Summary

The Light Opera of Portland (LOoP), known for its spirited renditions of Gilbert and Sullivan and other classics, explores brand new territory by presenting an original, romantic musical called “We Met in Moscow”. The show is based upon events in the lives of Ralph Bunch, a professor emeritus from Portland State University, and his wife Eleanora Andreevna, head of cybernetics at the Kremlin in the 1990s. This modern-age romance between two people who met later in their lives is not another teenage romance, but a prime-of-life love story. The story not only explores the unique way this couple fell in love during the post-Cold War era but also the adventures they had exploring their cultural differences.

When asked about this one of a kind piece, Dennis Britten explains. “Everyone has been asking me what the show is about. I think I’ll have two characters – Richard, a sixty-year-old American and his Russian friend Marat, answer what those two messages are succinctly.

MARAT: “Everywhere world is much the same. Everybody, no matter age, need love and romance, Nyet?”

RICHARD: “I suppose you’re right…I can’t get over how Russians are so much like Americas, Marat”

MARAT: “Like I say, I think people same everywhere, Richard. Just government different.”

Kevin Bryant Lay elaborates. “This show is about two people who fall in love across distances and cultures, reminding us that we are all more alike than different. Neither culture nor individual need change their native key. We can stretch our ears and hearts to accommodate both keys simultaneously.“

In view of the divisiveness in our society today, these themes could not be more timely or relevant. LOoP expands their repertoire with an original production performed with a full orchestra. Its modern issues, costumes and set design will reflect the 1990’s. “We are all the same no matter what our backgrounds may be” emphasizes Ralph Bunch. So, come out and celebrate our similarities as well as differences with songs, dance, and laughter that bring us all together. The players will greet audience members and serve ice cream sundaes after the show.

Cast

Eleonora Andreevna	“Elya,” a very attractive fifty year old head of cybernetics at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia	Lindsey Lefler
Richard Ballad	a sixty year old political science professor at Portland State University in Portland, OR	Tom Hamann
Marat Khabibullov	a mid-fifties Dean of the School of Environmental Science at Kazon University and heading a delegation visiting Portland State University	Bill Wuertz
Maria	Elya’s mother at thirty in a flash back with Elya at three years old	Gabrielle Juliette Widman
Susanna	Elya’s mid fifty year old adopted sister	Gabrielle Widman
Hanzo Ballad	Richard’s 17 year-old Asian American son	Linh Nguyen
Tanya	Elya’s best friend	Cathrine Huard
Galina Vladmirovna	Elya’s younger secretary at the Kremlin	Kristina Kindel
Doctor	a sham doctor from the Moscow concert hall	Michael McGee
Hospital Doctor	a doctor at the Moscow Hospital	James Montgomery
Hospital Administrator	a late fifties, pompous Russian hospital administrator	Laurence Cox
Taxi Driver	Russian in late thirties	Austin Hampshire
Voice of Silhouette	Act 1, scene 9	James Montgomery

Chorus

Women of the ensemble

Jaymie Sanfilippo-Sherrard

Men of the ensemble

Crew

Director	Dennis Britten
Asst. Director	Laurence Cox
Musical Director	Kevin Lay
Producer	David Smith
Production Technical Director	Dennis Freeze
Stage Manager/Prop Master	Amy Barnhart
Lighting Design	Dennis Britten
Lighting	Carl Dahlquist Ron Swingen
House Manager	Chuck Weed
Accompanist	Dr. Linda Smith
Costume Designer	Lucy Tait
Set	Dennis Britten
Publicity	Laurence Cox
Outreach	Gabrielle Widman
Membership	Dr. Linda Smith
Program and Web Site	Sheryl Wood
Posters	David Smith Tony Smith
Logo	Tony Smith