters to life, such as Franklin Hart in9 to 5, Feldzeig inThe Drowsy Chaperone, Herr Vanderdendur inCandide, Mr. Thénardier inLes Misérables, and the Major General inThe Pirates of Penzance. With his blend of technical skill and emotional depth, he continues to captivate audiences across genres. Cody holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. He remains a passionate and versatile performer, exploring new artistic opportunities while honing his craft.

1st Lady - Krista Reneé Pape

Soprano Krista Renée Pape has established herself as a dynamic performer, earning acclaim for her “virtuoso and fiery” debut as the Queen of the Night (Rutland Herald). As a resident artist with Lyric Opera of Kansas City, she performed roles such as Frasquita and covered Micaëla in Carmen, Annina and covered Violetta in La traviata, Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors, and roles in The Shining and Sondheim on Sondheim. Recently, she portrayed Frasquita in Carmen and covered Julie Jordan in Carousel with Opera North.

Krista’s 2024/25 season includes roles such as First Wood Sprite in Rusalka, Sandman/Dew Fairy while covering Gretel in Hänsel und Gretel with Wichita Grand Opera, Krystyna Żywulska in Another Sunrise by Jake Heggie, and First Lady while covering Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute with Opera Mississippi. She holds a Master’s in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Houston and has been recognized in numerous competitions, including the Metropolitan Opera Laffont National Council. Known for her technical mastery and compelling artistry, Krista continues to captivate audiences with her powerful performances and depth of expression on the operatic stage.

2nd Lady - Kara Claybrook

Kara Claybrook is a versatile soprano, voice professor, choral conductor, opera director, and minister of music from Little Rock, Arkansas. She is currently Assistant Professor of Music at the Alabama School of the Arts at the University of Mobile. With expertise in opera, oratorio, musical theater, contemporary worship, and CCM, Kara balances a passion for teaching and performing across genres.

Her stage credits include Marian in The Music Man, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Alma in Little Women, and Milly in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Professionally, she has worked with First Coast Opera, Opera Mississippi, and Opera in the Rock. Kara’s contemporary repertoire includes performances at Indiana State University’s Contemporary Music Festival and originating the role of Elizabeth of York in Griebling’s Richard III. In 2019, she made her stage directing debut with Opera in the Rock and served as a directing intern for the Harrower Summer Opera Workshop.

Kara completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Voice Performance with a Musical Theatre cognate in 2022 under Dr. Maryann Kyle. Through her diverse career in academia and performance, she continues to mentor future musicians while maintaining an active stage presence.

3rd Lady - Victoria Tomasch

Originally from a small town in Texas, mezzo-soprano Victoria Thomasch is now making her mark as a performer and educator in New York City and internationally. Most recently, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by singing the title role of Carmen with Lighthouse Opera. Last season, she made her debut with Opera Mississippi at their “Broadway Meets the Met” gala and appeared in various concerts with Metro Opera Tech and SAS Performing Arts Company in New York City.

Among her career highlights, Victoria counts performing the title role of Cendrillon with the Miami Music Festival, singing in televised opera galas at the Teatro Degollado in Guadalajara, making her European debut as Mercédès in a cabaret-style Carmen, and leading the U.S. National Anthem at a Blue Jays vs. Yankees baseball game in Toronto. Her diverse repertoire also includes roles such as Annio in La clemenza di Tito, Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, Flora in The Enchanted Pig, Giulio Cesare in Giulio Cesare, Jennie in Down in the Valley, Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus, Orsini in Lucrezia Borgia, and Ottavia in L’incoronazione di Poppea.

Victoria has participated in young artist residencies with Sarasota Opera, Finger Lakes Opera, and the Australian Contemporary Opera Company. She earned her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from New York University and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music from Baylor University.

1st Priest & 1st Armored Man - John Christopher Adams

John Christopher Adams is a gifted and versatile performer, whose musical repertoire spans opera, jazz, gospel, and musical theater. He has graced stages around the globe, performing in notable venues across Germany, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Israel, and various U.S. cities including Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, and Seattle. Born and raised in Fannin, Mississippi, John developed his foundational skills in theater and music under the expert guidance of Mrs. Karen Streit and Ms. Helen G. Morgan, who left an indelible mark on his artistic journey.

John pursued higher education in his craft, earning degrees in Vocal Performance and Opera from Mississippi College followed by advanced studies at the University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music. Beyond the stage, he channels his leadership and community engagement skills into his business, operating the John C. Adams State Farm Agency in Gadsden, Alabama. This role allows him to integrate his passion for the arts with his commitment to serving his community.

2nd Priest/Speaker & 2nd Armored Man - Johnnie Blankens

Hailed as an “impressive bass” and a singer of “high caliber,” Johnnie Bankens has established himself as a commanding presence on the opera and musical theatre stages. His diverse repertoire includes a wide range of iconic operatic roles, such as the title characters in Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Bluebeard’s Castle. Other standout roles include Don Basilio in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Sparafucile in Rigoletto, Colline in La bohème, Sarastro in The Magic Flute, Don Annibale Pistacchio in Il campanello, The Jailer in Tosca, and Frère Laurent in Roméo et Juliette.

Johnnie has made professional solo appearances with esteemed companies such as San Diego Opera, Nevada Opera, Mobile Opera, Opéra Louisiane, Salvage Arts Productions, and Blue Lake Opera. In addition, his concert performances have featured collaborations with the Starkville Symphony, Monroe Symphony, West End Collegiate Singers, The Stonewall Chorale, The Lied Society, and the Louisiana Choral Foundation.

With his rich, resonant bass voice and impressive range, Johnnie continues to captivate audiences across the nation, bringing depth and gravitas to every performance.

1st Minion- Tanner Green

Tanner Green, a sophomore majoring in Vocal Music Performance at The University of Southern Mississippi, is a rising star known for his versatility and passion for the stage. He has brought to life a variety of characters, including Levi in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Carlos in Disney’s Descendants, and SpongeBob in The SpongeBob Musical. His theater experience also includes roles like William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Papa Ogre in Shrek, Jr., and Adam/Noah in Children of Eden, Jr. Tanner has also served as assistant director for Disney’s Descendants at Brookhaven Little Theatre, showcasing his talents behind the scenes.

Tanner is a member of Opera Mississippi’s Young Artists Program for the 2024-2025 season, where he continues to develop his skills in the operatic realm. He is actively involved in The University of Southern Mississippi’s Southern Chorale and performs with its premier pop a cappella group, Spirit of Southern. Known for his adaptability and positive attitude, Tanner lives by the motto: “Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.” With a commitment to artistic growth, Tanner is poised to make a lasting impact in both theater and music.

2nd Minion - Dakota Andrews

Dakota Ray Andrews, a native of Richland, Mississippi, is pursuing a degree in Vocal Education at The University of Southern Mississippi, studying voice with Dr. Meredith Johnson and horn with Dr. Robert Detjen. His diverse musical background includes performances with prestigious ensembles such as the Southern Chorale, Spirit of Southern, Symphonic Winds, and the Pride of Mississippi Marching Band, where he has excelled as both a principal player and section leader.

Dakota’s stage credits include the Baker in Beauty and the Beast (Summer 2023) and a vocal sweetener for Jersey Boys(Summer 2024) with the Hub City Players. Most recently, he portrayed Olin Britt in The Music Man (Fall 2024). In addition to his theatrical roles, Dakota serves as a resident vocalist at First Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel, Mississippi, under the direction of Nathan Jones. This season, Dakota makes his debut with Opera Mississippi’s Young Artist Program, marking an exciting new chapter in his artistic journey. With a passion for music and a commitment to growth, he continues to develop his talents in both operatic and theatrical performance, looking ahead to a promising career in the arts.

3rd Minion - Drew Hairston

Drew Hairston (3rd Minion) is a senior at Belhaven University, pursuing a double degree in music with a voice emphasis and accounting. In recognition of his exceptional talent and dedication, Drew was honored with the 2024 “Belhaven Musical Excellence Award,” a prestigious award given to a rising senior who demonstrates outstanding musical ability and perseverance. Additionally, Drew earned First Place in both the “Junior Classical TBB” and “Upper Musical Theatre TBB” categories at the 2024 NATS Mississippi Conference.

An active member of Belhaven’s Vocal Arts Ensemble and the Belhaven Chorale, Drew regularly showcases his talents in the “Best of Belhaven” Concerts, which highlight the university’s top solo performers. In addition to his vocal achievements, Drew has also made his mark as a composer, with his choral works performed in the Belhaven Chorale’s I Still Believe concert and the university’s C2 Arts Concert, which fosters artistic collaboration with local organizations.

Drew is no stranger to the stage, frequently performing in Belhaven Theatre’s musicals. His recent roles include Nelson Vanderlyn in Glimpses of the Moon, a soloist in A Night of Broadway, and King Maximilien in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella.

Grateful for the gift of music, Drew acknowledges how it serves as a testament to God’s love, inspiring him in every performance and composition.

1st Spirit - Kate Sawyer

Soprano Kate Sawyer is celebrated for her captivating voice, dynamic stage presence, and versatility across opera, concert, and theater. She has performed in diverse venues, from traditional stages to intimate settings like art galleries and museums. Her duo show, Sizzling Sopranos, blends opera, jazz, and vaudeville, offering a fresh take on classical music through beloved arias and hidden gems.

Kate’s soloist repertoire includes Mozart’s Requiem, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Handel’s Messiah, and Fauré’s Requiem. Operatic highlights include her debut with New Orleans Opera as Sylviane in The Merry Widow, The Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute, and the title role in Lakmé. She has also delivered standout performances in Der Rosenkavalier, Les Contes d’Hoffmann, and Carmen. In musical theater, Kate has portrayed Nellie Forbush in South Pacific and Maria in The Sound of Music.

A passionate educator, Kate teaches voice and conducts college choirs, fostering young vocal talent. In 2021, she was a Teaching Fellow at the International Performing Arts Institute, honing her skills in pedagogy and performance. Kate holds a Bachelor of Music from Loyola University New Orleans and a Master of Music from the Peabody Conservatory. Her artistry continues to captivate audiences across genres.

2nd Spirit - Erica Wheeler

Erika Wheeler, a native of Vicksburg, MS, is an accomplished mezzo-soprano with over seven years of professional training in classical music. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with minors in Education and Psychology from Alcorn State University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Mississippi. Throughout her studies, Erika has honed her craft in five different languages, developing a versatile and dynamic vocal ability.

Erika has performed with notable organizations such as Operafestival di Roma, the University of Mississippi Opera Theatre, and Opera Mississippi, where she has brought her rich voice and deep musicality to the stage. In addition to her performance career, Erika is dedicated to music education. She currently serves as the Choral Director at Vicksburg High School, where she inspires and teaches students from 9th to 12th grade. 

Her passion for music and commitment to excellence continue to shape her work as both a performer and an educator, making her an influential figure in the musical community of Mississippi.

3rd Spirit - Annalee Crawford Quarles

Hailing from Clinton, Mississippi, mezzo-soprano Annalee Crawford is a rising talent in the world of classical vocal performance. A recent graduate of Mississippi College, she earned her Master’s degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy. Throughout her time at Mississippi College, Annalee captivated audiences in numerous productions with Lyric Stage, most notably performing the roles of Ms. Todd in The Old Maid and the Thief and the title role in Bizet’s Carmen.

Annalee has also made her mark with Opera Mississippi. performing in a range of events and in productions. As a two-time featured young artist with the company, she showcased her versatility in The Bremen Town Musicians and participated in multiple holiday celebrations hosted by Opera Mississippi.

Throughout her career, Annalee has excelled in vocal competitions, earning several honors through the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS). She secured multiple first-place awards during her college years, received the prestigious Governor’s Award at the Mississippi State NATS competition, and was named First-Alternate in the Regional NATSAA vocal competition. As she continues to pursue new performance opportunities, Annalee looks forward to future artistic endeavors as an artist.

Stage Director- Carroll Freeman

Carroll Freeman is a renowned opera producer, stage director, tenor, professor, and conductor with over 60 years of experience. His multifaceted career includes roles as a designer, translator, and adjudicator, making him one of opera’s most versatile figures. Born in Memphis, Freeman began as a boy soprano with the Columbus Boychoir, performing internationally, including for the now-Emperor of Japan. He sang with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, debuted with New York City Opera, and appeared on NBC-TV’s The Bell Telephone Hour.

As an adult, Freeman performed with Opera Omaha, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, and Mobile Opera. Notable roles include Alfredo in La Traviata at New York City Opera and Don Ottavio in Peter Sellars’ Don Giovanni, broadcast globally and recorded by Deutsche Grammophon. He premiered Stephen Paulus’s The Postman Always Rings Twice at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis and the Edinburgh Festival.

Freeman has directed for New Orleans Opera, Knoxville Opera, and internationally at the American Institute of Musical Studies in Austria and Opera Aegean in Greece. A distinguished educator, he served as Artistic Director of the Harrower Summer Opera Workshop and Knoxville Opera Studio. Residing in Brandon, MS, with his family, Freeman’s enduring impact continues to shape the operatic world.

Conductor And Artistic Director- Jay Dean

Opera has been a cornerstone of Jay Dean’s distinguished career as a conductor and artistic leader. Since 2004, he has conducted for Opera Mississippi, becoming its Artistic Director in 2010. He has collaborated with legendary operatic artists, including Plácido Domingo, Renée Fleming, Denyce Graves, and Roberta Peters. Dean also serves as the Director of the School of Music at the University of Southern Mississippi, where he has made significant contributions to the opera and classical music landscape.

For 30 years (1988–2018), Dean directed the USM Symphony Orchestra, transforming it into an internationally recognized ensemble that attracted talented musicians from around the globe. His reputation for producing exceptional performances extended beyond orchestral works to the opera stage, where he has conducted productions featuring world-class talent. Dean’s leadership has also been instrumental in the success of FestivalSouth and the Natchez Festival of Music, where he has served as Artistic Director since 2011.

Dean’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the Governor’s Award for Artistic Excellence (2017) with Opera Mississippi. His vision for opera and music as transformative art forms continues to elevate Mississippi’s cultural landscape, creating life-changing experiences for artists and audiences alike.