NOLO Bios

Cast Biographies

Julianne Perkins, Barbara

Julianne M Perkins (she/they) is a Wisconsin native. She performed the debut of Helen in Night of the Living Opera with Milwaukee Opera Theatre in their world premiere reading of the work last October. Recent roles include: Micaëla (Carmen), Loathly Lady (The Loathly Lady), Maman (L’enfant et les Sortilèges), Laetitia (Old Maid and the Thief), and Königen (Die Zauberflöte). Julianne has performed with Boulder Opera, Loveland Opera Theatre, Opera Fort Collins, Soulstice Theatre, Milwaukee Cooperative Performance, The World’s Stage Theatre, and has sung with the Opera Colorado chorus (I Pagliacci, Tosca, and The Shining, the latter two while pregnant). Past programs include Varna International Music Academy, Vienna Summer Music Festival, Sewanee Winterfest, Dandelion Opera Institute, and the Collaborative Piano Institute Vocal Academy. She recently competed her Master’s at the University of Denver. Mx. Perkins performed as Apprentice Artist with Milwaukee Opera Theatre in their 2012-2013 season and has been involved with other projects with MOT. Julianne studies with international opera singer Jennifer Rowley.

Emanuel Camacho, Johnny

Born and raised in Kenosha, Wisconsin, 32 year-old tenor, Emanuel Camacho is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He studied (and continues to study) under the direction of Dr. Tanya Kruse and in the spring of 2018 he received his Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance, specializing in Opera. In the fall of 2019, he was part of the production of Oklahoma! at Skylight Music Theatre. In April of 2019, he played the role of Tito in MOT’s production of La Clemenza di Tito. In March of 2019, he was a part of the “Skylight 12” in Skylight’s production of Carmina Burana. He was a quarterfinalist in the 2018 and the 2020 National American Traditions Vocal Competition held in Savannah, Georgia. In the spring of 2016, Camacho received his B.A. in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. His UW-Parkside credits include Sir Marmaduke in Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Sorcerer, the tenor soloist in Richard Pearson Thomas’ AIDS Quilt Songbook, and Mr. Brooks in Jason Howland’s musical Little Woman. In 2015, Camacho was featured as a soloist at the International Ensemble on the Science of Music conference in Kerala, India. At UW-Milwaukee, his credits include Piquillo in Jacques Offenbach’s La Périchole, Hoffmann in scenes from Offenbach’s Les Contes D’Hoffmann, and Tamino in scenes from Wolfgang Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.

Jerome Síbulo, Ben

Bass-baritone Jerome Síbulo is an active performer, educator, and arts administrator in the Denver area. He was recently seen as Zephyr Levan in Missed Connection—an outdoor immersive operatic experience, Voice 6 in the world premiere of Nathan Hall’s Atlas of Remote Islands, the Page in Central City Opera’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, the title role of Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance. Jerome teaches voice lessons in his private studio, is the Director of the Music & Arts Ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Denver, and is a co-manager of Opera on Tap Colorado.

Jerome is a multi-genre artist who has performed with Central City Opera, Opera Colorado, Heartland Sings, Intimate Opera of Indianapolis, Reimagining Opera for Kids, IU Opera and Ballet Theater, IU Latin American Music Center, the Sieur Duluth Summer Arts Festival, and Monroe County Civic Theater. He has also appeared on concert stages in the US, Canada, and the Philippines.

Nathan Wesselowski, Harry

Nathan Wesselowski, tenor, has been seen on stage with Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Cleveland Opera, The National Opera Company, Ash Lawn Highland Summer Festival, New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players, In Tandem Theatre, First Stage, Fireside Theatre and many other regional theatres. He received is Master of Music in voice performance from The Cleveland Institute of Music and Bachelor of Music from Baker University.

Jesse Weinberg, Tommy

Jesse Weinberg, baritone, is a graduate of Lawrence University’s Conservatory of Music. Jesse has been performing in Southeastern Wisconsin for the last 15 years. A singer of both Classical and Pop music, he has performed with the Skylight Music Theatre, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as well as performing at Summerfest, the Milwaukee County Zoo and Jazz in the Park. He sings with the band Platinum and writes and records his own Pop music. Past roles include Papageno in The Magic Flute, Javert in Les Miserables, Jesus in Godspell, Jailer in Tosca, and Ben in The Telephone. Jesse and his wife live in Wauwatosa with their two kids and cat.

Kaisa Herrmann, Judy

Kaisa Herrmann is a mezzo-soprano currently based in the Milwaukee area. She completed her MM in Vocal Performance at CU Boulder under the instruction of Abigail Nims and received her BFA from UW Milwaukee, where she studied with Dr. Colleen Brooks. Some of her past roles include Hänsel (Hänsel und Gretel), Nerone (Agrippina), Arsamene (Serse), Euridice (L’Orfeo), Narciso (Agrippina), the Sandman (Hänsel und Gretel), Annio (La Clemenza di Tito), the Fox (The Little Prince), Belinda (Dido and Aeneas), and Violetta (La Pèrichole). Having a love for early music, she is a member of the ensemble Aperi Animam and was a finalist in the Kentucky Bach Ensemble’s Audrey Rooney Vocal Competition. Outside of performing, Kaisa loves working with kids and teaches early childhood music classes at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music through their Smart Start and Conservatory Connections programs. She is also beginning a new position as the marketing manager for MOT.

Kathy Pyeatt, Helen

Kathy continues her streak of “mother” roles this year as Helen in NOLO. Prior mom roles include - Mother Abbess (The Sound of Music) and Cinderella’s Step Mother (Into The Woods) with Forte Theatre, Mother (Hansel & Gretel) with Skylight, and Signora Naccarelli (The Light in the Piazza) with Windfall Theatre. While being the mom is super cool, especially to real life daughter Emma, Kathy delights in portraying a cadre of interesting women. Past favorites
include Tosca (Tosca) with Asheville Lyric Opera, Bryan Symphony & Springfield Symphony; Hanna (The Merry Widow) with Winter Opera St. Louis & Muddy River Opera; Rosalinda (Die Fledermaus) with Opéra Louisiane & St. Petersburg Opera; Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni) with St. Petersburg Opera, Asheville Lyric Opera & Peninsula Music Festival; Fiordiligi (Cosi Fan Tutte) and Constanza (Abduction from the Seraglio) with Skylight Opera Theater; and Lady Billows (Albert Herring) with Florentine Opera. Kathy is especially happy to be amongst friends again at Milwaukee Opera Theatre, where she was last seen in Impossible Operas, Thank you. Next?, and Handel’s Bestiary.

Danielle Gedemer, Sheriff & Zombie Chorus

Danielle Gedemer, soprano, is thrilled to join MOT for Night of the Living Opera. Since graduating from UW-Milwaukee with a BFA in Vocal Performance, she has enjoyed working with the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in their Connections program, writing a libretto for the Florentine Opera Company for their children’s show Cinderella, singing at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, annually composing songs with her mother for West Bend Parks and Rec Department's summer theater show, and recently, she joined Milwaukee Opera Theatre as their Company Manager. In her free time, she loves spending time with her incredible family and friends.

Becky Cofta, Karen & Zombie Chorus

Becky is so excited to be a part of this production! With MOT, you’ve seen her in Doc Danger and The Danger Squad, A Chorus Line and the staged reading of this show. Additionally, she has worked with Skylight Music Theatre, First Stage, Milwaukee Irish Arts and more. She also choreographs and teaches in the greater Milwaukee area. Endless thanks to her family and friends for their unconditional love and support!

Brett Sweeney, Radio Announcer & Zombie Chorus

Brett Sweeney is an artist with credits in opera, theater, and concert work. He has had the joy of performing in various MOT projects, including L’Orfeo, Carmina Burana, The Tales of Hoffmann, and L'enfant et les sortilèges. Other performing highlights are Hedwig and the Angry Inch (All In
Productions), Into the Woods (Forte Theatre), All is Calm...(Vanguard Productions), Sweeney Todd (Skylight Music Theatre), and La Cage aux Folles (Skylight Music Theatre). Other Milwaukee companies Brett has had the privilege to work with, include Present Music, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Aperi Animam, and Milwaukee Metro Voices. Brett holds a BFA in Vocal Performance from the University of
Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and is an AmSAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique.

David Guzmán, Gaunt Man/Fire Ghoul, & Zombie Chorus

Puerto Rican bass David Guzmán has established himself as a regular performer across the stages of the Midwest. Based in Milwaukee, WI, this fall he joins the Lyric Opera of Chicago Chorus for Der fliegende Holländer, followed by Aida in the spring. The 2022-2023 season saw him perfor with
companies such as The Florentine Opera, Madison Opera, and Milwaukee Opera Theatre. Some of his recent roles include Antonio in Le nozze di Figaro, Don Alfonso in Così fan tutte: Remix, Vodník in Rusalka, the Fifth Jew in Salome, and the Duke of Verona in Roméo et Juliette.

The operatic stage has also seen David as Leporello (Don Giovanni), Truffaldin (Ariadne auf Naxos), Pistola (Falstaff), Sarastro (Die Zauberflöte), Bartolo (Le nozze di Figaro), Plutone (L’Orfeo), and Kecal (The Bartered Bride). Meanwhile, the concert stage has heard David in the bass solos from Bach’s cantatas BWV 4, BWV 12, and BWV 78.

David Guzmán holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music Degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. www.davidguzmanbass.com

Shayne Steliga, Zombie Chorus

Shayne, a Milwaukee native, has had an absolute blast working on Night of the Living Opera. He previously worked with MOT on Ruddigore, which was produced collaboratively with Skylight. He was also a featured musical guest in Angry Young Men’s past production of Mixed Tape. After obtaining a B.A. in Theatre from UW-Green Bay and relocating back to Milwaukee, Shayne has worked on several fulfilling creative projects. One of his career highlights was co-hosting Public Television’s award-winning program, Cultural Horizons. Along with acting and working as a teaching artist, he currently provides voice-over for the audio dramas Vigil, Tubular Teens with Titans and psychopompos. He is also the lead vocalist and co-songwriter of Sorry, We’re Open.

Alice Hammers, Zombie Puppeteer

Miranda Pride, Zombie Puppeteer

For many years Alice portrayed Barbara in "Night of the Living Dead: The Puppet Show". She is glad to be back on the stage again in this unique production.

Miranda has been working with Angry Young Men LTD since 2011. Previous entertainment experience includes small local theater, independent films, cable access, and the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Elizabeth Ahlstrom, Zombie Puppeteer

Elizabeth Ahlstrom is thrilled to make her debut with Milwaukee Opera Theatre. As a puppeteer, Elizabeth has collaborated with Angry Young Men ltd for many years in both Night of the Living Dead: The Puppet Show, and the sketch comedy puppet series Full Frontal Puppetry, in which she also assists with writing hilariously bonkers material, and goofing around with her friends. She would like to thank her “creative accomplices” Josh Perkins and Billy Ray Olsen for all the mayhem & opportunities through the years, and Jeff Kuphal for putting up with our antics. Love & guts, Liz

Orchestra Biographies

Nicole McCarty, Synthesizer & Music Director

Nicole McCarty- has a B.M. in music education from the UW-Whitewater and a M.M. in vocal performance from the UW-Milwaukee. Her most recent performances were as a swing with the Kohl’s Wild Theater (KWT) summer shows, as Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun with Fleeing Artists, as Duppy in Three Little Birds with First Stage, as Nina Leopold in Aldo Leopold and the Ghost of Sand County with KWT, and as Martha Dunnstock in Heathers The Musical with Outskirts Theatre. Along with music directing this show, she is the music director for A Christmas Carol with the Patio Players, the music director at Wauwatosa Presbyterian Church, and an actor/educator with KWT. Nicole is happy to have the opportunity to work not only with MOT again, but to also work directly with the composer. She would like to thank her partner and mother for their continued support of her passions!

Lodewijk Broekhuizen, Violin I

Lodewijk “Lodi" Broekhuizen is excited to join the cast of Night of the Living Opera. Lodi is a Milwaukee based musician, composer and audio engineer. A graduate of Brown University and the Ex’pression Center for New Media, Lodi has diverse musical interests ranging from classical to jazz and rock and performs with a number of local groups on both violin and guitar. He has composed music for film, video and theater productions of The Traveling Art Circus, St. Francis HS and University School of Milwaukee Drama Programs. Lodi also operates a recording studio and works as a freelance audio engineer for organizations such as Radio Milwaukee and No Studios.

Check out Lodi’s work at www.lbrecording.com or find him jamming onstage with Grateful Dead cover band, Deadelijk, www.facebook.com/Deadelijk. Come boogie with us!

Fátima Gómez, Violin II

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Fátima is a violinist and vocalist who has performed in various kinds of ensembles. Coming out of the Latino Arts Strings Program and MYSO, Fátima brings an interest in experimentation with the sounds, techniques, tools, and cultural inflections that give each piece of music its distinct context. She has begun to explore the violin's range through her study of classical, mariachi, punk, and improvisation, among other musical styles and traditions.

She currently performs with a Milwaukee-based string quartet called Strings 4 All and Mariachi Monarcas de Milwaukee. She also volunteers with The Black String Triage Ensemble in the summer, and is starting a new cross-genre group to delve more deeply into music composition, arranging, and multi-instrumentality.

In their free time, Fátima likes to read, dance cumbia, and figure out how best to keep their curls bouncy.

Evan Lane, Viola

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Progressions Viola Instructor Evan Lane began viola in the fourth grade. His introduction to music was singing with his school choir at age six at a Starbucks for the holidays and learning about folk and bluegrass music from his family. He attended Milwaukee High School of the Arts, where he was a music major and had his first paid gig playing in a string quartet for the Milwaukee County Zoo. He reports he “couldn’t get enough of music, so I also joined MYSO in high school, and it changed everything.” He attended both Lawrence and Roosevelt University as a music major and learned what it took to be a true chamber musician. He is Music Director of Milwaukee Montessori School, and has sung for dozens of private and public organizations. He now has his first EP produced and streaming everywhere. “I’m excited about the opportunity to teach and work with MYSO. It truly was the best experience, and I can’t wait to impart the gift of music to others.”

Yeng Thao, Cello

Alec Henry, Double Bass

Yeng Thao currently free-lances on violin, viola, and cello around the Milwaukee area. He is a member of the Kettle Moraine Symphony, and is also a woodworker. Thao can be seen in different pit orchestras for various musicals, accompanying community choirs and church services, or sometimes just playing at a small park on a sunny day. He went to school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he studied music performance and education. Some of his teachers include: cello with Roza Borisova and Dr. Stefan Kartman; voice with Evan Bravos and Dr. Colleen Brooks; conducting with Dr. Mark Norman and Dr. Zachary Durlam. Highlighted performances include: music direction for The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Billy Elliot, Thoroughly Modern Millie (WCT); cello for 1776 (MOT), and Parade
(LCP); and a special appearance in the New York International Music Festival at Carnegie Hall.

Born and raised in West Allis, Wisconsin, he is currently an instructor for private strings lessons and works with the Connections program at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also maintains a private studio for various string students throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Alec had played in various local orchestras throughout the Midwest, serving as principal bass in both the Hendricks Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis. During his youth, Alec spent eight years performing with the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra in the USA and Eastern Europe.

These days Alec specializes in the teaching and performance of 21st Century solo bass literature, euro-classical music, and modern jazz compositions on both the upright and electric bass. In addition to his teaching at the Wisconsin Conservatory, Alec likes to stay involved with the string bass community by attending the biannual International Society of Bassists Conventions as well as volunteering with the Richard Davis Foundation for Young Bassists in Madison, Wisconsin.

John Webber, Electronics

John Webber has a passion for the audio visual arts, particularly acoustic music and studio recording. He enjoys exploring the fringes of technical excellence while furthering artistic intent through methodological application of advanced techniques. He has had the privilege of working several venues across Milwaukee including Anodyne, Shank Hall, Potawatomi Casino and The Coffee House.

Creative Team Biographies

Josh Perkins, Librettist & Stage Director

Josh has worn many hats in the theatre world these last 25 years: actor, director, designer, puppet builder, writer and on and on. He's directed an opera (Passion in Pigskin) for Opera On Tap Milwaukee and been a supernumerary for Opera Colorado's Tosca and Carmen. He's a part of Angry Young Men LTD who has been performing "Night Of The Living Dead: The Puppet Show" for many in the MKE area. Theirs is a comedic take on the original George Romero film, this one is not. Enjoy the show!

For Phoenix, giving us something to fight for. One day you will be our King.

Andrew Dewey, Composer & Conductor

Andrew Dewey is a Denver-based composer. His music has been described as “funny and sad; strange and touching” and spans an array of works that range from fully staged operas to experimental performance art pieces; full orchestral concert works to dramatic solo studies; and pop-inspired musicals to podcast themes. His works have earned the Harry G. Archer composition award among other accolades. Dewey holds a Master of Music in Music Composition from the University of Denver.

Jim Padovano, Lighting Designer

Jim is exited to be returning to Milwaukee Opera Theatre and this production of Night of the Living Opera. Next month he will be designing the lighting for Wisconsin Lutheran High School One Acts, and Beyond Glory at St. John's Northwestern Academies in Delafield. Jim sits on the board of directors of Milwaukee Opera Theatre, and is a proud member of The National Stage Managers Association. He hopes you enjoy the performance.

Billy Ray Olsen, Puppet Director & Zombie Puppeteer

Billy Ray Olsen is a Milwaukee based Puppeteer, Puppet maker, Writer, Illustrator, & Producer. He’s the founder & Artistic Director for Angry Young Men Ltd, the Milwaukee-based puppet mayhem troupe responsible for “Night of the Living Dead – The Puppet Show” & “Full Frontal Püppetry”. Billy Ray is also the creator and performer of Lumpy the Golem Boy, who was last seen at the Milwaukee Fringe Festival hosting the mobile talk show “Late Nite All Day”. He’s excited to be working again with Milwaukee Opera Theatre, having last collaborated for the SistaStrings video “The Sound”. Cheers, Puppeteers and Thank You, Christine, for all of your Love & Patience.

Marge Frey, Stage Manager

Marguerite (Marge) Frey was with us last year for the NOLO staged reading and is excited to be back for the staged production! She’s no stranger to collaborating with Julianne and Josh, seeing as they are her sister and brother-in-law, and has also previously worked with Angry Young Men, having stage managed NOTLD the Puppet Show at Next Act and Milwaukee Fringe festival performances for them.

Marguerite worked extensively as a professional stage manager prior to leaving the industry in 2019, most notably at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where some of her favorite credits include Guys and Dolls, Rep Lab, McGuire, A Christmas Carol (2016 World Premiere), The Royale, The Color Purple, Harvey, The Amish Project, and staged reading of The Thanksgiving Play. Other notable stage management credits include Shipwrecked!, Becoming Dr. Ruth, A Moon for the Misbegotten, Red, and Always... Patsy Cline at Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia and the regional premiere of the musical Tuck Everlasting with Children’s Theater of Madison.