Tickets available at: https://loopmoscow.brownpapertickets.com/
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 |
| Little Elya | Elya in a flashback at three years old | TBD |
| 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 | TBD |
Chorus
Women of the ensemble
Men of the ensemble
| Austin Hampshire |
| Dennis Kelly |
| Harold Williams |
| James Montgomery |
| Laurence Cox |
| Lincoln Thomas |
| Michael McGee |
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 Heather Sutherland |
| 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 |